Full Answer
How much do pressure treated deck boards cost?
The average deck that most homeowners construct is 10×12 or 120 sq.ft. A low budget deck of this size made of PT wood costs an average of $2,400. Mid level quality board material such as Trex or another composite will run about $4,200. The most expensive materials are AZEC PVC ($4850+) and Cedar/Redwood ($4900+)
What size are pressure treated deck boards?
What Size Screws to Use for Decking
- Deck Boards. The prime focus of your deck, you want your deck boards to be secure and to look good. ...
- Post to Beam. When affixing a post to a beam, making use of a galvanized post cap/beam holder is ideal. ...
- Joists to Beam. Using hurricane ties to attach joists to a beam is ideal. ...
- Joist to Ledger Board. ...
- Railings. ...
- Stairs. ...
How thick is a pressure treated deck board?
- Made of southern yellow pine
- Pressure treated for above ground contact applications
- Limited lifetime warranty against termite infestation
- 1-5/32 in. ...
- Uniform thickness and density for stable and long lasting performance
- WeatherShield includes water repellant in the treatment process
- No two pieces of lumber are the same.
How do I choose the best pressure treated wood?
pressure washers
- “Wet-treated wood” still contains significant moisture when purchased and may take longer to dry than other types of pressure treated wood.
- Kiln-dried wood will be dry at purchase and can be stained immediately. ...
- Pressure treated wood that contains a water repellant will not absorb a water-based stain as well as an oil-based exterior stain.
What are pressure treated boards?
The active ingredients commonly used in treated wood are alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ), copper azole (CA) or micronized copper azole (MCA).
What's the difference between pressure treated wood and regular wood?
Pressure-treated lumber is no stronger than regular wood, but it is also not any weaker. The difference between regular and pressure-treated lumber is that the treated wood has greater resistance to the elements and to pests. It, therefore, maintains its integrity not from being stronger, but from being rot resistant.
What is pressure treated wood good for?
In general, pressure-treated lumber is recommended in situations where there is direct contact between the wood and anything that could supply moisture: Retaining walls, which function to support landscaping projects and hold back soil. Any posts or beams that come in contact with the ground or are buried underground.
How can you tell the difference between a pressure treated board and a regular board?
Look for a stamp telling you it's pressure treated wood. The end tag should identify the preservative used, the rating, and the preservation company. You'll want to avoid using any wood that was treated with Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA). This preservative includes a form of arsenic.
How can you tell if a board is pressure treated?
Most pressure treated lumber will have an end tag to identify what type of chemicals it was treated with and whether it is rated for “ground contact” or “above ground use” only.
Should I use treated or untreated wood?
Pressure treated lumber is no stronger than untreated lumber. The difference between the two is that pressure treated lumber will resist the elements better than untreated due to chemical preservatives added, and so will maintain its integrity in conditions that would cause normal wood to rot.
How long will pressure treated wood last?
40 yearsHow Long Does Pressure-Treated Wood Last? It depends on the climate, the type of wood, its uses, and how well it's maintained. While pressure treated poles can stay up to 40 years without any signs of rot or decay, decks and flooring might only last around 10 years.
Can I paint pressure treated wood?
Yes, you can paint or stain pressure-treated wood, but for a long-lasting and great-looking finish evaluate the wood's moisture content first, then use the correct paint and primer.
Do I need to use treated wood outside?
It is necessary but not compulsory to use pressure-treated wood for all outdoor projects. The treatment is only necessary for wood types that are not naturally resilient against insects and water damage.
Why is pressure treated wood cheaper than non treated wood?
An obvious advantage of untreated lumber is its price; it's much cheaper than treated lumber. Since CCA-treated lumber was taken off the market, new treatment techniques use high levels of copper, which is more expensive. As a result, the cost of treated wood has risen considerably [source: Morrison].
Why not use pressure treated wood indoors?
Never use recycled pressure treated lumber indoors. There's a good chance it was treated with CCA, which means it contains arsenic. If you're going to leave the pressure treated wood exposed, perhaps as a post or an exposed rafter, plan on painting or finishing it.
Can I stain pressure treated wood?
Not only can you stain treated wood, painting and staining pressure-treated wood is actually good for your new deck. Although the treated wood doesn't need to be protected against rot, staining it will help reduce surface cracking.
They have one job: looking good
A board is a board is a board, right? But the difference between a “board” and “dimension lumber” is greater than you may realize. Not only does board define lumber with nominal thickness, but also a grading based on appearance rather than strength.
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A screen porch is the ideal spot between outdoor and indoor living. View Gallery
What is pressure treatment?
Pressure treatment is a process that forces wood preservatives or fire-retardants into the wood. These processes are considered the best and most effective method to extend and preserve timber life. Preservatives protect the wood from attack by wood ingesting insects; like termites, and wood rot caused by fungal decay.
How does pressure treating work?
The pressure-treating process starts when forklifts place the wood on a tram that will move the wood into a large steel cylinder; called a vacuum pressure vessel. Once the wood is loaded into the cylinder, the doors are closed and the cylinder is sealed. An industrial vacuum pump removes air from the cylinder, and that includes pulling air out ...
What is incising wood?
For some western wood species, incising is a common process where the wood is resistant to preservative penetration, but the preservative will penetrate along the grain. These wood species are prepared by creating small incisions into the wood prior to the pressure treating process.
Why is pressure applied to wood?
Pressure is applied to the solution in order to force the preservatives deep into the wood cells. Cycle times and pressure settings are adjusted based on the retention levels needed and the species of the wood being treated.
What is fire retardant wood?
Fire-retardant treatments help the wood to quickly char when exposed to flame, reducing the smoke and flame that occurs in a fire. Treated wood use applications include interior framing, exposed exterior wood for above ground or ground contact uses, fresh-water and salt-water exposures, and fire retardants for wall, roof and floor assemblies.
What is pressure treated wood?
Wood can be impregnated with a variety of preservative chemicals to prevent rot and insect infestation in exterior applications like decks. Several species of wood can be treated, but a regionally available species usually predominates in any particular locale.
What is treated wood?
The predominant species of treated wood is a regionally available softwood. Most common are: Southern Yellow Pine - Southern pine is the most common deck framing material in the eastern United States. It is strong and stiff. SYP logs yield a high proportion of sapwood, which works well to absorb preservative.
Why is treated wood shrinking?
Because treated wood is often still wet when it is delivered to the site, it will shrink slightly in width and thickness as it dries out. This can cause significant twisting, cupping, bowing and warping especially in lower-grade boards where knots and uneven grains are already present.
What type of wood is used for decking?
The strength and properties of lumber from different species of wood varies considerably. Species like southern pine and douglas fir are often used for deck framing. There are a handful of species commonly used for structural framing, and while relatively similar, their properties affect how far they can span as joists.
How long does treated wood last?
Treated wood can last more than 40 years. The treatment process involves placing a load of lumber in a huge cylindrical chamber called a retort with a door on one end that can be sealed airtight, and then forcing waterborne chemicals into the wood under pressure. The strength and properties of lumber from different species ...
What is grade in lumber?
Grade is a description of the quality of a given species. As lumber moves through a mill, grading inspectors review each piece and separate them onto different paths. Knots, decay, grain angle, wane, damage, warp and other physical characteristics of an individual piece of lumber distinguish it into a specific grade.
How long does pressure treated wood last?
While pressure treated poles can stay up to 40 years without any signs of rot or decay, decks and flooring might only last around 10 years. To make your pressure treated wood last longer, you’ll want to apply water-repellant sealers annually and use a mildewcide cleaner at the first signs of any mildew growing on your wood.
How long does it take for pressure treated lumber to dry?
Like with painting, you’ll need to wait until the wood is completely dry, which can take weeks or months. Once the wood is cleaned and dried it can be stained. If you’re in the market for pressure-treated lumber for a manufacturing or construction project, American International Forest Products has you covered.
What is PT lumber?
Pressure treated (PT) lumber is wood that has been placed in a depressurized holding tank that removes excess air and replaces it with a solution of water and preservative agents that help protect the wood from rot and insects.
Is pressure treated wood a good outdoor wood?
Pressure-treated wood should be used for all outdoor projects, assuming you’re using a type of wood that is not naturally repellant to insects and rot. That said, not all pressure treatments are created equal. The two main types of PT lumber are above-ground and ground-contact. Above-Ground Lumber.
Can you paint pressure treated lumber?
Yes, you can paint pressure-treated lumber, however, you will need to wait until the wood is completely dried before painting. This can take weeks or months, and you’ll want to make sure the wood absorbs all water on the surface before painting. Additionally, you’ll want to use a latex primer and water-based paint.
Is pressure treated lumber safe?
Yes, pressure-treated wood is safe for use in everything from raised garden beds to children’s playhouses. Before 2003, pressure-treated lumber was often treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA), a preservative containing some amount of poisonous arsenic.
What is pressure treated wood?
Pressure treatment is an affordable alternative to expensive naturally rot-resistant lumber. The preservatives provide protection against rot, insects, mold, and fungi, so the wood lasts longer. Treated wood is made from strong evergreen species making it suitable for most building projects.
What is Pt lumber used for?
Some lumber is also treated for fire protection and used throughout different areas of residential, commercial, and industrial construction. There are many other uses for pt lumber, including docks, boathouses, sheds, boardwalks, play structures, gazebos, and the list goes on.
What is SPF 2x8?
Lumber stamped #2 grade is commonly used for framing, lintels, rafters, trusses, joists, beams, and fencing. Structurally, an SPF #2 2×8 can be used to span distances of 14’-11”.
What is ground contact lumber?
Ground contact means anything within 6-inches of the ground or in contact with the ground, foliage, grasses, or over water or wet areas. It may have poor drainage and air circulation, or like a sill plate, is difficult to repair or maintain. Pressure treated wood for ground contact commonly has twice the chemical retention level as above ground rated lumber. UC3B or UC4A are best for ground contact use.
What is premium grade lumber?
There is no structural premium grade, it is strictly a term for bright looking wood free of blemishes or knots.
What is SPF 3 lumber?
Lumber with more checks, splits, wane, well-spaced larger knots and holes, and a grain slope of 1 in 4 are stamped #3 or construction grade. The wood is commonly used for light construction or framing where it isn’t visible, or for bracing, packaging, and shipping purposes. Structurally, an SPF #3 2×8 can be used to span distances of 12’-4”.
What is CCA wood?
CCA is a mixture of chromium, copper, and arsenic that turns wood green. It was widely used as a preservative from the mid-1930s to 2004. A study by the EPA in 2000 deemed it too hazardous for residential use, and in 2003 the lumber industry agreed to stop using it for residential purposes.
Uneasy about using treated lumber for your outdoor projects? Learning a few important facts about this type of wood will help you use it wisely
While the base material is the same, pressure-treated wood is very different from typical wood products. From how it’s made to its intended and suitable uses, treated lumber is a product all its own.
1. Pressure-treated wood is wood that has been treated with chemicals that protect the wood from rot and insects
Wood structures that see constant exposure to the elements are prone to rot from moisture and insect damage. Decks, railings, playground equipment, fences, garden beds, and other wooden structures require pressure-treated wood to stave off those life-shortening threats.
2. Pressure-treated wood has particular uses and is not suitable for all applications
With the copper content in pressure-treated wood as high as it is, it’s resistant to rot and insects. Some might think this resistance makes it a great all-purpose building material, but that’s not the case.
3. There are three types of pressure-treated wood: borate, alkaline copper quaternary, and noncombustible
Not only is pressure-treated wood different from typical lumber, but it also comes in different types. They break down into three categories:
4. Painting pressure-treated wood is difficult because the paint cracks when the lumber shrinks
The amount of moisture that pressure-treated lumber can retain is truly remarkable. Also, as the pores take on the chemical, the lumber will swell a bit in size. Both of these factors make it tough to paint.
5. Chemicals that are used in pressure treating also control bugs
The chemicals that manufacturers use to create pressure-treated wood protect the material from insects, and they work by repelling bugs as opposed to killing them. This keeps termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and other wood-gnawing insects from taking pressure-treated structures to an early grave.
6. Pressure-treated decking may last up to 10 years, whereas poles might last up to 40 years
Beyond the three types of pressure-treated lumber, there are also two types of contact usages: above ground and ground contact.
What is the phone number to call for pressure treated wood?
If you are concerned about exposure to any of the chemicals, please call the National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
Why is my pressure treated wood checking?
Checking is very common with pressure treated wood due to how wet it is when purchased due to water and chemicals being pressed into the wood. The only way to avoid checking is to dry your lumber slowly and evenly.
What chemicals are used to treat wood?
The three most common chemicals that are injected into the wood are: copper azole, alkaline copper quaternary or micronized copper azole. As the water from the treatment dries out, the chemicals stay behind and help preserve the wood and significantly increase the life of the wood.
How long does pressure treated wood last?
Many makers of pressure treated wood claim that it can last up to 40 years. This is true in perfect scenarios. The more likely life expectancy for pressure treated wood used on a deck or fence is around 10-12 years.
How to get water out of pressure treated wood?
Get a spray bottle and spray a small amount of water onto a piece of pressure treat wood. If you don’t have a spray bottle, you can also just get some water on your finger tips and flick it onto the board. If the wood soaks the water up – it’s dry enough to stain or paint.
Why is wood susceptible to moisture?
Wood, no matter the type, is most susceptible to damage when the ends are expose to moisture. The ends are where wood absorbs the most amount of water and liquids. This is easy to see when staining a piece of wood. As you apply stain to the ends, it gets soaked into the wood much quicker than on the sides.
What is outdoor trim made of?
If you are looking for some outdoor trim, take a look at the trim made out of PVC. Trim made of PVC will hold up great to an moisture that it may be exposed to. PVC trim only comes in the color white, so if you are looking for a natural wood color, you may have to get creative.
What is pressure treated wood used for?
Generally, pressure treated (aka 'PT') wood is used in the construction of decks, pergolas, and sheds.
Is pressure treated wood good for decking?
In all, pressure treated wood, like anything, has its good qualities and its not-so-good qualities. But, with excellent features such as its resistant to fungal decay and termites as well as its attractive price-point, pressure treated wood is an outstanding choice to use for the construction of your deck.
Is PT wood ground contact?
Ground Contact: In most cases, PT wood (that you would find in Big Box stores) is now ground contact approved (based on newly revised guidelines), which means that the lumber will have twice the treatment and decks that are low to the ground (6" or below) can use PT wood for the fascia, joists, beams, and decking.
What is Pressure Treated Wood?
Pressure-treated wood has gone through a process that uses high pressure to force a solution of water and preservative agents deep into the lumber to help extend its useful lifespan.
Types of Pressure-Treated Wood
There are two basic types of pressure-treated wood. Individual pieces of pressure-treated lumber will have a tag on one end of the board to indicate its permitted use.
Uses for Pressure-Treated Wood
Decks and fences are the most common uses for treated wood, but it is ideal for a variety of applications. Pressure-treated decking can extend the longevity of wooden walkways, freshwater docks, accessibility ramps and other outdoor structures that are exposed to the elements.
