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Pressure-treated wood has a proven track record for durability in every part of the country. It combines the ease of working with wood with long-term resistance to rot and insects. Still, carpenters tell us, you’ll get even better results if you follow these selection, safety and technique guidelines.
Read the Inspection Quality Label
- Buy .40 for ground contact (deck posts, fence posts, etc.) or above-ground use (deck framing, fencing, etc.).
- Buy treated wood that contains a water repellent when available. The water repellent helps stabilize treated wood and reduces cracking and warping.
- Buy .60 for foundations or other in-ground use. Usually
you have to special-order this higher level of treatment through lumberyards or
home centers.
NOTE: The wood preservative industry has phased out the use of CCA (which contains arsenic) for most residential applications and substitute other preservative chemicals.ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quat) has replaced it.
Apply water repellent immediately after installing decking, fencing or treated wood railings to slow the drying process and reduce shrinkage. Many species that receive treatment are prone to twist, cup, crack and warp as they dry out. A water repellent (or oil-based stain) keeps them more stable. Expect to reapply the repellents every year or two.
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