Theres arsenic in some pressure treated wood. Using a naturally rot-resistant wood, like cedar is a better compromise that is potentially putting your loved ones at risk for serious health problems. Some kinds of chemical treatments protect against insects like termites, which can totally ruin a deck or fence. It's also important not to let any type of treated wood come in contact with drinking water. While treated wood has distinct advantages, you might decide that they aren't worth the added health risk. And even the odor of the lumber. Best to be sure so that youll know which one to purchase and get to enjoy the benefits of using pressure-treated wood. Fencing Prince George's County MD | Fencing Queen Anne's County Md | Fencing Calvert County MD. It can be Type A with copper, boric acid, and tebuconazole, or Type B with more copper and tebuconazole but no boric acid. The Record (Bergen Country, NJ). This is because copper is poisonous to insects and fungi. 
Ready to get cracking? But on the way to the hardware store, youre still unsure how to tell if wood is pressure treated. So if pressure treated wood resists the damaging effects of moisture and insects, why isn't it used for your entire home? Toll Free: 1-866-518-7805 If you have any questions about fences, decks, or screen porches, please contact Mid Atlantic Deck & Fence (MAD Fence) today byclicking hereor calling 1-800-833-9310. For those on a budget, softwood timber is the preference due to the cheap price point. You should liaise with your supplier to better understand the merits and demerits of all the available options. When it comes to choosing the right lumber for a specific home project, the decision begins with the type of wood. Alkaline copper quat or ACQ contains copper and a quaternary ammonium compound. Of course, sometimes you just can't build something safely without using pressure treated lumber. In case youre wondering, how do I know if my wood was treated with CCA? You can usually recognize CCA pressure treated wood by its greenish tint, especially on the cut end, and staple-size slits that line the wood. What are the major differences in longevity? The greatest benefit of pressure treated lumber is that it is insect and rot resistant. Look for the greenish tint. The color of the treated wood varies from light brown to a faint olive green hue to dark green, depending on the type of oil and treating process. At first glance, all the wood looks the same. Moisture is especially hard on wood. Additionally, some blinds are better behind things like curtains, so if you intend to hang some, ask the window treatment professionals you work with which ones would be best. To make sure the preservative penetrates the wood fibers, tiny holes that look like marks are strategically placed. 4 Things You Should Consider First, 6 Reasons to Choose Plantation Shutters for Your Windows, 4 Reasons To Choose Timber Windows For Your Home. Heres a simple guide to identifying pressure treated wood from non-pressure-treated wood. Your home is given a more clean, uniform appeal without appearing too busy. AWPA standards are the only ones referenced in both the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Building Code (IBC). Want to know more about composite decking? Exposure to the elements during normal construction process is allowable. Once you know the signs, you can identify pressure-treated wood. After you have an idea of what you are willing to do when it comes to your blinds, look for window treatments that match your level of commitment. Provided you adhere to safety reminders, you can use lumber that was pressure treated for indoor projects. Alternatively, wrap the lumber in protective rubberized membranes. Environmental Working Group. Determine the age of the wood or project. Softwood lumber is naturally wetter since these have much more sap. If the water beads up, then the lumber is too wet, and vice versa. Aug. 1, 2003. Prior to contacting a supplier, it is important that you understand your options more so when it comes to pressure and untreated lumber. The first step in building anything is choosing the right materials. For example, if you have a clean, modern home, honeycomb shades might lend a gentle touch to the windows, while large, wooden slats may throw off the look of your home. Look for a stamp telling you its pressure treated wood. And, if you have one, a respirator would be even better. Yes. All lumber, from the common 2x4 to specialty marine plywood, is either pressure treated or not.
Much like weighing up whether to use hardwood or softwood timber, the choice to opt for treated or untreated comes down to the individual project. Always use paint designed for outdoor use on your home. These are part of the normal drying process. (Accessed 02/22/2009)http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infxtra/infpre.html, Viance. These salts are forced into the wood when its placed in a pressure chamber. It is important to note that the best choice is one that is based on the environmental demands and your desire for more environmentally friendly materials. Woods color changes after pressure treatment. Here are four excellent reasons why timber is a great choice for your home's new windows. The most common preservative is alkaline copper quat or ACQ. Untreated lumber should also be used when you're dealing with gardening, whether you're building a raised garden bed, a flowerpot, or just making mulch. Look for tags that say uc4a or uc4b. Required fields are marked *. Do the water test. (Accessed 02/22/2009)http://www.viance.net/main/faqs.php#2, Williams, Rose Marie. The higher the retention level, the more durable the wood. Transform your small garden with these easy ideas. Keep in mind that some blinds have special cleaning needs because they are made from porous materials like wood. Fencing Howard MD | Fencing Kent County MD | Fencing Montgomery County MD In any case, pressure-treated lumber should be allowed to dry thoroughly before it is painted or stained. A Look At The Different Types Of Joint Compounds, Tips For Making The Building Envelop Energy Efficient, Choosing the Right Drywall Joint Compound, Choosing the Right Type of Plaster for Your Home. Were going to answer these questions and more. Treated lumber can smell oily, while untreated wood doesnt. If you're building anything that people will regularly be coming in contact with -- such as playground equipment, lawn furniture or benches -- you should always use untreated wood [source: Houlihan and Wiles]. You don't need to worry about potential health concerns, even if the wood comes in contact with your soil or water supply. Do you know your softwood timber from your hardwood? Newer wood preservatives include ACQ, borates, CA, copper- HDO, and polymeric betaine. Treated wood smells like oil or toxic chemicals, except for CCA treated, with no distinct smell. You can test dryness by pouring water on the surface. This movement causes warping, which leads to splitting and cracks in the wood. This is why non-pressure treated wood is still required for use indoors, and why builders recommended that you only use pressure treated lumber for the support structure of a deck and switch to untreated wood for the surface. It's because the chemicals used to pressure treat wood aren't safe for humans. Wood siding, for example, should be repainted every. accidentally burned pressure treated wood, UC3A- exterior, above ground, coated (rapid water runoff), UC3B- exterior, above ground, uncoated (poor water runoff), UC4C- ground contact, ultra heavy-duty use, UCFA- interior, above ground, fire protection, UCFB- exterior, above ground, fire protection. Wood that has been treated has a chemical or oily smell as opposed to a pleasant natural smell of untreated wood. In contrast, treated timber is doused with chemicals and preservatives to greatly extend the life of the material and protect against rot, wear and pesky creepy crawlies. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. HighBeam Research. A nonprofit organization known as the Environmental Study Group had people take samples of treated wood found all around Washington, and in the end they found that there was roughly one ounce of arsenic per every 12 feet of treated wood. ATTRA. For projects that require materials than can stand up against heavy use, hardwood timber is the recommended choice. Plus, its ash is equally toxic. It usually has a greenish tint unless the lumber has faded and turned to gray. All Rights Reserved Finishes vary from a high gloss to a pure matte design; speak to your. When you shop for blinds, think carefully about your personal commitment to cleaning, and what you are willing to do when it comes to your blinds. We recommend that you use only hot-dipped galvanized or stainless-steel nails, bolts, screws, connectors, and anchors. It, therefore, maintains its integrity not from being stronger, but from being rot resistant. This is why your choice of materials should not be based solely on the cost of the materials but how well the materials will withstand the elements. This is because the chemicals used in pressure treatment are not safe for humans. There are times when you will be able to substitute the untreated softwood with rot resistant lumber. But then again, by following our tips, youll be an expert on how to tell if wood is pressure treated or not. In short, for activities that handle an outdoor purpose, or come frequently into contact with insects, treated timber is the recommended material. CA effectively protects against mold, fungi, termites, and other insects. As long as there's a good chance that moisture can reach the wood, it should be pressure treated. In it, wood is placed in a pressure chamber full of liquid preservatives. CCA wood, however, is poisonous to people and the soil. Toll Free: 1-866-518-7804 There is a wide range of different styles available and it can be difficult to evaluate the benefits and disadvantages involved with each type. We proudly serve Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery and surrounding counties. Softwood has natural pathways for the sap, which can also be used in treating wood. Your home blends into the background, allowing your landscape to become the best focal point of your property. This includes play sets, decks, raised beds in gardens, and more. Unfortunately, for many years, buildings and products were made using CCA treated lumber and they now pose health risks to those who come in regular contact with them. Before you head to the window treatment store, think carefully about your home dcor and design aesthetic. A stamp that should tell you the type of wood and where you should use it.