Pressure Treated Lumber—Any Questions?

Thursday, January 21, 2010 by Dick Gauthier

The Southern Pine Council recently published its 2010 guide to specifying pressure treated wood: Pressure Treated Southern Pine – standards, specifications and applications. If you've ever had questions regarding this time-honored product line this document will answer them.Southern Pine Council - 2010 Pressure Treated Lumber Guide

Subjects covered include:
  • Attributes of the Southern Pine species
  • The pressure treating process
  • Types of wood preservatives
  • The Use Category system (a specifying guide)
  • Code standards and building code requirements
  • Design values
  • Guide to grade and quality marks
  • Fastener and connector recommendations
  • Use and handling
  • Green aspects of wood in general and pressure treated lumber in particular

Here’s the answer to the question of which brand of pressure treated lumber is best:
Universal’s ProWood® Micro pressure treated lumber products use a wood preservative process that has received environmentally preferable product status. ProWood Micro pressure treated wood products have gained enthusiastic acceptance in the marketplace and are in thousands of retail locations. Its many features and benefits, including sustainability attributes, fastener advantages and performance, make it the choice of professionals and home owners everywhere.

Comments for Pressure Treated Lumber—Any Questions?

Tuesday, March 30, 2010 by PB:
When I click on the pdf to get the "Pressure Treated So. Pine" document, it doesn't work. It says it's not found. We just finished a deck with this product and we're trying to find the REAL answer to when we should put a semi-transparent stain on it!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010 by Dick Gauthier:
Thanks for the heads up PB. The Southern Pine Council moved things around on their site. I have fixed the links to the document in the post. It can now be found at http://newstore.southernpine.com/images/ref300.pdf. In regards to an answer on when to stain your deck, the general rule of thumb is to put a drop of water on the board(s) to determine if the wood is dry. If the water beads up, you need to wait. If it soaks in, the wood is dry and you can go ahead and apply the stain. Make sure to read and follow any instructions for your particular stain product.
Thursday, May 6, 2010 by Sharon:
Can I lay wet pressure treated wood on my deck now or should I wait until it dries? how much shrinkage should I account for?
Thursday, May 6, 2010 by Dick Gauthier:
Sharon: Treated lumber, fresh from the store, is usually “wet”. Not necessarily wet to the touch, but it is full of water. Don’t let lumber of any kind, treated or not, lay around unbundled prior to constructing your project. It will warp, twist and bow as it dries out. As regards deck boards, if they are 5/4” thick you can butt the sides together as shrinkage will create proper spacing. If they are 2” thick space them 1/8” apart, or about the width of a 16d nail.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010 by James:
I'm using traeted micro ca boards to re-do my screened porch, when will I be able to paint them?
Wednesday, June 9, 2010 by Dick Gauthier:
Thanks for the question James. Generally speaking, wait 60 days and then pour a small amount of water on your boards. If the water beads up, you'll need to wait. If it soaks in, paint away. Be sure to read and follow any instructions for your specific paint.
Saturday, May 14, 2011 by Billy:
treated 2X4 purchased at Home Depot last week. What is the warranty on this wood? premium X$ with copper azole above ground only.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 by Dick Gauthier:
Billy: ProWood Micro treated wood carries a limited lifetime warranty against rot and termite infestation. You can find the warranty at http://www.ufpi.com/literature/pwmcawarr-505.pdf as well as learn more about the product at http://www.prowoodmicro.com

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