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What Is Treated Wood? | Benefits & Where To Use?

Treated wood is a type of wood that has been chemically treated to protect against rot, insect damage, and other problems. It’s a popular choice for homeowners because it lasts longer than untreated wood.

Chemical preservatives that are used in the treatment process can be toxic if they get into your home or water supply. They may also cause health issues such as cancer when inhaled over time.

The Environmental Protection Agency regulates chemical treatments on lumber sold at retail stores.

The EPA requires that all treated wood products have an identification number called a “treatment claim label.”

This label must include information about what chemicals were applied to the product, how long those chemicals will last, and whether any harmful effects could result from exposure.

If you buy treated wood online, look for companies with good reputations who use only safe materials and follow proper safety procedures during application.

If you see a company selling treated wood without a treatment claim label, don’t buy it!

Why should you care about treated wood?

Treated wood is usually cheaper than solid wood. It also comes with a warranty if you ever need to replace the wood. Finally, treated wood looks better than untreated wood.

There are two types of treated wood: pressure treated and water-based. The difference between the two is whether or not the chemicals used to treat the wood dissolve into the wood itself.

Pressure treated wood stays in the wood after treatment. Water-based treated wood dissolves into the wood.

Untreated wood can also be made resistant to insects by using natural methods like sealing cracks and crevices.

This method doesn’t involve applying chemicals directly to the wood but rather uses substances found naturally around us. For example, cedar shakes are sealed with tar before installation.

What’s the difference between pressure-treated wood and chemically treated wood?

Pressure-treated wood is made by soaking logs in a solution containing copper compounds under high heat and pressure.

How does treated wood differ from solid wood?

Treated wood has been chemically treated in order to make it resistant to insects, rot, fungi, mildew, fire, weathering, etc. Treatments can be done either on the surface or throughout the core of the wood.

On the other-hand solid wood are just trees cut down and left standing until they dry out enough to be usable. Solid wood is often more expensive than treated wood due to its higher cost of production.

Is there anything else I should know?

Yes, there are some things you should keep in mind while buying treated wood. First off, never buy treated wood unless it says “pressure treated” or “water based.”

This means that the wood was soaked in chemicals instead of being dipped in them. This chemical retention are known to leach into soil and groundwater.

Second, always check your local building codes regarding treated wood usage. Some cities require certain amounts of treated wood to be installed in new construction projects.

Finally, remember that even though treated wood lasts longer than unaltered wood, it still needs maintenance. Regular cleaning and painting will help extend its life.

What Is pressure treated wood?

Pressure-treated lumber is a type of engineered wood that has been impregnated with chemicals to protect it from decay or insect damage.

It’s used primarily as an exterior building material because it resists rot and insects better than other types of wood.

The process involves treating the wood with chemical compounds called preservatives. These are then absorbed into the cells of the wood where they remain until you apply them again.

How pressure treated wood is made?

Wood is placed in a vat of hot water and chemicals such as caustic soda or sodium hydroxide are added. These chemicals react with the wood, dissolving its cell walls and softening the wood fibers.

As the wood becomes softer, it begins to take on the shape of the container in which it was soaked.

What are the types of pressure treated lumber?

There are several different types of pressure-treated wood. They are listed below:

  • WPC – Waterproof composite lumber

Wood Plastic Composites (WPC) is a composite material that is made up of both wood and plastic. It is popular because of its durability.

WPC is often used for outdoor furniture, decks, fences, and other similar applications.

  • Retardant treated lumber

This-Retardant-treated lumber are also referred to as RALs. Retarded lumbers have been treated with chemicals to prevent rotting.

They’re usually sold at lower prices than regular pressure-treated lumber. However, this doesn’t mean that they don’t last long.

In fact, these products tend to hold their value much better than untreated lumber.

  • Creosote-treated lumber

Creosote-treated lumber is another form of retardant-treated lumber. Creosote is a byproduct of coal tar refining.

It contains toxic substances like arsenic and chromium. The EPA classifies creosote as a hazardous waste.

However, many people use creosote-treated lumber because it provides excellent protection against termite infestation.

  • Curtis lumber and plywood

Curtis Lumber and Plywood are two brands of pressure-treated plywood manufactured by Curtis International Incorporated.

Plywood is one piece of thin wood glued together to make larger sheets. These boards can be found in various sizes ranging from 4×8 feet all the way down to 2×4 inches.

You’ll find them most commonly used in home improvement projects.

  • Micro-Guard™ Treated lumber and plywood

Micro-Guard™ Treated lumber and plywood are produced by Micro-Guard Products LLC.

This company specializes in producing high quality micro-guard treated lumber and plywood.

These products are designed specifically for indoor uses. You won’t see any exposed surfaces when using this product.

  • Oil-borne treated lumber

This type of treated lumber is oil-based rather than water-based. Oil-borne treatments contain petroleum distillates and oils.

Because of this, they provide superior resistance to moisture damage.

  • Pressure-impregnated fire-retardant lumber

This wood fire retardant lumber is impregnated with an organic chemical compound called bromine. Bromine has proven effective in preventing fires caused by electrical sparks.

The process involves soaking the wood in a solution containing bromine before applying the finish coat.

Bromine reacts with cellulose molecules within the wood’s cells, causing them to swell.

As the swelling continues, the wood takes on the appearance of the container in which the wood was soaked.

  • Softwood lumber

Softwood lumber is those types of woods that grow straight or slightly crooked. They include pine, fir, spruce, cedar, hemlock, redwood, Douglas Fir, etc.

Hardwoods are trees that grow upright but not necessarily straight. Examples include oak, maple, mahogany, hickory, ash, elm, poplar, birch, etc.

Scott Buckley

Scott Buckley

I'm Scott, a Woodworker by day and book geek by night. I love making things out of wood. While I have and still, on occassion do, work with metal and plastics, I find them to be cold and somewhat boring. Wood is warm and I feel close to nature with it. I started TeachMeDIY.co.uk as a means to help like minded creative folk to answer burning questions. I hope you enjoy reading and learning, and always feel free to reach out to me should you have any questions!

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