Pressure-treated wood is treated with preservatives and pressure to make it resistant to water, rot, termites, and fungi. It is used for various applications and is inexpensive. There are three types of preservatives used, and it is considered safe by the EPA. It can even be used in gardens but should not be consumed by humans or animals. Look for approval from AWPA or ALSC when purchasing.
Pressure-treated wood is wood that has undergone a process to make it stronger so that it is not susceptible to water, rot, termites or fungi. It is used for a variety of applications ranging from outdoor decking to utility poles, railway sleepers to playground equipment. Boat docks, aquarium stands, and indoor swimming pools are a few other examples. This type of wood conserves and extends a valuable renewable resource and is inexpensive.
To make the wood so durable, it is first treated with chemical preservatives, then placed in a cylinder under pressure. The pressure drives the chemicals deep into the wood, which then becomes a barrier against natural enemies such as termites and rot. The effectiveness of pressure treated wood has been confirmed by the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service in more than four decades of field testing. Due to its known effectiveness, it is often guaranteed against termite infestation and decay for 40 years.
There are three main types of preservatives used in pressure treated wood: water-based preservatives, creosote, and oil-based preservatives.
For interior and exterior residential use, wood treated with water-based preservatives is ideal. Some water-based preservatives are chromate copper arsenate (CCA), ammoniacal copper zinc arsenate (ACZA), and ammoniacal copper quat (ACQ). This type is also used for many commercial and industrial applications including road markings and noise barriers.
Some uses for wood treated with creosote preservatives are bridges, guardrails and docks, while light poles, cross beams and indoor swimming pools are some examples of things made with wood treated with oil-based preservatives.
Pressure treated wood is considered safe in studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Chemical preservatives, especially arsenic, have not been found to leach into soil or water. Even laboratory studies independent of the EPA have not found an increased risk of cancer among those who work with treated wood on a daily basis.
According to research conducted by the Texas A&M Laboratory in conjunction with the Southwest Research Institute, wood treated with creosote or water-based preservatives is even safe to use in the garden among edibles, such as a tomato trellis or vineyard support for the garden. grape. However, the wood itself should not be consumed by humans or animals, and therefore should not be used where it could inadvertently end up in food or feed. For example, a cutting board shouldn’t be pressure-treated wood.
If you’re looking to build something that will last, consider the benefits of using pressure-treated wood. It is available at most lumberyards and home improvement centers. Just look for a stamp or tag of approval from the American Wood-Preservers Association (AWPA) or American Lumber Standards Committee (ALSC).
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