What is Treated Lumber?

Pressure treated lumber is most commonly ponderosa pine or southern pine. A water-based pesticide, chromated copper arsenate (CCA), which is also known as inorganic arsenical, is forced into the wood under very high pressure. CCA, which contains chromium, copper and arsenic, is the most widely used wood preservative because copper is a very effective fungicide and arsenic is a very effective insecticide. Fungi and insects contribute to much of the decay of wood used in outdoor applications. CCA is classified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a "restricted use" pesticide. This means that it is for sale and use only by certified applicators. Wood preserved with CCA is also known by its trade name, Wolmanized wood. It is commonly found at lumber yards and home improvement stores. It has a characteristic green to light-brown color. Treated wood commonly includes a 30-40 year guarantee against decay, which is why it is often used for playgrounds, boat docks and ...  more

Sometimes referred to as treated wood, treated lumber is a wooden product that is infused with chemicals to prevent the natural process of decay. Because treated lumber is more durable than timber that has not undergone treatments using chemical compounds, this type of lumber is utilized in the construction of homes and other types of buildings. Pressure-treated wood is also used for fences and other structures that are susceptible to infestations of insects or exposure to adverse weather conditions. Treated lumber or wood is created using several different processes, depending on the intended purpose for the wood. Some types of treated wood are coated with pesticides that are specifically for preventing termites and other insects from damaging the wood. Other chemicals are employed to make the wood fire retardant or to slow the natural process of aging due to exposure to extreme temperatures or precipitation. In all cases, the idea is to manufacture wood and wood products that are ...  more

depending upon the size, so to protect that investment, it is a good idea to use treated lumber.  more