Pressure treated wood is infused with chemical preservatives that protects the wood. These chemicals ensure that the wood is not infiltrated by insects and does not start to rot.
The wood goes into a holding tank that is depressurized to remove air and insert preservatives. Pressure treatment has been proven the best way to reduce the risk of rot, insects, corrosion, and weathering.
How is this Accomplished?
The chemical used in pressure treated wood is called chromated copper arsenic (CCA). This chemical has been under close observation because it is highly toxic. Wood is also treated with older preservatives that are safer as long as they are well maintained. Currently the lumber industry does not produce pressure treated wood using CCA due to the controversy.
Maintaining Pressure Treated Wood
In order for pressure treated wood to last it must be maintained. Wood is pressure treated to prevent the inside of the wood from being damaged, but it doesn’t protect the outside. Periodically treating the wood with sealants locks the chemicals in. Nowadays pressure treated wood is coated with a sealant to make sure that the wood isn’t damaged by corrosion or weathering. Without the use of a sealant, the wood will dry up causing it to warp. Once the sealant is put on, it has to dry for a month or two for best results before it can be painted or stained.
Retention Rates
The retention rate is the amount of chemical preservatives that stick to the wood through the treatment process. These rates vary for different purposes. Projects that are above ground will have a rate of .25 lbs per cubic foot. Projects that have contact with the ground have a rate of .40 lbs. Wood foundations will have .60 lbs per cubic feet of wood.
Uses for Pressure Treated Wood
Wood used for indoor project do not need to be pressure treated but wood that is outside does. If pressure treated wood is used inside, home owners run the risk of the wood slowly leaking the chemical preservatives. Objects like siding, sheds, dura deck mats, and other projects that use pressure treated wood are likely to last twenty years longer the wood that is not treated. All of the supplies for a project need to be chosen for the specific location and climate that the wood will be in. The wrong choice could lead to damage to the wood in a matter of years.
Garnett Wood Products is the leader in mat construction and will deliver all over the nation. Garnett Wood Products manufactures a variety of swamp mats, laminated mats, and other specialty wood products.