If you’re a new do it yourselfer or even a seasoned pro around the house, you may never have completed a project requiring pressure treated lumber. You may even find yourself asking what is pressure treated lumber. No self-respecting DIY guy wants to walk into the lumber yard and ask a question he feels he should know the answer to already. I can tell you the friendly staff at Tanco Lumber and Hardware will never make you feel like you are asking a stupid question. They are happy to share their knowledge with seasoned DIY’s, new DIY’s and even the professionals. Hopefully, this blog will give you a better understanding of pressure treated wood, so when you place your next order at the lumber yard you will know if your project requires pressure treated wood.
OK, pressure-treated wood is what we call a lumber product for all seasons. It is built to withstand the elements of nature to resist rot and insects. Treated wood is the most common slang term for pressure treated wood. Treated wood should be used for decks, mailbox, pergolas, light posts, swing sets and wooden play areas, picnic tables, landscape ties, underwater dock pilings, and residential building foundations in areas prone to high humidity, water, or that touch the ground. Treated lumber can be purchased in boards, posts, and even plywood.
Even many veteran Do It Yourselfer’s and contractors are misinformed on its maintenance requirements and safety concerns in common use. Let’s explore the mysteries of pressure treated lumber.
Pressure treated lumber products, such as YellaWood brand products, are treated in a pressurized cylinder. The treating process forces a waterborne preservative deep into the cellular structure of the wood providing long-term protection against rot, fungal decay and termite attack. YellaWood products, in particular, are treated with a micronized copper preservative and a co-biocide. They are treated using the MicroPro preservative process. Yella Woods’s process is the first wood preservative process to be certified as an Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP) by Scientific Certification Systems. One of the reasons Tanco Lumber stocks Yella Wood products is because each piece of lumber is marked with a tag to denote whether it is pressure treated and approved for use in “above ground” or “ground contact” applications, taking out the guess work of if you have selected the right building materials for your project.
So let’s discuss the difference between ground contact and above ground. Ground contact is any lumber or building material products that are approved for any part of your project required to have direct contact with the ground. This includes projects like posts for fences and decks that will be buried underground. Your above ground application would be decking boards, joists that are attached to posts and framing, or any roofing products over a cover deck.
The next common question about treated woods is what type of fastener and connectors should I use? What is a fastener you ask? The term “fastener” is used it is typically referring to a nail, screw, bolt, or anchor. Now you’re asking yourself what a connector is? The term “connector” is used to describe a manufactured device that is used to connect two or more pieces of wood together, or to attach a piece of lumber to concrete or concrete masonry. A few examples connectors are joist hangers, post bases, hurricane ties, and mudsill anchors. Fasteners are used in conjunction with the connector to effectively connect your lumber for a sturdy safe finished project. Tanco carries a large selection of Strong-Tie connectors for many different applications. Using the right fasteners will help provide longevity of your finished project. Use hot-dip galvanized or other fasteners as required by local building codes. Galvanized and stainless steel fasteners are corrosion-resistant and will not stain your project. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, ask your Tanco project specialists about the manufactures recommendation for fasteners and connectors.
All YellaWood products are treated with an EPP-certified preservative and are safe to use around plants and animals. Scientific studies have proven that any copper that may migrate from the treated wood becomes biologically inactive, thus causing no eco-toxic or other environmental impacts. YellaWood products are gentle enough to be used in raised vegetable gardens and durable enough to provide long-term protection.
Tanco Lumber and Hardware is dedicated to providing our do it yourself and commercial customers with the highest quality of products for the best possible prices. We are not like your typical box store. Our employees are trained, experienced and ready to help you select the correct building materials and hardware for you next project. We offer friendly, helpful service and provide lower pricing by creating lower overhead! Stop in one of our two locations and see for yourself!