Resources for Pressure-Treated Wood

Pressure treated lumber prices are easy to find since pressure treated wood is a well-used product. Infused with a chemical preservative, the wood is resistant to rot, insects and, in some cases, warping. It has many applications, but is typically used to build decks or other outdoor structures. The preservative, its chemical composition varying from company to company, is forced into the wood fibers in cylindrical tanks, then dried and sold at lumber yards or home improvement stores.

Before you compare local pressure treated lumber prices, consider these other factors:

1. What grade of pressure treated wood you need.

2. What you can save with online quotes versus your local home improvement store.

3. Pressure treated wood advancements.

Decide on wood grade and accessories before looking at pressure treated wood prices

Wood grade, determined by pounds of preservative per cubic foot of wood product, falls into one of 4 categories -- above ground, ground contact, permanent wood foundation or salt water. You'll need to decide which grade best meets your needs before looking at treated wood prices. You don't want to use a substandard wood just to save a buck if safety is a concern. You'll also need to consider what kind of accessories you'll need to finish your project. Most companies selling pressure treated wood don't cut-to-order and, even if they do, the cost is so much more that it is just plain cheaper to buy the cutting equipment and do it yourself if you can.

Find a variety of treated lumber prices online

Pressure treated wood prices vary greatly from website to website. If you're looking for quality, buying wood from the tried-and-true experts is your best bet. If you're looking to save money there are hundreds of companies who will cut you a deal but might not guarantee the same quality as the larger companies. Also, keep in mind that shipping such a heavy product is expensive, so doing business with your local home improvement store will save you money on shipping.

Ensure that your pressure treated wood is environmentally friendly

You can find inexpensive prices for pressure treated wood, but there may be even cheaper -- and safer -- alternatives. Some pressure treated lumber is still treated with chromated copper arsenate, or CCA, which leaches arsenic into the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency monitors companies that use CCA, though it is still legal to use in some building applications. Make sure the company you buy from is using a CCA alternative such as ACQ or another chromium-free and arsenic-free compound.
Environmental Protection Agency offers other alternatives to pressure treated wood and lists the advantages and disadvantages.

• If you plan on sawing pressure treated wood, clean up and contain as much sawdust as possible since it's easy to inhale and contains whatever chemical was used in pressure treatment.