Making the Most of Pressure-Treated Wood
Make pressure treated lumber prices equal the value you get from the lumber
No one wants to pay record-high pressure treated wood prices only to see the wood warp and rot within a short period of time. Even though pressure-treated wood should last a long time, the wood does deteriorate if you don’t properly care for it. Treated lumber prices are simply too high to allow that to happen.Making the most of pressure-treated wood involves some simple steps to insure that it lasts. Lumber companies are also making pressure-treated wood with different additives and preservatives to make it last longer. If you are installing decking around your business, here are some guidelines to follow:
1. Place the bark side of the pressure-treated wood facing up on deck floors. You can look at the end of the board to determine this.
2. Use the fasteners designed for pressure-treated wood. Experts recommend hot-dipped galvanized stainless steel connectors.
3. Set the boards so there is no spacing between them. Pressure-treated wood doesn’t shrink as it cures like untreated lumber does.
Understand the best ways to use pressure-treated wood
There are different types and grades of pressure treated lumber. This relates directly between the density of pressure treated lumber and the type of chemical preservative used to treat the lumber.
Try: Compare the differences in the types of pressure-treated wood on the Home Depot website. Study the chart to discover how different processes can affect the density of pressure treated lumber. This knowledge can affect the quality of the lumber, as well as treated wood prices. The information provided by American Pole & Timber explains how the density of pressure treated wood affects the ways you should use it.
Find the correct fasteners to use with pressure-treated wood
If you don't use the proper type of fasteners, your pressure-treated wood may cause the metal to have an adverse reaction that can shorten its life. Aluminum is especially susceptible to problems. Any time you need to make repairs, it raises the intrinsic treated wood price.
Try: Osmose offers information on its line of fasteners you can use with its Micropro line of pressure treated lumber. Building Online has an article that explains why you need to use hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel fasteners as a way of making the most of pressure-treated wood. These fasteners are not likely to corrode or affect the wood in any way.
Use the proper pressure-treated wood maintenance procedures
Even though pressure-treated wood doesn't require much in the way of care, it does last longer with the proper stains and protective coatings.
Try: The Southern Pine Council offers tips for care and maintenance of pressure treated lumber on their website. You can also find information on care and maintenance of your pressure-treated wood on the Wolman Wood Care Products website.
- Be sure to check local building codes before installing pressure-treated wood posts or building decks of pressure-treated wood. Some municipalities require you to cover pressure-treated wood posts set in the ground with concrete.
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