4 Things You Need to Know About Working With Pressure Treated Lumber

[Posted on March 4th, 2015 by Aaron Presley]

There are many advantages to using pressure treated lumber in today’s projects. From the durability it provides to the ability to withstand years of use, this type of wood is a must have on many projects. Whether you are an experienced professional or someone working on his or her first project, the right lumber makes a difference. Luckily, there are numerous options available to meet the demands of any project. Before you get started, it is important to learn a bit more about this type of material and working with it.

#1: Ensure it is the right lumber

One of the biggest mistakes builders make is not using the right type of lumber for the job. The best way to know if pressure treated lumber is what you need it to be is to look for the label or stamp. It will provide information about the chemical retention level of the wood. This gives you an indication of the minimum amount of preservative retained in the wood. In short, you want the highest number possible because this indicates the wood will be better at rot resistance.

#2: It is possible to get just the right size

Depending on who you work with, it is possible to find material to fit the specific size you need. This can be helpful in many situations, especially when you need a reliable product that is designed for a specific application. A good example of this is bulkhead material. Choose products that are versatile enough to work with your needs.

#3: It’s essential to let it dry

Another important step for users is to ensure the wood completely dries. Before applying any type of paint or stain to the surface, the wood needs to be completely dry. Taking this step ensures the wood will hold onto the moisture properly.

#4: It can crack

As wood is left outdoors, it will begin to form checks, which are cracks that develop on the surface. These are hairline cracks and completely normal.

The right pressure treated lumber can help you to shore up any surface and gives you the look and durability you need.