December 12th, 2015

Outdoor projects are among the most gratifying tasks to take on. A new fence, remodeled deck, and reinforced bulkhead can give years of entertainment, beauty, and privacy. The material of choice for many of these outdoor structures is the most natural of all: wood.

However, not all wood is the same, and while wood left natural and untreated might make you feel more ‘green’, it has a ton of downfalls, including being the perfect home to insects and fungal growth. So before you swipe your bank card, consider these significant advantages of using treated pilings, poles, and posts:

• Pest protection:  One of the biggest downfalls of outdoor (and some indoor) wooden projects is wood-boring insects. But wood that is treated is toxic to insects, making them avoid your finished project, and the areas around it. Plus, if you opt for new borate pressure-treated wood, you’ll also enjoy the added benefit of superior fungal prevention.
• Longevity (and its added green effect):  Because treated lumber is capable of resisting insects, pets, and fungal decay and suffering the damage caused by such pests, it enjoys an extended life span. This means that once you’ve nailed the final 2×4 into place, you’ll be able to enjoy it for decades to come. Because of this diminished need for reassessing, rebuilding, and/or remodeling finished wooden projects, you’ll put a lower strain on future wood resources and all of the fossil fuels that get that wood from forest to backyard project.

Thinks to keep in mind:

• With treated lumber, use galvanized or stainless steel fasteners. This is because the high concentration of copper in treated lumber can corrode stainless steel fasteners.
• Get treated lumber that has been dried for at last three weeks.