Looking for Deck Lumber in the Houston Area?

[Posted on December 12th, 2013 by Aaron Presley]

Deck lumber comes in many shapes and sizes, and here at Bayou City Lumber, we offer nearly all of them. What sets decking lumber apart from typical standard style lumber is that it has been prepared for the harsh conditions of outdoor exposure and continuous pressure of foot traffic and heavy use. When looking for this type of wood for outdoor construction project, it is important to look for quality of construction, type of preparation and treatment, available quantities, and of course appropriate pricing.

APPEARANCE OF THE MATERIAL

This lumber is often referred to as pressure treated wood. Many people don’t understand what the term means, but you’ve probably seen it in your local hardware store! Pressure treated wood has a distinct greenish tint that stands out clearly from other lumber. It also has a slightly moist exterior when freshly prepared. They typically come in long planks, but they are also available in smaller trim and railing worthy sizes. The pressure treating process secures this lumber against the element such as rot, warping, bug infestation, and sunlight destruction.

WHAT IS PRESSURE TREATED WOOD?

Pressure treatment is a process where by the deck lumber is soaked in ecologically safe chemicals that give the lumber the properties to fight rotting, deflect water, repel insects, withstand weather and temperature, and generally last longer. It is an industrial process that involves high temperature steaming and chemical soaking that simply cannot be replicated by a process like staining or any other form of home modification and painting. Pressure treated wood can be painted and stained like other lumber after the process is finished and makes for a material that will last a lifetime.

DOES IT NEED SPECIAL CARE?

After the treating process, this special type of Deck lumber can be cut, modified, painted, and applied the other construction material just like a typical wood. In fact, because of the nature of the treatment, this material requires much less maintenance than your standard untreated wood.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS AND BENEFITS?

Pressure treated wood has a cost only a few dollars higher than standard wood, but the reliability and long life afforded by the material more than cover the cost of the initial investment. The benefit to those who invest in this great construction material is that it will last for many years and maintain the quality of its original form. Another benefit is that it is a worry free material. By this we mean that buyers will not have to worry about this material affecting the plant life or animal life in the area where it is installed. This reflects our award winning commitment to providing environmentally safe building and bulkhead material to our clients. Visit our website or call us today for pricing and availability of deck lumber as soon as you’re ready for that new addition to your home!