The world of preservative treated lumber has come a long ways in the last 20 years. There was a time when a trip to the lumber yard might present just a half-dozen preservative treated (PT) lumber choices. Today? As much as 20% of the yard’s lumber inventory may be PT treated.
The initial safety, workability, and longevity concerns are well behind us. PT lumber is a proven solution in the battle against decay, fire, mold, and termites across dozens of residential and commercial applications.
However, misconceptions about PT lumber still linger. Just ask Steve Page, one of the construction industry’s foremost experts on PT lumber. For more than 35 years Page has served as the PT lumber ambassador, evangelist, and trusted advisor in helping dealers and contractors better understand the product’s limits and opportunities.
In his role as the business development manager for Allweather Wood, the largest waterborne preservative treated lumber manufacturer in the western U.S., Page is in constant contact with lumberyards and contractors. His unique perspective and experience offers JLC readers important insights that can help benefit their projects. Page recently shared these views:
What do contractors need to understand most about PT lumber?
There’s an incomplete understanding of how the use category system works with different species and preservatives in different applications. Is it a UC3 or UC4 project? What species is best? Which preservative is best? Not all PT lumber is alike.
Today there’s a wide spectrum of treated lumber products. It often surprises contractors how many treated alternatives may be available to them for a certain application.
Are there other misconceptions?
All through my career I’ve heard these two issues raised nearly every week. The first one is why some PT lumber has untreated lumber issues like crowning, shrinking, cupping, splitting, and twisting. Some still believe the preservation process changes the wood in fundamental ways. It should be no surprise that the same issues found in untreated wood can also be found in treated wood.
The second issue is fasteners. Some people ask which fasteners comply with code (IBC 2304.9.5.1 or R317.3). The most widely code-compliant choice is hot-dipped galvanized steel nails, followed by stainless steel, silicon bronze, and copper. Contractors should ask what fastener is required in their jurisdiction. It may be different than IBC guidelines.
How should pros become better informed about PT lumber?
Always start with your local dealer. All PT lumber manufacturers work hard to keep lumberyards up to date with the latest information. Trust your PT lumber dealer to help with the use category and suggested PT products.
There are also many great online resources (see below). Our website – Allweatherwood.com – has a wealth of information for pros. We always do our best to help.
Today more than ever, people trust PT lumber for its safety, workability, and longevity. It’s a product that works.
Helpful PT Lumber Resources
Allweatherwood.com
PreservedWood.org
Treated Wood Guide Smartphone App (free download)
Western Wood Preservers Institute
American Wood Protection Association
American Wood Council
Southern Pine Inspection Bureau