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Are there different types of pressure-treated lumber?
The active ingredients commonly used in treated wood are alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ), copper azole (CA) or micronized copper azole (MCA). There are two basic types of pressure-treated wood. Individual pieces of pressure-treated lumber will have a tag on one end of the board to indicate its permitted use.
What is the best type of pressure treated wood?
The best pressure treated wood for decks is Select, #1 or #2 grade wood. Within all grades, there are planks that will be freer of blemishes and knots and may be called premium. Decking materials such as 2×6 and 5/4×6 frequently are of better-looking #1 and #2 lumber.
Premium – Highest grade for ¾ radius edge decking. Standard – Mid-range grade for 5/4 decking. Number 2 – Grain slope must meet minimum 1/8 grain slope. Boards will contain no splits larger than 1.5 times width of board.
Is #1 or #2 lumber better?
#1 Grade: When appearance becomes more of a factor, #1 Grade will contain smaller, fewer, sound, tight knots and have less wane than found in #2 Grade. Keep in mind, that with the introduction of Prime grades, #1 Grade no longer contains some of the better grades that used to be included.
What do you need to know about treated lumber?
Another important acronym to pay attention to on a lumber label is the type of preservative that was used to treat the wood. To prepare it for harsh marine environments, wood is pressure treated with a combination of water and preservatives to keep pests away and slow the rate of decay.
Which is better treated wood or regular wood?
Is treated wood as strong as regular wood? Pressure treated lumber is no stronger than untreated lumber. The difference between the two is that pressure treated lumber will resist the elements better than untreated due to chemical preservatives added, and so will maintain its integrity in conditions that would cause normal wood to rot.
What are the different types of pressure treated wood?
There are two basic types of pressure-treated wood. Individual pieces of pressure-treated lumber will have a tag on one end of the board to indicate its permitted use. Pressure-treated lumber grades are assigned based on appearance. Boards with fewer knots or other cosmetic blemishes get a higher grade but a premium grade comes with a higher price.
What kind of lumber is used in construction?
There are three main families of treated lumber used in construction: Borate, Alkaline Copper Quat (ACQ) and other rot-resistant treatments, and non-combustible (Non-Com). See the complete list under Additional Information.