Should I use pressure treated wood for a deck?

The advantage of pressure treated wood is that the wood will last longer due to resisting bug damage and rot, making it a more cost-effective route. If you're going to use pressure treated wood in an area where human contact is not constant, such an outside deck or porch, than pressure treated wood is recommended.

Similarly, you may ask, can I use pressure treated wood for a deck?

Pressure-treated lumber is rot and insect resistant, but it's cheaper than redwood or cedar and is widely available across the U.S. Deck builders use it to build the support systems for decks because it holds up well and is often masked by the deck flooring.

Likewise, how long does pressure treated wood deck last? 15 to 20 years

Also to know, should you use treated lumber for deck?

Pressure-treated lumber is the logical choice for the structural part of your deck—the posts, joists, beams and other members you normally don't see. Pressure-treated lumber can support more weight and span longer distances than cedar, redwood or other woods commonly used for building decks.

Is pressure treated lumber stronger?

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.

38 Related Question Answers Found

Can you build a deck without pressure treated wood?

Building a deck without pressure treated lumber. jbclem, For the framing (posts, girders, joists), you have about 3 choices -- use PT, use doug fir and spray it with copper green, or use doug fir and paint it. For the decking, you have about 3 more choices -- redwood, a composite, or vinyl.

Does pressure treated wood still contain arsenic?

Most pressure-treated lumber no longer contains arsenic. For many years, the only real choice of pressure-treated lumber was wood treated with Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA). As the name would seem to indicate, it did contain arsenic, which leached into the soil and could contaminate the plants in your garden.

Is it bad to touch pressure treated wood?

Anything that comes in contact with it -- drinking water or food -- could be dangerous. Warren says homeowners using pressure-treated wood should: Wear safety gloves, a respirator mask and goggles.

How long will untreated wood last on a deck?

Some say that untreated 2×4's can last up to two years before showing signs of rot and others say it can last even longer. When deciding if you should you use an untreated 2×4 it depends greatly on the application, how much weather and sun it's exposed to and if it's making ground contact.

Which is better cedar or pressure treated wood?

As a general rule, cedar will remain in good condition and require less maintenance than pine if installed above the ground. Pressure-treated pine is less likely to decay if planted in soil, so the posts often last longer.

What wood is best for decking?

Naturally Superior: Redwood and Cedar

For many purists, the only choices for decking are redwood or red cedar. Both of these western softwoods are prized for their rich color and natural beauty, and because they aren't pumped full of chemicals or preservatives.

What is #1 pressure treated lumber?

#1 lumber grade is to be used when both strength and appearance are important. This product is #1 lumber grade meaning the boards contain small and few knots within the board. The strength of #1 grade lumber is the best you can get on the market.

Do termites eat pressure treated wood?

Pressure-treated wood is resistant to termites, but make sure that there's no contact with soil. Pressure-treated wood is wood that has had a chemical preservative forced into the pores to form a barrier that resists decay and wood-eating insects like termites and carpenter ants.

How do you keep pressure treated wood from warping?

How to Prevent the Warping of CCA Treated Wood

Work with the wood before it dries. If you use the wood while it is still damp (and therefore straight) you can secure it into place before it dries, and it can dry in place in a straight manner.
Clamp the wood.
Use screws, not nails.

Should deck boards have a gap?

The goal is to have about an 1/8-inch gap (the diameter of an 8d nail) between boards after the decking has dried to its equilibrium moisture content. If the decking is installed wet, as is often the case for pressure treated material, it is best to install the boards tight, letting gaps form as the wood dries.

Can you pressure treat your own lumber?

Untreated wood like pine will only last a year or two if it is touching moist ground. Pressure-treated lumber is wood that has been immersed in a liquid preservative and placed in a pressure chamber. The most common chemical used to treat lumber used to be chromated copper arsenate, or CCA.

Should I use deck boards or 2x6?

2x6 is thicker and is stronger, but is also more expensive. Spacing between deck boards provide a few critical functions. The primary function is to drain water from the deck. Overall, conventional decking profiles should be installed such that when seasoned, will have gaps between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch.

Does pressure treated wood rot?

Pressure-Treated Wood Makes the Grade

Pressure-treated wood in contact with the ground needs the most protection, and will rot in just a few years if you use the wrong grade.

Do you need to seal pressure treated wood?

However, most pressure-treated wood should have periodic sealing against moisture, preferably every year or so. However, most of the water-repellent sealers sold at home centers, paint stores and lumber yards are suitable for pressure-treated wood as well as other outdoor woods such as cedar and redwood.

How do you calculate lumber for a deck?

Deck Calculator Tips

(DSA) Deck Surface Area (in square feet) = Deck Length (feet) X Deck Width (feet).
You need to calculate lineal feet to determine how much material you'll need.
Width of Boards (feet): Necessary to determine lineal feet.
Lineal Feet = Deck Surface Area / Width of Boards.

What is the life expectancy of a wood deck?

20 years

What is the best sealer for a pressure treated deck?

Here are some of the best deck sealers on the market:

Thompsons Waterseal Advanced Natural Wood Protector.
ECO-SAFE Wood Treatment – Stain & Preservation by Tall Earth.
Rust-Oleum Coppercoat Wood Preservative.
CabotStain Australian Timber Oil Penetrating Oil.
Thompsons Waterseal – Transparent Stain.