Home Tip Monday

September 24, 2018

Pressure-Treated Decking Materials and Surface Treatments…

It’s been over a decade since arsenic was banned from use in pressure-treated lumber for residential and recreational projects.  But, only recently have consumers been offered alternatives that would still resist rot, fungi and insect infestation.  These more contemporary pressure treatments for decking and other outdoor applications, known as ACQ (alkaline copper quaternary) and CA (copper azole), are predominantly chosen for their performance standards, compared to untreated wood species.  But, perhaps one of the most interesting and desirable reasons for choosing the new pressure-treated lumber has to do with colour, as new treatments offer durable lumber available in a natural-looking brown.

Sold by different names in different regions, this lumber is a welcome option, as it does not require a paint or thick opaque stain to cover an undesirable wood tone.  Instead, semi-transparent stains can be used to give the warm brown hue protection without a great deal of colour distortion.  So, if you’re looking for outdoor wood decking, landscaping or furniture material, ask about the range of options available for sale, long-lasting and eye-catching lumber.