Summer is the time of year when many decks, porches, and docks are restored or built because it’s time to enjoy barbecues and the great outdoors. A common mistake that many consumers and even builders make is that they simply order treated lumber without realizing that there are many different types. Ordering the wrong treated lumber for an application can lead to premature failure, which is costly due to material and labor costs.
Here are some things to consider when buying treated lumber:
If you go to the store and ask for treated lumber, make sure you know if it’s treated wood above ground or in contact with the ground. It’s going to get a little confusing, but it’s important information.
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Wood treated in contact with the ground is used for exactly what it says. If you are doing a project and want it to be weather and bug resistant, you need to use this item. However, the post and any other wood that comes in contact or in close contact with the ground or over any standing water must use the ground contact. Wood treated in contact with the ground should only be used in high, dry areas – no areas of standing water.
The problem is, Florida is a hot and humid climate with continuous afternoon thunderstorms that can create puddles under porches and decks. If you have a situation where ground contact treated lumber is used over damp, damp soil, you may have rot.
For this reason, some lumber yards in Florida will only store ground contact lumber, as wet, damp soil is everywhere. This is probably the reason why treated lumber prices can vary from store to store in Florida. In Florida, you really should be using treated lumber in contact with the ground.
For docks, it is important that the wharf is in fresh water or in salt water. There are different treatment retention rates for each application, and using the wrong product can lead to premature failure or additional costs. Most professional dock builders know which treated lumber to use in your application, but often when a homeowner purchases their own treated lumber, there are mistakes.
There’s also a big problem with using the right type of fasteners for your treated lumber projects. Most treated woods require the use of a galvanized tie and hanger due to the corrosive nature of the wood treatment. There are cases where treated lumber projects have failed because the fasteners literally rotted and rusted. Take the time to understand the fastening requirements required for the treated lumber you purchase so that your project does not become wobbly and fail.
If you have termites in your home, summer is the worst time. The best advice is to use borate treated lumber which is available at many lumber yards. This wood is intended for indoor use only, but the two advantages are that it will deter not only termites, but all insects and that it is not corrosive to fasteners. In most cases, you can use a cheaper non-galvanized or stainless screw or nail.
When you have treated lumber done at home, keep some of the labels on the end of your lumber and sales receipt, as most treated lumber companies have excellent extended warranties. Without the labels and invoice, it is difficult to prove where the treated lumber came from, as many lumberyards purchase their material from several different suppliers.
Whenever I see a failed treated wood project, my first thought is that they used the wrong treated wood. Yes, you need to protect and care for your treated lumber to keep it looking good, but rot defects are normally one of two problems: improper application of the treated lumber or a failure of the treatment process. If you’ve kept your tags and the receipt for a failed project that was a manufacturing error, there’s a good chance you’ll be compensated for the lumber.
Treated wood suppliers have great websites, but unfortunately a lot of mass retailers do a poor job of training staff on treated wood. Know how your treated lumber will be used and buy the right products for your job.
Don Magruder is the CEO of Ro-Mac Lumber & Supply, Inc., and he is also the host of “Around the House” which can be seen on AroundtheHouse.TV.