Theres no de-pressurized tank for this. And to the question, is new pressure treated wood safe? 469 Garyray Drive, Toronto, Canada, ON, M9L 1P9, 2235 Royal Windsor Dr, Mississauga, ON L5J 1K5, The Different Types Of Fire Rated Drywall And Where They Are Used, Types And Uses Of Asphalt Roofing Materials, Building Materials That Will Raise The Curb Appeal Of Your House, Difference Between Pressure Treated And Untreated Rot-Resistant Lumber, 3 Tips to Take Your Basement to The Next Level, Things You Should Expect From Your Building Material Supplier, How To Stop Molds In Your Home With Mold Resistant Drywall, Guidelines for Choosing a Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner, Common Insulation Materials Used in Buildings. The vacuum works by forcing the preservative agents deep into the wood thus ensuring preservatives go all over the wood. Wood injected with chemicals is usually a little bit wider and thicker than regular wood. This is because the chemicals used in pressure treatment are not safe for humans. Treated wood warps because it hasnt been dried after treatment. Treated lumber can smell oily, while untreated wood doesnt. The surrounding landscape benefits as well. Wood siding, for example, should be repainted every. You, however, have to take note that CCA has been banned for most residential use since 2003. Your home blends into the background, allowing your landscape to become the best focal point of your property. Lumber has always been a staple in the construction industry, and its becoming an ever-more popular material in homes and businesses. When you have an idea of the blinds you want for your home, visit. Aug. 1, 2003. None of these chemicals and chemical compounds are safe. What is more is that it will cost you more than the untreated softwood lumber. 
Heres a handy reference on how to tell the difference between treated and untreated wood. Rough sawn timber will need to be planed and dried before being used in a project. (Accessed 02/22/2009)http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-107201207.html, WiseGeek. We understand that our customers have different uses for pressure treated lumber. Pressure treatment of wood involves the infusing of wood with chemical preservatives. Toll Free: 1-866-518-7804 The most common preservative is alkaline copper quat or ACQ. Yet, if you need something to last a long time and you know people won't come into much contact with it, treated lumber might be the better choice. As you shop, look for blinds that would meld with your style. 
Due to the preservatives used, you should wear NIOSH N95 dust mask, protective goggles, and globes when working with treated lumber. When working with untreated wood, you don't have to worry about protecting your skin. Here are four things you should consider before investing in new blinds for your home. ACQ protects against decay fungi and insects. Examples of softwood trees are coniferous trees: yellow pine, white pine, spruce, and Douglas fir. HighBeam Research. The term pressure is from the fact that the treatment is done in a pressurized holding tank. It kills fungi, termites, and other pests. Its easy to find borate treated wood markings. If you're stuck on what hue to paint your home's outside, consider classic white, light gray, or other lighter colors. A good example is where you will have contact with cement. Transform your small garden with these easy ideas. For projects that require materials than can stand up against heavy use, hardwood timber is the recommended choice. If the wood absorbs the water, its dry enough. 
Although there are health hazards to consider, treated wood does have its advantages. Lumber treatment, as the term suggests, is a way of preserving wood from insects and rot. Afterward, make sure to clean any sawdust from you or your clothing thoroughly. Sprinkle water on the wood. If there are any exposed parts of the untreated softwood, you can cover them up with caulk. At a minimum, you should wear a dust mask/facemask while working with treated lumber. All Rights Reserved Our pressure treated lumber comes in different sizes and is of the highest quality. 
Pressure treated wood does last longer without rotting and resists insect damage, but it's not right for every purpose either. Color trends come and go. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. It, therefore, maintains its integrity not from being stronger, but from being rot resistant. Theres arsenic in some pressure treated wood. The Record (Bergen Country, NJ). You can also follow us onFacebookandTwitter. 
The purpose of this post is to help you understand your options. 
Look for tags that say uc4a or uc4b. Austin, Gene. Goodell is the founder of this website and an avid woodworker. 
Post was not sent - check your email addresses! You should liaise with your supplier to better understand the merits and demerits of all the available options. The type of lumber you use in construction can make the difference between great outcomes and failure. If you're building anything that people will regularly be coming in contact with -- such as playground equipment, lawn furniture or benches -- you should always use untreated wood [source: Houlihan and Wiles]. The retention level tells you how many preservatives were left after the pressure treatment. Here are our tips on the proper disposal of pressure treated wood. In fact, honeycomb blinds have been shown to shield as much as. Non-combustible treatments, as the term suggests, give lumber fire resistance. We recommend that you use only hot-dipped galvanized or stainless-steel nails, bolts, screws, connectors, and anchors. This pressure removes air, replacing it with preservatives. "When is using untreated lumber better?" Downloading, republication, retransmission or reproduction of content on this website is strictly prohibited. The sap attracts fungus and other insects as these serve as their food. Plus, its ash is equally toxic. The three are the types of lumber that you will find from your supplier. Wood with a greenish color was infused with copper, chromium, and arsenic or CCA. Whether you want to paint your home's exterior for personal enjoyment or to preserve your home's siding, the right paint color is key to keeping your home's curb appeal fresh, modern, and inviting. It can be hard to cut. The Washington Post. Alternatively, wrap the lumber in protective rubberized membranes. If youre still not sure which timber to use for your project, simply get in touch with our friendly team on 0844 474 4444 and theyll be more than happy to advise! Pressure treated wood doesn't release any gases or particulates that could harm you and your family. Thankfully, were on hand here at eDecks to give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about timber. "Arsenic in Drinking Water." Your email address will not be published. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. (Accessed 02/22/2009)http://www.epa.gov/safewater/arsenic/index.html, Gegner, Lance E. "Organic Alternatives to Treated Lumber." We can help you with choosing the right structure for your home and budget. Before painting your home's exterior, power wash your siding and fill large cracks or crevices with cement putty or other filler. This is the answer in case youre wondering why does pressure treated wood have marks?. Borate treated lumber is equally safe. HighBeam Research. The chemical compounds used to pressure treat lumber are copper-based, copper being a natural biocide. All in all, when compared to pressure treated lumber, the untreated lumber is lighter, easy to cut but more expensive. What makes one better than the other for certain projects? And at the end of the day, does it even matter? "How long will treated wood last?" If you have any questions about fences, decks, or screen porches, please contact Mid Atlantic Deck & Fence (MAD Fence) today byclicking hereor calling 1-800-833-9310. Timber was once the only material available for windows but modern materials such as aluminum and vinyl have become more commonly used in recent decades. At the end of the day, the ease of mind that comes with using untreated lumber may be worth it. This is because of the woods chemicals. Your home isn't the only part of your property that improves with fresh paint, however. The obvious advantage of using untreated lumber is that there are no health risks involved. When youre selecting the lumber for your next project, you need to think about the type youre going to use. While treated wood has distinct advantages, you might decide that they aren't worth the added health risk. Caulk keeps moisture from getting to the untreated lumber thus preventing rot. While some people like blinds or shutters that let the light pour in, others like window treatments that block the harsh rays of the sun. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Oil-based sealants have been shown to limit the amount of arsenic, copper, and other compounds reaching the surface of the wood. Many types of treated wood are resistant to insects, like termites, that cause huge amounts of damage and cost home owners large sums of money. (Accessed 02/22/2009)http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infxtra/infpre.html, Viance. The same can't be said for treated wood. Improved home security begins with strengthening weak areas throughout your home. The end tag should identify the preservative used, the rating, and the preservation company. If your project involves wood, you're going to have to decide between treated and untreated lumber. (Accessed 02/22/2009)http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuilding/how-to/articles/new-pressure-treated-wood-decks.aspx, Natural Handy Man. The next time you're working on a project using wood, consider the advantages and disadvantages of both treated and untreated lumber before making a purchase. Tags: treated, untreated, Wood, wooden fence, 2022 Mid Atlantic Deck & Fence Company 
Much like weighing up whether to use hardwood or softwood timber, the choice to opt for treated or untreated comes down to the individual project. Here are the possible labels: If youre still in doubt, you can use a swipe test kit or wood testing kit. Borate is a newer treatment process. In short, for activities that handle an outdoor purpose, or come frequently into contact with insects, treated timber is the recommended material. Some of the chemicals used to treat wood are meant to kill insects, which means they probably won't do wonders for your soil either. Consider matching materials and color shades if you can to make your blinds blend in. In any case, pressure-treated lumber should be allowed to dry thoroughly before it is painted or stained. Since window treatments are one of the only indoor fixtures that are partially visible from the street, you might be more than a little nervous about choosing the right blinds for your home. Main: 416-741-0941 
Treated lumber does have other advantages. Youll want to avoid using any wood that was treated with Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA). No special fastener is required. The type of siding you have on your home determines how frequently your home's exterior needs to be painted. This trait is used as a selling point for families that have kids and animals that tend to chew on wood. If you touch the wood and pick up these chemicals and then rub your eyes or eat some food, you could ingest something that could make you sick over time. The American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) is responsible for spreading voluntary wood preservation standards. These chemicals are considered to be safer than chromated arsenicals (including Chromated Copper Arsenic) used before the year 2003. If still in doubt, ask your favorite hardware store staff member. To make the shopping process easier, take note of the materials used throughout the rest of your home, including hardware, crown molding, and trim. Softwood has natural pathways for the sap, which can also be used in treating wood. The pressured lumber is created by placing untreated softwood lumber in vacuum chambers with preservative agents; mostly copper or boron based compounds. Given these, CCA treated wood was banned for residential use and can no longer be bought in hardware stores since 2003. The oils odor may be noticeable near the treated wood. CCA wood, however, is poisonous to people and the soil. There's no need to worry about making treated wood safer that is completely covered in other materials and hidden from access, such as subflooring. Painting can be done, but it is quite a process and there is no reason to do it. Once you know the signs, you can identify pressure-treated wood. This is why the International Building Code requires that siding and structural lumber used for the last six inches of the structure above the ground is pressure treated. "Pressure-Treated Lumber: The Debate Continues." Despite the dangers associated with arsenic, CCA treated lumber was the most common in the United States until manufacturers reached an agreement to stop producing it after 2003 [source: Williams]. (Health Risks and Environmental Issues." 
Since the primary risk from treated wood involves touching the surface to transfer the chemicals, a suitable sealant is enough to protect you and your family. Treated wood for ground contact is labeled as ground contact wood. It is important to note that the best choice is one that is based on the environmental demands and your desire for more environmentally friendly materials. You can buy your paint and hardware supplies from your local lumberyard or home improvement store. The lumber is difficult to paint or stain unless pressure treated using a light oil. That is illegal in every state. There are types of lumber that are rot resistant, naturally. The green or brown color will also help identify treated wood. Non-com lumber is not for direct exterior exposure. A nonprofit organization known as the Environmental Study Group had people take samples of treated wood found all around Washington, and in the end they found that there was roughly one ounce of arsenic per every 12 feet of treated wood. Avoid lumber stamped L P22. (Accessed 02/22/2009)http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-94521888.html, Environmental Protection Agency. This is ideal for use indoors, as its protected against termites. You may want to wear a mask to keep from breathing in sawdust, but you can work in short sleeves and/or shorts without any fear of endangering yourself. "Poisoned Playgrounds: Arsenic in Pressure-treated Wood." (Accessed 02/22/2009)http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-323620.html, Morrison, Daniel S. "The New Pressure-Treated Wood." All treated lumber can be used for different types of outdoor applications. If the water beads up, then the lumber is too wet, and vice versa. Up until 2003, the most common wood preservative was CCA. Doing so will be ideal if you plan on using the softwood outdoors. Although the wood is more expensive compared to regular wood because of the treatment process it has to go through, it is still the more cost-effective option since you will get a longer life. For any newbie starting out on their first DIY project, getting your head around all the terminology associated with types of timber can be very confusing! In contrast, treated timber is doused with chemicals and preservatives to greatly extend the life of the material and protect against rot, wear and pesky creepy crawlies. 
It should be used together with hot dipped galvanized or stainless-steel fasteners. In case youre wondering, how do I know if my wood was treated with CCA? You can usually recognize CCA pressure treated wood by its greenish tint, especially on the cut end, and staple-size slits that line the wood. Contact the manufacturer or builder; as wood ages, its color fades and turns to gray. When painting your home's exterior, the finish you choose for your paint job is as important as the paint color itself. Instead of burning, contact your local landfill and ask if they are approved to accept the treated wood, and they will let you know about approved disposal methods and regulations. You'll find labels printed on treated wood warning those who are using it to wear masks and protect their skin [source: Austin]. 
The key to painting your home a lighter color to highlight the property itself is this: select the same color for the entire main part of the home's exterior, then choose a neutral dark color - consider slate gray, navy, or rich brown - for all trim work. As long as there's a good chance that moisture can reach the wood, it should be pressure treated. Lumber gives any space a contemporary yet luxurious and warm ambaince, but you may be worried about its sustainability. Fax: 416-741-2039, Main: 905-823-0992 So if you want to know when it's better to use untreated lumber, the answer is almost always. (Accessed 02/22/2009)http://books.google.com/books?id=wMSOfOuoaXgC&pg=PA6&lpg=PA6&dq=how+much+lumber+is+sold+around+the+world+every+year%3F&source=bl&ots=2yC8P2AgbP&sig=Faeg6D2dRAPKmYZa2CYJbvmANUQ&hl=en&ei=E2GjSYi5LYr2sAPa8sypAg&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=5&ct=result, McClintock, Mike. The main reason for painting your home's exterior is to add curb appeal. This contains arsenic. Plus, CCA leaches from wood to soil, putting plants, animals, and people in danger. On top of repelling bugs, treated lumber can also be fire retardant, taking longer to catch on fire and burning much more slowly when it does [source: WiseGeek]. An ornate glass door, window shutters, bump-out additions or bay windows, and other home features are given grander appeal when you select a lighter shade for your entire home. Expect the rough sawn timber to arrive slightly larger than finished timber as it will shrink down during the planning and drying process. If you need to replace the windows on your home, then you have probably given a lot of thought to which material will make the best choice. Pressure treated lumber is used in such applications as decks, underwater dock pilings, pergolas, boardwalks, picnic tables, swing sets, landscaping tiles, and playgrounds. Otherwise, water beads will form on the surface. Different methods of treatments are used to preserve wood, one being pressure treatment or PT. CA effectively protects against mold, fungi, termites, and other insects. ACQ is used for exterior applications, with no special covering precautions necessary. That translates to roughly 25 million trees, every year [source: McCabe, Wolfe]. Newer wood preservatives include ACQ, borates, CA, copper- HDO, and polymeric betaine. It can be Type A with copper, boric acid, and tebuconazole, or Type B with more copper and tebuconazole but no boric acid. Pressure-treated lumber will shrink to some degree across its width as it dries out. Whats Acoustic Insulation and How is it Used? Exposure to the elements during normal construction process is allowable. Wood with an L P2 stamp, on the other hand, is less toxic but unsafe for home furniture. Whilst harder to work with, and a bit more expensive, hardwood timber is a popular choice thanks to its durability and rich colour. 
Pressure-treated lumber should be used for outdoor projects they are not ideal for indoor projects. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. And, if you have one, a respirator would be even better.
Heres a handy reference on how to tell the difference between treated and untreated wood. Rough sawn timber will need to be planed and dried before being used in a project. (Accessed 02/22/2009)http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-107201207.html, WiseGeek. We understand that our customers have different uses for pressure treated lumber. Pressure treatment of wood involves the infusing of wood with chemical preservatives. Toll Free: 1-866-518-7804 The most common preservative is alkaline copper quat or ACQ. Yet, if you need something to last a long time and you know people won't come into much contact with it, treated lumber might be the better choice. As you shop, look for blinds that would meld with your style. Due to the preservatives used, you should wear NIOSH N95 dust mask, protective goggles, and globes when working with treated lumber. When working with untreated wood, you don't have to worry about protecting your skin. Here are four things you should consider before investing in new blinds for your home. ACQ protects against decay fungi and insects. Examples of softwood trees are coniferous trees: yellow pine, white pine, spruce, and Douglas fir. HighBeam Research. The term pressure is from the fact that the treatment is done in a pressurized holding tank. It kills fungi, termites, and other pests. Its easy to find borate treated wood markings. If you're stuck on what hue to paint your home's outside, consider classic white, light gray, or other lighter colors. A good example is where you will have contact with cement. Transform your small garden with these easy ideas. For projects that require materials than can stand up against heavy use, hardwood timber is the recommended choice. If the wood absorbs the water, its dry enough. Although there are health hazards to consider, treated wood does have its advantages. Lumber treatment, as the term suggests, is a way of preserving wood from insects and rot. Afterward, make sure to clean any sawdust from you or your clothing thoroughly. Sprinkle water on the wood. If there are any exposed parts of the untreated softwood, you can cover them up with caulk. At a minimum, you should wear a dust mask/facemask while working with treated lumber. All Rights Reserved Our pressure treated lumber comes in different sizes and is of the highest quality. Pressure treated wood does last longer without rotting and resists insect damage, but it's not right for every purpose either. Color trends come and go. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. It, therefore, maintains its integrity not from being stronger, but from being rot resistant. Theres arsenic in some pressure treated wood. The Record (Bergen Country, NJ). You can also follow us onFacebookandTwitter. The purpose of this post is to help you understand your options. Look for tags that say uc4a or uc4b. Austin, Gene. Goodell is the founder of this website and an avid woodworker. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! You should liaise with your supplier to better understand the merits and demerits of all the available options. The type of lumber you use in construction can make the difference between great outcomes and failure. If you're building anything that people will regularly be coming in contact with -- such as playground equipment, lawn furniture or benches -- you should always use untreated wood [source: Houlihan and Wiles]. The retention level tells you how many preservatives were left after the pressure treatment. Here are our tips on the proper disposal of pressure treated wood. In fact, honeycomb blinds have been shown to shield as much as. Non-combustible treatments, as the term suggests, give lumber fire resistance. We recommend that you use only hot-dipped galvanized or stainless-steel nails, bolts, screws, connectors, and anchors. This pressure removes air, replacing it with preservatives. "When is using untreated lumber better?" Downloading, republication, retransmission or reproduction of content on this website is strictly prohibited. The sap attracts fungus and other insects as these serve as their food. Plus, its ash is equally toxic. The three are the types of lumber that you will find from your supplier. Wood with a greenish color was infused with copper, chromium, and arsenic or CCA. Whether you want to paint your home's exterior for personal enjoyment or to preserve your home's siding, the right paint color is key to keeping your home's curb appeal fresh, modern, and inviting. It can be hard to cut. The Washington Post. Alternatively, wrap the lumber in protective rubberized membranes. If youre still not sure which timber to use for your project, simply get in touch with our friendly team on 0844 474 4444 and theyll be more than happy to advise! Pressure treated wood doesn't release any gases or particulates that could harm you and your family. Thankfully, were on hand here at eDecks to give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about timber. "Arsenic in Drinking Water." Your email address will not be published. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. (Accessed 02/22/2009)http://www.epa.gov/safewater/arsenic/index.html, Gegner, Lance E. "Organic Alternatives to Treated Lumber." We can help you with choosing the right structure for your home and budget. Before painting your home's exterior, power wash your siding and fill large cracks or crevices with cement putty or other filler. This is the answer in case youre wondering why does pressure treated wood have marks?. Borate treated lumber is equally safe. HighBeam Research. The chemical compounds used to pressure treat lumber are copper-based, copper being a natural biocide. All in all, when compared to pressure treated lumber, the untreated lumber is lighter, easy to cut but more expensive. What makes one better than the other for certain projects? And at the end of the day, does it even matter? "How long will treated wood last?" If you have any questions about fences, decks, or screen porches, please contact Mid Atlantic Deck & Fence (MAD Fence) today byclicking hereor calling 1-800-833-9310. Timber was once the only material available for windows but modern materials such as aluminum and vinyl have become more commonly used in recent decades. At the end of the day, the ease of mind that comes with using untreated lumber may be worth it. This is because of the woods chemicals. Your home isn't the only part of your property that improves with fresh paint, however. The obvious advantage of using untreated lumber is that there are no health risks involved. When youre selecting the lumber for your next project, you need to think about the type youre going to use. While treated wood has distinct advantages, you might decide that they aren't worth the added health risk. Caulk keeps moisture from getting to the untreated lumber thus preventing rot. While some people like blinds or shutters that let the light pour in, others like window treatments that block the harsh rays of the sun. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Oil-based sealants have been shown to limit the amount of arsenic, copper, and other compounds reaching the surface of the wood. Many types of treated wood are resistant to insects, like termites, that cause huge amounts of damage and cost home owners large sums of money. (Accessed 02/22/2009)http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infxtra/infpre.html, Viance. The same can't be said for treated wood. Improved home security begins with strengthening weak areas throughout your home. The end tag should identify the preservative used, the rating, and the preservation company. If your project involves wood, you're going to have to decide between treated and untreated lumber. (Accessed 02/22/2009)http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuilding/how-to/articles/new-pressure-treated-wood-decks.aspx, Natural Handy Man. The next time you're working on a project using wood, consider the advantages and disadvantages of both treated and untreated lumber before making a purchase. Tags: treated, untreated, Wood, wooden fence, 2022 Mid Atlantic Deck & Fence Company Much like weighing up whether to use hardwood or softwood timber, the choice to opt for treated or untreated comes down to the individual project. Here are the possible labels: If youre still in doubt, you can use a swipe test kit or wood testing kit. Borate is a newer treatment process. In short, for activities that handle an outdoor purpose, or come frequently into contact with insects, treated timber is the recommended material. Some of the chemicals used to treat wood are meant to kill insects, which means they probably won't do wonders for your soil either. Consider matching materials and color shades if you can to make your blinds blend in. In any case, pressure-treated lumber should be allowed to dry thoroughly before it is painted or stained. Since window treatments are one of the only indoor fixtures that are partially visible from the street, you might be more than a little nervous about choosing the right blinds for your home. Main: 416-741-0941 Treated lumber does have other advantages. Youll want to avoid using any wood that was treated with Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA). No special fastener is required. The type of siding you have on your home determines how frequently your home's exterior needs to be painted. This trait is used as a selling point for families that have kids and animals that tend to chew on wood. If you touch the wood and pick up these chemicals and then rub your eyes or eat some food, you could ingest something that could make you sick over time. The American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) is responsible for spreading voluntary wood preservation standards. These chemicals are considered to be safer than chromated arsenicals (including Chromated Copper Arsenic) used before the year 2003. If still in doubt, ask your favorite hardware store staff member. To make the shopping process easier, take note of the materials used throughout the rest of your home, including hardware, crown molding, and trim. Softwood has natural pathways for the sap, which can also be used in treating wood. The pressured lumber is created by placing untreated softwood lumber in vacuum chambers with preservative agents; mostly copper or boron based compounds. Given these, CCA treated wood was banned for residential use and can no longer be bought in hardware stores since 2003. The oils odor may be noticeable near the treated wood. CCA wood, however, is poisonous to people and the soil. There's no need to worry about making treated wood safer that is completely covered in other materials and hidden from access, such as subflooring. Painting can be done, but it is quite a process and there is no reason to do it. Once you know the signs, you can identify pressure-treated wood. This is why the International Building Code requires that siding and structural lumber used for the last six inches of the structure above the ground is pressure treated. "Pressure-Treated Lumber: The Debate Continues." Despite the dangers associated with arsenic, CCA treated lumber was the most common in the United States until manufacturers reached an agreement to stop producing it after 2003 [source: Williams]. (Health Risks and Environmental Issues." Since the primary risk from treated wood involves touching the surface to transfer the chemicals, a suitable sealant is enough to protect you and your family. Treated wood for ground contact is labeled as ground contact wood. It is important to note that the best choice is one that is based on the environmental demands and your desire for more environmentally friendly materials. You can buy your paint and hardware supplies from your local lumberyard or home improvement store. The lumber is difficult to paint or stain unless pressure treated using a light oil. That is illegal in every state. There are types of lumber that are rot resistant, naturally. The green or brown color will also help identify treated wood. Non-com lumber is not for direct exterior exposure. A nonprofit organization known as the Environmental Study Group had people take samples of treated wood found all around Washington, and in the end they found that there was roughly one ounce of arsenic per every 12 feet of treated wood. Avoid lumber stamped L P22. (Accessed 02/22/2009)http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-94521888.html, Environmental Protection Agency. This is ideal for use indoors, as its protected against termites. You may want to wear a mask to keep from breathing in sawdust, but you can work in short sleeves and/or shorts without any fear of endangering yourself. "Poisoned Playgrounds: Arsenic in Pressure-treated Wood." (Accessed 02/22/2009)http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-323620.html, Morrison, Daniel S. "The New Pressure-Treated Wood." All treated lumber can be used for different types of outdoor applications. If the water beads up, then the lumber is too wet, and vice versa. Up until 2003, the most common wood preservative was CCA. Doing so will be ideal if you plan on using the softwood outdoors. Although the wood is more expensive compared to regular wood because of the treatment process it has to go through, it is still the more cost-effective option since you will get a longer life. For any newbie starting out on their first DIY project, getting your head around all the terminology associated with types of timber can be very confusing! In contrast, treated timber is doused with chemicals and preservatives to greatly extend the life of the material and protect against rot, wear and pesky creepy crawlies. It should be used together with hot dipped galvanized or stainless-steel fasteners. In case youre wondering, how do I know if my wood was treated with CCA? You can usually recognize CCA pressure treated wood by its greenish tint, especially on the cut end, and staple-size slits that line the wood. Contact the manufacturer or builder; as wood ages, its color fades and turns to gray. When painting your home's exterior, the finish you choose for your paint job is as important as the paint color itself. Instead of burning, contact your local landfill and ask if they are approved to accept the treated wood, and they will let you know about approved disposal methods and regulations. You'll find labels printed on treated wood warning those who are using it to wear masks and protect their skin [source: Austin]. Pressure-treated lumber should be used for outdoor projects they are not ideal for indoor projects. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. And, if you have one, a respirator would be even better.