Grade is a description of the quality of a given species. One hole is permitted every 2 ft. Wane corners. For superior durability. Treated wood can last more than 40 years. It is strong and stiff. Pressure-treated lumber is rated by the amount of chemical infused in it per cubic foot of wood. Knots, decay, grain angle, wane, damage, warp and other physical characteristics of an individual piece of lumber distinguish it into a specific grade. The pros know it. You may want to store lumber by fastening boards together using a method called stickering to allow boards to dry evenly. Premium - Highest grade for ¾ radius edge decking. As lumber moves through a mill, grading inspectors review each piece and separate them onto different paths. Wood that is stamped L P22 means it contains arsenic, therefore it’s most toxic and can be used for applications involving direct contact with the ground. 4. These amounts are called “retention levels,” referring to the amount of preservative retained in the wood after treatment. The preservative retention for both CCA- and ACQ-treated lumber is .25 for above-ground applications and .40 for ground contact. Different applications impose different hazards on wood, and require different amounts of preservative for protection. The grades provide a tighter presumption of the structural performance of each piece. Do-it-yourselfers know it. Knots may not be larger than 2 ¾". The predominant species of treated wood is a regionally available softwood. Paint thinner. Has twice the level of chemical retention and protection compared to above-ground treated wood. Lowe's signature treatment allows preservatives to penetrate wood fibers for deep, uniform protection in all Severe Weather treated lumber. Since most pressure-treated lumber is used where moisture is present (outdoors, crawl spaces and basements) the perfect storm for galvanic corrosion was created. Although deep penetration is highly desirable, the impermeable nature of dead wood cells makes it extremely difficult to achieve anything more than a thin shell of treated wood. This double treated Ground Contact lumber must be used for applications where treated lumber is difficult to maintain, repair or replace. For most purposes, wood that is going to be in contact with the ground will have a saturation level above.40 ounces. If your posts will be located near water or in an area where standing water is common we may recommend that you treat your posts to .60pcf for increased longevity. Why does pressure treated lumber tend to warp? Goggles. Species & Sizes Of Pressure-Treated Wood Treated wood is generally available as dimensional stock in 2x4s, 2x6s, 4x4s and 2x2s for rail components. Use Category Brief Description UC1 Interior Dry UC2 Interior Damp UC3A Exterior Above Ground, Coated with Rapid Water Runoff UC3B Exterior Above Ground, Uncoated or Poor Water Runoff UC4A Ground Contact, General Use UC4B Ground Contact, Heavy Duty UC4C Ground Contact, Extreme Duty UC5A Marine Use, Northern Waters (Salt or Brackish Water) UC5B Marine Use, Central Waters (Salt or Brackish Water) UC5C Marine Use, Southern Waters (Salt or Brackish Water) UCFA Interior Above Ground Fire Protection UCFB Exterior Above Ground Fire Protection. It must meet a minimum 1/12-grain slope and have all knots sound encased. Furthermore, each preservative has its individual retention level for these applications. Until 2004, pressure-treated wood for residential use was preserved with chromate copper arsenate (CCA), and the level of treatment was generally the same for all lumber. Lumber that is rated for ground contact has more preservatives than above ground lumber, so it'll last longer when it's in contact with soil. The current revisions are another chapter in the decade-long struggle to find … Every treated board carries a label. Most treated posts are treated to a penetration of .40pcf, the standard treatment for ground contact applications. 3. CCA use has been reduced, so you’re more likely to … Southern Yellow Pine can be treated in a variety of ways to add to its durability against the elements. x 8 in. siding)UC3B: Exterior use, exposed to damp (e.g. Pump sprayer. The face-off between the two was sparked when the American Wood Protection Association rewrote its guidelines identifying which type of pressurized … ProWood ® products are available in Ground Contact (UC4A) standards: 5/4-inch decking; Dimensional lumber; Plywood; Appearance-grade boards; Find ProWood … furniture)UC2: Interior use, possible exposure to damp (e.g. UC3B treated lumber is for above ground, not for near ground, light-duty use ; UC4A treated lumber is for ground contact, general use ; UC4B treated lumber is for ground contact, heavy-duty use . Viance has a 30-year history of innovation and continues to develop environmentally advanced solutions that improve the performance and durability of wood products. Pressure-treated lumber is divided into two grades, #1 and #2, based on the appearance and composition of the wood. The predominant species of treated wood is a regionally available softwood. CCA retention levels were .25 for above-ground use and .40 for ground contact. Here are a few tips when building a pressure treated timber retaining wall. Treated lumber is critical to the performance and safety of an entire system or construction such as deck joists, beams and ledger boards. AWPA U1 UC3B Above Ground, Exposed 0.27 pcf EWP-A (Excellent Wood Preservative, Type A) 2 x 6 - 12 #1 SYP AWPA Standardized Preservative ICC-ES Evaluated Preservative ABC Treating Company Anytown, USA 5 4 2 7 10 10 1 3 7 6 11 EWP-A 0.15 pcf GROUND CONTACT – GENERAL USE ESR- 0 6 Agency Agency 9 9 8 Grade Marks and Qualit y Marks “User Specifications for Treated Wood.” American Wood Protection Association. wood foundations)UC4C: Exterior use, extreme contact with ground or freshwater (e.g. To obtain the maximum performance out of your treated wood for any outdoor project, you need to choose material that is appropriate for the conditions in which it will be used. It is possible that some boards will become so deformed that they will be unusable. Because of concerns over arsenic’s toxicity, CCA has since been replaced for residential use by a host of preservatives, some of which have themselves been replaced by even newer formulations. Pressure-treated lumber will often bear an AWPA Use Category (UC) mark: UC1: Interior use, not in contact with the ground (e.g. Web. If you’re planning a DIY project, make sure to tell your lumber dealer the end use, so you’ll get the right grade. If this is the case, you may want to sort through the lumber piece by piece to find clear, straight boards. N.p., n.d. Most common are: Southern Yellow Pine - Southern pine is the most common deck framing material in the eastern United States. Hem-Fir – It is weaker and more prone to warping and splitting than Douglas fir, but more receptive to preservation. The moisture content at the time of milling, this rangesfrom (AD) air dried or (S-GRN) surface green, with a moisture content of 19% ormore to (KD) kiln drie… Water sealer. Predominant material found in western U.S. and Canada. The chemicals to which pressure treated wood is exposed can be harmful to both people and the environment, making it important to determine if the wood is suitable for above-ground usage or ground-contact usage. #1 lumber, also called premium, is the higher grade, with very few knots, warps, or other blemishes. The strength and properties of lumber from different species of wood varies considerably. You can discover the difference too. Marine Treated Wood/Seawall Grades Marine treated lumber, timber and piles are pressure-treated with higher concentrations of Wolman®CCA preservative to withstand the harsh exposures and destructive organisms common in marine environments.Retention levels range from 0.40 pcf for soil contact to 2.50 pcf for saltwater immersion. Above ground treated wood remains International Building Code (IBC®) and International Residential Code (IRC®) compliant for most deck projects under Section R317.1 and Section 2303.1.9 respectively. 2x8s, 2x10s and 2x12s for joists, stair stringers and beams. Be sure to obtain wood treated for the application you have in mind. But now retention levels vary depending on the preservative used. 4-in x 4-in. These pressure treated timbers last a VERY long time. Severe Weather Ground Contact pressure treated exterior wood protected with Micronized Copper Azole (MCA-C) with BARamine provides lasting support and protection for all-purpose applications . fence and deck posts)UC4B: Exterior use, heavy contact with ground (e.g. This is very typical of most deck structural posts, beams and joists. AC2 pressure … 8-ft. 6-ft. 10-ft. 12-ft. 16-ft. 8-ft. Common Length Measurement. Pressure-treated lumber is divided into two grades, #1 and #2, based on the appearance and composition of the wood. 5/4x6s and 2x6s for decking. #1 lumber is usually used for applications where appearance matters, while #2 lumber is used where it will not be visible on the finished product. You may also purchase kiln-dried after treatment (KDAT), which is much more stable, but also more expensive. #2 Grade southern yellow pine. Common grades, from worst to best, are utility and structural select. There's nothing like ProWood lumber and products from UFP Industries. 29 Dec. 2011. Number 1- Will contain no splits larger than the width of the board. This is stated on the tag stapled to the lumber's endgrain. Check it to find the type of preservative used. One hole is permitted every 3 ft. Standard - Mid-range grade for 5/4 decking. That's why we offer two types of treated wood with preservatives specifically designed for each application. Many lumberyards stock treated wood in the broad category of > or better. Knots may not be larger than 3 ½". Grades of pressure-treated wood are numbered to indicate that amount of preservative per board foot. #1 lumber, also called premium, is the higher grade, with very few knots, warps, or other blemishes. PTI pressure treated wood products are no more corrosive than untreated wood and are approved for all types of metal contact, including aluminum. Species like southern pine and douglas fir are often used for deck framing. Viance provides an extensive range of advanced wood treatment technologies and services to the wood preservation industry. 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. The material species, (SYP)Southern Yellow Pine, (DFir) DouglasFir, (RD) Redwood, etc. Using ground contact pressure treated lumber above ground is nothing new. x 12 ft. #1 Redwood-Tone Ground Contact Pressure-Treated Lumber-137173 - The Home Depot The grade of the wood, there are a number of grades,Select (the best quality and strongest) to Utility (the lowest quality and leaststrength). The treatment process involves placing a load of lumber in a huge cylindrical chamber called a retort with a door on one end that can be sealed airtight, and then forcing waterborne chemicals into the wood under pressure. pilings, bulkheads)UC5B: Marine use, central watersUC5C: Marine use, southern watersUCFA: Interior fire retardant lumberUCFB: Exterior fire retardant lumber. Home Depot Pressure-Treated Pine meets the highest grading standards for strength and appearance. At one point I asked the WSDA about this issue and was told this -- Fact: Pressure treated wood in contact with the soil will last much longer if all soil contact is eliminated. Treated wood is generally available as dimensional stock in 2x4s, 2x6s, 4x4s and 2x2s for rail components. In modern time pressure treated wood is stamped to indicate how much ground contact levels can be achieved. The lumber association with a mark or logo. For decks and docks of all kinds, many contractors choose UC4B and UC4C for the decking and framing. 5/4x6s and 2x6s for decking. Above ground treated wood is code compliant for deck projects that are six inches or more from the ground. pilings, utility poles)UC5A: Marine use, northern waters (e.g. Pressure-treated lumber is ideal for outdoor construction as it has a long, useful life span and is much less expensive than alternatives. Above-ground contact means the wood will not touch or be in the ground, and humans will be exposed to it. The numbers depend on the chemical preservative used in the treatment. The wood is manufactured for ground contact, so having it touch the earth is not specifically a defect. The intended use is identified on the tag stapled to each piece of lumber. Roller or brush. Mixing stick. Wood can be impregnated with a variety of preservative chemicals to prevent rot and insect infestation in exterior applications like decks. Number 3 - The lowest-quality grade. The ratings are based on the amount of preservative used to treat the wood. Mask . beams, flooring)UC3A: Exterior use, above ground, protected from damp (e.g. We employ UFP's superior treatment methods to create unsurpassed protection against everything nature and time can dish out. We’ll teach you the types of pressure treated wood. Several species of wood can be treated, but a regionally available species usually predominates in any particular locale. Span tables will list species separately for this reason. Roofing tar. Must be used when lumber is less than 6 inches from the ground or has poor ventilation. By clicking GO!, you acknowledge that you have read Trex's, Cedar Decking: Prices, Different Types, Maintenance & More, Redwood Decking: Cost, Maintenace & Types of Redwood, Common Wood Defects: Types & Causes of Lumber Issues, Pressure-Treated Wood: Types, Grading Standards & More, ACQ Alkaline Copper Quaternary (Type B or C), ACQ Alkaline Copper Quaternary (Type A or D), PTI Propiconazole-Tebuconazole-Imidicloprid, SBX Inorganic Boron (non-Formosan termites). Above-ground lumber is treated to a lower standard of resistance. A beat-up, decayed 2x8 covered in knots won’t be as strong as a clean, straight-grained one. Must be used for applications where wood is difficult to maintain or … 1. For wood meant to be buried—-as in Permanent Wood Foundation Systems (PWF’s)—-we want to see.60 ounces per board ft. PTI pressure treated wood products are relatively new to the market place and are not yet widely available in building supply stores. Experienced contractors know that you need to have lumber that is certified for “ground contact” or higher for humid, harsh, or near water applications. As the names suggest, ground-contact lumber is treated to a standard to withstand rot and decay even at the point where the lumber physically touches the ground, water or leaves. Suitable for burial or contact with the ground and fresh water immersion applications. Exterior exposed, above ground 0.060 0.060 3B Ground contact and fresh water use 0.15 0.15 4A Permanent Wood Foundation Lumber & Plywood 0.23 0.31 4B Plywood Sub-floor, damp above ground 0.060 0.050 2 Exterior, above ground 0.060 0.050 3B Ground contact and fresh water use 0.15 0.15 4A Poles, building Round 0.23 NA 4B Sawn 0.23 0.31 4B For outdoor projects, it’s important to understand the difference between Ground Contact treated wood and lumber designed for Above Ground use. There are a handful of species commonly used for structural framing, and while relatively similar, their properties affect how far they can span as joists. Termite wood treatment. When using lumber underground, you should always apply preservative to the lumber to prevent rot and termite damage. Preservative-treated wood is typically pressure-treated, where the chemicals are driven a short distance into the wood using a special vessel that combines pressure and vacuum. 2. #2 lumber, also called standard, has a rougher, knottier look. railings, fence pickets)UC4A: Exterior use, in contact with ground (e.g. Download our Treated Lumber Standards Chart. Boards will contain no splits larger than 1.5 times width of board. For performance. Not suitable for deck construction. Copyright © 2020 Trex Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Ground-contact pressure-treated wood: Ground-contact pressure-treated lumber can be used either above ground or in contact with the ground. 2x8s, 2x10s and 2x12s for joists, stair stringers and beams. Pressure-Treated Wood: Types, Grading Standards & More ... Unbranded 2 in. Most dimensional lumber is dried in a kiln, but treated wood is not dried after treatment. Before 2003, when manufacturers voluntarily stopped treating lumber intended for most residential uses with copper chromium arsenate, CCA-treated lumber was widely available in a single formulation that was rated for ground contact use. SYP logs yield a high proportion of sapwood, which works well to absorb preservative. High copper content in the preserved wood was in contact with galvanized fasteners and hardware (dissimilar metals). At Lowe's, it's important to provide high-quality treated lumber. Because treated wood is often still wet when it is delivered to the site, it will shrink slightly in width and thickness as it dries out. Ground-contact wood can be installed underground and should not harm … There are exceptions to this, such as foundation grade lumber and plywood, which needs to be dried to a moisture content of no more than 19 percent for lumber and 15 percent for plywood. Our wood is approved for exposure to water, weather, and for ground contact. Select - The highest grade available, contains very few detects. The American Wood Preservers’ Association (AWPA) also classifies pressure-treated lumber according to how it can be used. Learn more about pressure treated lumber. Code Compliant Above Ground and Ground Contact Treated Wood. Red and Ponderosa Pine - Less strong than SYP, found in northern U.S. and Canada. This can cause significant twisting, cupping, bowing and warping especially in lower-grade boards where knots and uneven grains are already present. For versatility. Container. It has a high consistency and the appearance is very good. It encompasses a group of western species. #2 lumber, also called standard, has a rougher, knottier look. Let’s go into why that’s important. Douglas Fir – It is very strong and is less prone to warping and spitting than SYP. MicroPro ® AC2 ® pressure-treated wood products are available for above ground (AG), ground and in-ground contact (GC), and ground contact for critical use (GCS) applications. What Is the Density of Pressure Treated Lumber. 6x6s for support posts and plywood. #1 lumber is usually used for applications where appearance matters, while #2 lumber is used where it will not be visible on the … Span tables will also list grades in separate columns to further fine-tune the maximum allowable span. Number 2 - Grain slope must meet minimum 1/8 grain slope. Choosing the Right Type of Pressure Treated Wood. 6x6s for support posts and plywood. There are several tried-and-true methods for treating lumber that have been developed in the construction building industry. August 18th 2017 How to Properly Choose Treated Wood .