One of the biggest issues with building with wood is that most types of wood have a limited lifespan when left out in the elements. Sun and moisture tend to take a toll on most types of lumber. In order to mitigate this issue, one of the most commonly used types of wood for outdoor construction or landscaping purposes is treated lumber. Treated lumber, also frequently called pressure treated lumber, uses intense pressure to force a chemical compound into the grain of the lumber that makes it resistant to rot and decay. At Country Lumber, we know when the benefits of treated lumber make it a necessity to use for building projects and our knowledgeable staff can help you to get the right type of wood for your upcoming project.
Advantages of Pressure Treated Lumber
Although treated lumber often costs more than natural wood, it is more than worth the extra money that it might cost in many circumstances. Some of the best reasons to use treated lumber for a project with exposure to the elements include:
Moisture Resistance
The best reason to use treated lumber is for its resistance to moisture. While most types of natural wood will absorb moisture and soften, treated lumber will repel moisture. Moisture in wood provides ground for many different microorganisms to grow and cause the wood to rot, so using treated lumber is a necessity in areas where moisture will be present, such as landscape features, decks, gazebos, bridges, and even docks and piers.
Resistance to Microorganisms
Pressure treated lumber is designed to repel moisture so that there is no ground for microorganisms to gain a footing on, but it is also designed to repel the microorganisms themselves. The chemical compounds used to treat lumber are all copper based in order to create an environment in which fungus, bacteria, and other microorganisms are unable to survive.
Insect Repellence
Insects such as carpenter ants or termites can cause big problems for wood structures, especially if the wood is prone to moisture. Many types of treated wood are designed to repel insect activity. Not only can treated lumber repel insects that can cause structural damage, but it can also work to keep bugs that are a nuisance, such as spiders, from becoming a problem.
If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of treated lumber, or if you would like to find out about any of the other services and supplies available from Country Lumber, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.