It’s because the chemicals used to pressure treat wood aren’t safe for humans. … This is why non-pressure treated wood is still required for use indoors, and why builders recommended that you only use pressure treated lumber for the support structure of a deck and switch to untreated wood for the surface.

Is it OK to use untreated wood for decking?

Yes, you can use untreated wood to build a deck, but not without preparing it first. You can’t, of course, pressure treat it yourself, but you will need to seal; the wood and stain/paint it to ensure the wood is ready to take on the harsh external weather.

How long will untreated wood last on a deck?

A deck made of untreated wood can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. Decks made of treated wood and composite materials can last as long as 50 years.

Can you use regular lumber for a deck?

Both pine and standard “white wood” lumber work well for deck construction. Some pines are nearly as resistant to rot as cedar, and both of these options take paint well. … Paint will increase the longevity of a pine deck to some extent, but cannot give the same results as cedar, redwood or treated lumber.

Does decking have to be treated?

Does decking need painting or preserving? Ideally, any decking should have some form treatment. Although all softwood decking should have been pressure treated to ensure a long life, your deck will benefit from a little bit of TLC every few years or so.

Why is treated lumber cheaper than untreated?

Affordability. Pressure-treated wood is notably cheaper than cedar, redwood, and other types of wood. And, because of its durability, you’re much less likely to experience a need for costly repairs in the future. It is a great choice for those operating on a smaller budget.

Can I leave my deck untreated?

It is highly unlikely that the deck will rot, splinter or decay if you choose not to have it finished and you can always choose to stain and protect the deck at a later date.

What can you use instead of pressure treated wood?

There are many safer alternatives to pressure-treated lumber for raised beds, including: raw lumber (pine, douglas fir), composite timber, recycled plastics, logs, rock, brick, concrete blocks, steel, and stone.

Is pressure treated wood necessary?

In general, pressure-treated lumber is recommended in situations where there is direct contact between the wood and anything that could supply moisture: Retaining walls, which function to support landscaping projects and hold back soil. Any posts or beams that come in contact with the ground or are buried underground.

What can I use for deck boards?

The three common choices when it comes to wood decks are redwood, cedar and pressure-treated wood that can be made of various types of wood species. Redwood and cedar are both naturally insect and rot resistant and have a natural look, but each has its own inherent issues.

Article first time published on

How can you tell the difference between treated and untreated wood?

How can you tell if wood is treated? Pressure-treated lumber has end tags or stamps identifying the chemical used. It can have a green or brown color from the treating process. Treated wood can smell oily or chemical as opposed to a nice natural smell of untreated wood.

How do you seal untreated wood outside?

1. Use linseed or Tung oil to create a beautiful and protective hand-rubbed finish.
2. Seal the wood with coating of polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer.
3. Finish and waterproof wood simultaneously with a stain-sealant combo.

How long will treated 2x4 last outside?

Pressure treated lumber can extend the lifespan of outdoor projects. It protects against rot and insect damage but requires regular maintenance and treatment to prevent moisture damage. With care, treated wood will last 40 or more years.

How many years will a wood deck last?

THE AVERAGE LIFESPAN OF A WOOD DECK: Typically 10 to 15 years.

How long will treated timber last?

Wood that has been pressure treated should last a good 15 years, or more if they are well cared for. Our timber products are pressure treated to the highest standards, meaning that they won’t rot anywhere near as fast as untreated timber would.

How many years does decking last?

Hardwood decking has known to last over 40 years, although pressure treated softwood can last just as long if it’s treated well. Left untreated, softwood decking can last between 10 to 15 years, so over time hardwood can be a more economical material.

Do you have to seal treated lumber?

Although treated wood is protected against decay and termite attack, the application of a water-repellent sealer to all exposed wood surfaces is recommended upon completion of construction. This sealer will help control surface checking (splitting or cracking) and provide an attractive appearance.

Do I need to treat the ends of pressure treated lumber?

Whilst treating or sealing any cut ends is important with any Treated Lumber product, maintaining a sealed end is most important when applicating Pressure Treated lumber in-ground, such as Fence Posts and Landscaping / Retaining Wall.

Do you have to stain treated wood?

So, even though the wood is treated, it is best to apply a stain–or at least a water repellent–as soon as your project is dry enough. … The first tip for working with pressure-treated lumber is to let it dry before using it.

Which is stronger treated or untreated wood?

Pressure treated lumber is no stronger than untreated lumber. The difference between the two is that pressure treated lumber will resist the elements better than untreated due to chemical preservatives added, and so will maintain its integrity in conditions that would cause normal wood to rot.

Can untreated timber be used outside?

If all you’re looking for is 5 years of outdoor life, then normal untreated timber would last that long as long as it is well aired and all sides of it are able to ‘breath’. If you treat it with a paint-on wood preserver, it’ll last even longer.

What type of wood is best for a deck?

Overall, our experts at Patio Productions recommend Cedar or Redwood as the best wood choice for outdoor decks. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, pressure treated wood is your next best option.

Does deck framing need to be pressure treated?

While all deck joists should be pressure-treated wood, PT wood now is not the same as 30 years ago. … This change in building practice helps to reduce wood rot. In the past, pressure-treated wood was protected by chromate copper arsenate (CCA), which prevented rot, but due to its arsenic, it ended use in 2003.

What does it mean when lumber is no 1 common?

Number 1 Common (No. a minimum board size of 3” wide. a minimum length of 4′ long. a clear face yield of 66-2/3% up to, but less than, the FAS minimum yield of 83-1/3%

What is better pressure treated wood or cedar?

When it comes to comparing treated wood vs. cedar, pressure-treated wood is the sturdier and more weather-proof of the two. It’s highly resistant to insect attack and rot, and special versions rated for “ground contact” can be buried in soil and will continue to shrug off decay for decades.

Why is treated wood bad?

What’s bad about pressure-treated wood? … Because of the vacuum, the chemicals are carried deep into the wood. Chromium is a bactericide, copper a fungicide, and arsenic an insecticide, and all arrest decay of some kind. All three are toxic, but chromium and copper don’t raise many concerns.

Is there a pressure-treated lumber shortage?

In the USA there is a widely-reported shortage of pressure-treated pine and softwood framing lumber used ostensibly in new home construction and deck construction. Contractors throughout the USA are having trouble sourcing the material, and when they can, prices have soared in response to the shortage.

Should I use deck boards or 2x6?

2×6 is thicker and is stronger, but is also more expensive. Spacing between deck boards provide a few critical functions. The primary function is to drain water from the deck. Gaps that are narrow (1/8”), can catch debris, specifically on top of the joists, and can be difficult to clean out.

Should deck joists be 2x6 or 2x8?

For upper-level decks, 2×10 is recommended as the minimum size to use for strong guard post connections. 2×6 joists should only be used on ground-level decks that do not require, and will not provide for, any guards. … Most decks use 16″ on center spacing for joists.

How do you build a deck without wood?

1. Composite Decking.
2. PVC Decking.
3. Vinyl Decking Systems.
4. Aluminum Decking.
5. Vinyl Tiles.
6. Bamboo Decking.
7. Rubber Paver Tiles.
8. Interlocking Grass Deck Tiles.

What is non treated wood?

Untreated lumber is the closest you will get to all natural wood, unless you fell your own tree. Treated lumber is infused with chemicals to resist deterioration due to weather, rot and boring insects. The primary differences between these two types of building materials lie in durability and health concerns.