Pressure Treated Wood (137)

Build the next project with pressure-treated wood, an economical building material for decking, external woodwork, and fencing. Pressure treatment entails immersing wood in a preservative and applying pressure to force the chemicals deep into the wood fibres. Once dry, the chemical preservative provides extended protection against decay and insect infestation. A pressure-treated wood deck will last 15 to 20 years or longer with regular maintenance.

Choose blemish-free cedar wood for handrails and decorative finishes. Finish your deck with deck accessories such as post caps, stair stringers, and steps.

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Extend the life of your deck by building it with pressure-treated lumber. This lumber does not hold much moisture and is resistant to rot and other damage. A pressure-treated wood deck requires relatively little maintenance, freeing you to enjoy your weekends or to spend time on other projects.

The injection of specific chemicals into the wood makes it more resistant to fungus and rot. This is critical if you live along the coast, in a rainy region, or near one of Canada’s many lakes. In recent decades, advancements in manufacturing processes and chemicals have made pressure-treated lumber safer for DIY homeowners to use.

This lumber comes in two main colours, brown or green. The colour comes from the copper base found in many of the chemicals used to create treated lumber. Many homeowners enjoy the deep, rich hues, and leave the wood as-is. Although this is a good choice for pressure-treated wood decks, you can change the colour with stain, deck paint, or another coating. This adds an extra layer of protection to the lumber for an even longer usable life.

Pressure-treated wood comes in various pre-cut dimensions. This includes square profiles for use as fence posts and deck supports and rectangular boards for decking. It’s important to note that when you cut pressure-treated lumber, you expose a surface to the air. Chemicals from pressure treatment don’t absorb completely through the lumber, which means the ends require further protection. You can use a copper-based wood treatment to provide a measure of added protection and to impart a colour that closely matches the lumber’s existing colour.

While most often used to make pressure-treated wood decks, this building material is also useful for other applications. Create arbours and trellises for vines and ivy, or build summer gazebos, fences, and sheds as useful entertainment, privacy, and storage additions to your garden.