Should You Use Pressure Treated Wood For Outdoor Furniture

Treated wood also known as pressure treated wood or pt is widely available to consumers for home and garden projects.

Should you use pressure treated wood for outdoor furniture. Pressure treated wood that s labeled as above ground use has a lower concentration of preservative chemicals and thus should be kept away from. Teak wood furniture is long lasting and when you buy outdoor wood furniture teak is probably the most popular option but it still comes at a high price tag. Woods for outdoor projects. This wood far outlasts any natural softwood and although not at.

A premium grade 2x6x16 board clear knot free costs about 20 yellerwood which works out to about 1 25 bf. Kdat pressure treated wood is by far the best. Reputable manufacturers offer warranties of 15 to 30 years against rot decay and insect attack. Lumber treated with cca contains arsenic and is not safe.

Lumber treated with sodium borate sbx or micronized copper quaternary mcq is generally safe as long as you don t use it for a food surface or in a place where pets can chew it. In many circumstances the wood is also going to contain a marking if it has been pressure treated. It is well used as decking on yachts and other boats because of its ultimate weather resistance. Teak wood is used mainly for outdoor furniture however you can see it used as a decking too.

Tell us a little about the finishing process you use too. Other parts of the country may use other species of wood. Some are rated above ground use and some are rated ground contact. Non pressure treated wood will smell more natural like the outdoors.

Pressure treated wood should be easier to pick up on the smell of the chemicals and other additives used to preserve the wood. Staining and sealing outdoor wood is among the best ways to protect it from the elements. The wood that is normally used is softwood and typically yellow southern pine. This type of wood should be avoided for use in your outdoor furniture although if the wood you re using wasn t manufactured using chromated arsenicals cca it could still be used if needed.

You can find treated lumber plywood lap siding and even specialty items like lattice and pre cut stair parts. When using pressure treated wood indoors check the label. What do you use for outdoor furniture where you are. By matt weber.

The three most widely available and suitable exterior lumber choices not treated with chemical preservatives include western red cedar redwood and cypress. Lastly you can always smell the wood. Of course pressure treated wood is intended for outdoor use.