Doug
Joined: 12 Aug 2004
Posts: 74
Location: Dallas,Texas
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 3:24 pm Post subject: Treated Lumber |
|
|
Does treated lumber rot any slower than untreated wood?
Untreated lumber will fully rot in about 2 years depending on species when in full ground contact. Pressure treated lumber is rated for 20 years and can normally last as long as 30 - 35 years in full ground contact.
However, there are non- treated alternatives like the plastic woods, e.g trex. Cedar, Cypress, Redwood, Bo Dark, sp. are alternatives as is a northern wood called Ironwood. They will last much longer than most, but not as long a pressure treated member. There are natural oils and processes that can inject boric acid. These are topical applications and not "pressure" treated where the preservatives are sent deep into the cellular structure of the member.
Currently arsenic and chromium have been illuminated from pressure treatment. Now manufacturers are using boric acid and copper salts; as I understand, both are organic and the chemical issues have been addressed. That said, I don't have an issue using the new pressure treated wood as I did with the older material.
GOlp |
|
