What You Need to Know About Pressure Treated Wood

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How Can I Differentiate Treated Lumber?

Most pressure treated lumber will have an end tag to identify what type of chemicals it was treated with and whether it is rated for “ground contact” or “above ground use” only.

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Is Arsenic in Pressure Treated Lumber?

There is still some arsenic in some pressure treated lumber, but not as much as there used to be. For many decades one of the most common preservatives used in the residential construction industry has been Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA). And YES, Arsenate is a type of arsenic and is considered poisonous when exposed to high enough amounts.

In the early 2000’s, public concerns arose about arsenic-contamination in public children’s playgrounds, which led to larger concerns about the overall safety of CCA treated wood. In 2003, the EPA arranged a voluntary agreement with manufacturers of wood treatment chemicals to remove lumber treated with CCA from most residential construction uses. CCA treated wood may still be used for permanent wood foundations, highway construction, fence posts, poles used as structural members on farms, marine construction, and lumber and timber for salt water use.

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Do I Need Special Fasteners for Treated Wood?

Yes, fasteners such as nails, screws, and bolts used on treated wood needs to be hot-dipped zinc-coated galvanized steel, stainless steel, silicon bronze or copper.  Check the label on the fasteners to see if they will work with your treated wood.

(Note: the IRC contains an exception for ½-inch diameter (or larger) steel anchor bolts.

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