Wood Packaging Material (WPM). Best appearance (compared to Standard) High-quality lumber Smaller and fewer knots Standard Grade: Use when a rustic appearance is desired. The species and grade, however, affect the spacing between supports with #1 often rated for greater spans. Good appearance, but graded primarily for strength and serviceability. #1 vs #2 Pressure Treated | DIY Home Improvement Forum Most lumber in my area is listed as Prime or Premium depending on the box store and is stamped #2 or #2 & BTR. Typically, the first step of a third-party agency audit involves a review of the plants records. %PZqI]Hx(or3'Z1Ld8&.u$eIJ{\,a(1I4;^?dB;|+abd` wX{M\f/=#S8NS6~#|oNQ5 Lj|< W-&A^N'*6|t79Ir8:]3Y -Q/A9h.BBvX >A3s*E3_2pS\5a The main tree species used in the manufacture of pressure treated lumber are softwoods that regionally predominate in the mill area. The treatment doesnt penetrate deeply into the wood due to the impermeable nature of the wood cells. Recommended for construction where high strength, stiffness and good appearance are desired. Green unseasoned lumber fresh from the mill is labeled either air-dried (AD) or surface-green (S-GRN). Ultimately, our program provides an economically sound and standardized method of treatment, evaluation, labeling and certification for producers, specifiers and end users of pressure treated wood products. Raised floor homes look great and protect homeowners against risks from flooding and subsiding soils. Oil-based and creosote treatments are still used but since the preservatives leach out over time and with heat, they are considered too messy or hazardous for residential use. He is passionately interested in home improvement, renovation and woodworking. Final Price $ 27 40. each. Many DIYers and even some professionals arent familiar with the different types of pressure treated wood and their uses, or that the information is on the end-tag stapled to the board. It's easy to work with. But in an existing house where the framing is already dry, hell use more stable, and more costly, KD lumber, or even MC-15 lumber, which has a moisture content of 15 percent or less. Unfortunately, the water-soluble nature makes them susceptible to leaching out in rainy or wet areas, or near standing water. We think it is only appropriate to attempt to describe these grades for your reference to help you better understand what you currently stock and what is additionally available to you and your customers. #1 will have less knots and is typically spec'd for joists and rafters. A specific indicator or a specific method is then used to reveal the depth and consistency of preservative penetration. Im building a deck and am getting conflicting info on the difference between #1 and #2 PT. Pressure treated lumber has been treated with a chemical solution to protect it from insects, mold, mildew, and rot. The SPIB grade-mark is recognized as a sign of integrity within the industry. As I understand it, the grade refers to the number of knots in a given length. Kiln-dried wood vs pressure treated: what is better? Treating systems treated under an approved ICC-ES ESR allow code officials the option to accept these products as equivalent for meeting code, as referenced above. CCA is a mixture of chromium, copper, and arsenic that turns wood green. However, some KD-HT wood at your local lumber yard might have a tag on the end of the lumber that specifies PT. Research shows that . Research shows that Southern Pine can be expected to last for many decades when properly treated and installed for its intended use. All rights reserved. The solution protects against insects, mold, mildew, fungus, and rot, and turns the wood a light brown hue. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Walking into a lumberyard or store can be a daunting experience. PDF AC2 Pressure Treated 8:16 - Midwest Manufacturing 32524-0915 Tom saves money by ordering S-GRN wood when framing a new house, figuring that all the wood will air dry at the same pace. Powered by Discourse, best viewed with JavaScript enabled, www.strongtie.com/products/ptwoodfaqs.html, http://www.anthonyforest.com/pdfs/AWPA-Use-Category-System-U1-07.pdf. Treated posts or ties readily available at yards and stores are 35, 44, and 66; 88 is also available but may be a special order. I do like to cover the tops of the joists and beams with ice and water shield. Some mills may then identify it A, B, C, or D for appearance based on how clear or free it is of knots and blemishes. To limit the entry and spread of quarantine pest through international trade, the International Plant Protection Convention adopted the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade (ISPM 15). S;t HmM~[3`~Dl1Cj^x{}g.-GWlEu Yl[k4!42#>#13"J! 1pJ`w&Im0m/=BA!^/[xN XX=xEzGjB The HD guy is wrong. Treatment with preservatives protects wood that is exposed to the elements, in contact with the ground or subjected to high humidity. All rights reserved. Dimensional wood from all grades is pressure treated for different uses. Got your hard hat and high-vis vest? Ground contact means anything within 6-inches of the ground or in contact with the ground, foliage, grasses, or over water or wet areas. Tell us how we're doing! Each charge is tallied as to the specific Production Category that will be used to determine the level of sampling to be performed in the plants treated wood inventory. Bruce, I found more info on the heat treated wood. H|TnT1}W1yi= hEN4Kg8 bvlbh%gCXcX]NDRnFiUH>.Sl6Vi\(f^j+d}IT#h3Si [j6sG1Pbh`sX9W.+|FdqvJY/nm Sd@{D The best pressure treated wood for decks is Select, #1 or #2 grade wood. The two remaining designations, while not very useful to a homeowner, enable grading agencies to enforce their standards. Lumber that is KD (kiln-dried) or S-DRY (surface-dry) has a moisture content that is lower, between 16% and 19%. CCA is still used for industrial purposes today. Recommended for general construction uses. endstream endobj 145 0 obj <>stream Pressure treatment is an affordable alternative to expensive naturally rot-resistant lumber. A study by the EPA in 2000 deemed it too hazardous for residential use, and in 2003 the lumber industry agreed to stop using it for residential purposes. For demanding applications, such as interior load-bearing walls, hell pay extra for these stronger grades. JavaScript is disabled. Lumber, posts, and ties range from 8 to 16 in length, although longer may be ordered. Recommended where appearance and strength are a consideration. Box 10915 Pensacola, Fl. Has a better appearance than No.1 Dense Dimension Lumber because of additional restrictions on firm red heart, pith, knots and wane. In the 19th-century railway companies used creosote to coat railway ties and timbers for bridges. Pressure-Treated Southern Pine Tell us how were doing! It has a unique broad grain cellular structure that allows for uniform and deep penetration of chemical preservatives. H\Ak0:b @HZ=8&5FqjfvRut.I/55zb6+]5m&.wgUWm,ZM]nrO=gu${Tu?co2:4 Each charge sheet is reviewed to verify that all IQC requirements have been met and properly documented. The type of preservatives, retention level, and year it was treated are identified on the label. Recommended where appearance and strength are a consideration. Lumber structurally graded #1 or #1 & BTR (#1 and better) has a wood grain slope of 1 in 10. It must specifically be labeled ground contact. Water-repelling at a molecular level Come join the discussion about tools, projects, builds, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Some types of timber have natural abilities while others need a boost. #1 #2 prime etc deals with the quality of the board. Termawood is an unique technology that uses heat treatment for timber processing to significantly improve various characteristics of wood. Decking materials such as 26 and 5/46 frequently are of better-looking #1 and #2 lumber. THE TREATING PROCESS, QUALITY AND IQC RESPONSIBILITIES. two existing joists with this stamp are not dark in color like i think pressure treated wood should be I used to live to work. An excellent decking grade that can be used face side down for roof decking or face side up for floor decking. This website is presented by SFPA members, including: 2023 Southern Forest Products Association. WestWood Heat Treated Lumber Production Corporation vapor-stabilization technology is a patented wood heat treatment technology, utilizing a natural thermochemical reaction and steam at temperatures of 230-240 C (450 F) and exclusive of any chemical additives. All four longitudinal faces must be free of pith and/or heartwood. Pressure-Treated Pine meets the highest grading standards for strength and appearance. MCA is an environmentally friendly water-based preservative considered safe for humans and animals and is an alternative to CCA. Fax: (850) 434-1290. www.strongtie.com/products/ptwoodfaqs.html, FAQ: Pressure-Treated Wood | Simpson Strong-Tie. A high-pressure period is then undergone to push the preservative deep into the wood. Treated Wood | SPIB | Southern Pine Inspection Bureau Sep 13, 2020 i would not use that for cutting boards,looks to be a soft wood and you want a hardwood like maple or cherry. The scope of the ALSC review may also include physical inspection of treated wood products at the plant location to verify penetration and retention as a means of comparing against previous findings by the agency. Recommended where a combination of economical construction and good strength is desired. 3 and Stud 12" wide 2050 1900 1750 1350 1250 1150 1150 975 900 575 1100 1050 900 725 675 600 575 550 525 325 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 . SPIB is able to assist manufacturers achieve and maintain the quality that their customers require by employing highly qualified instructors. SPIB is committed to assisting our customers meet their treatment goals in the most cost-effective means possible. The result of having a unified rating means the end-tag on lumber identifies how well the wood will stand up in different conditions, regardless of the chemical cocktail its been exposed to. ehV$W'A There are many questions about the different treated wood products in our market today. MSR Scaffold Plank is available 2"-thick only. The International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) similarly approves preservative systems through its Evaluation Service Reports (ESRs). . So if you see HT on the stamp theres no real reason to doubt its treated but there is no way to know for sure on a brand new deck. Douglas fir, fir, and hemlock dominate in the western U.S. and Canada, with Douglas fir ranking the strongest of the commonly milled and treated softwoods, while the fir and hemlock are slightly stronger than SPF. The ALSC also accredits third-party agencies, like SPIB, to inspect treating plants that produce treated lumber products with preservative systems listed in the American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) Book of Standards (BOS). CCA is comprised of arsenic, chromium and copper. H\n0l/$x\$-"-! '\ & Ls30+X61j\e(gV]]M(q9qs)loyM Here are the grades and types of lumber most commonly available, plus the percentage of clear wood you could expect for the appearance market or grade: Lumber with few or no knots or blemishes may be called premium by some mills or retailers to capitalize on DIYers wish for better-looking lumber. The treated wood is then taken to the yard to dry naturally or to the drying kilns before shipping to the retailer. Behind the Mark: A Look at the SPIB Treated Wood Inspection Process The tag identifies its proper use Above Ground, Ground Contact, etc. Used for such purposes as studding, blocking, plates, bracing and rafters. #2 Prime Southern Yellow Pine Above Ground Actual: 1.5-in x 5.5-in x 12-ft #2 Prime Southern Yellow Pine Above Ground Actual: 1.5-in x 5.5-in x 12-ft Treated for protection against fungal decay, rot and termites Treatment meets AWPA (American Wood Protection As Now I must drink to work. MSR lumber is distinguished from visually stress graded lumber in that each piece is non-destructively tested. It has a grain slope of 1 in 12, may have seasoning checks, and tight, well-spaced knots up to 2-1/4 on a 28. WWPA offers a heat treatment certification program for mills to stamp qualifying lumber with the KD - HT mark. It needs to be treated every 2 to 3 years (depending on the environment) to protect it from moisture damage. See Finish grades for face side; reverse side wane limitations are lower. No matter what it is called or tagged, it should bear a stamp on the wood surface identifying it as SS, #1, # 2, or #3. We've downsized and im already overimproved. Tel: 843-236-9399. Structurally, an SPF #3 28 can be used to span distances of 12-4. However, the tight grain also makes it less receptive to pressure treatment. These requirements are initially checked by the producing treating plant, but are ultimately verified by independent, third-party agencies that ensure plants produce treated wood products in accordance with industry standards. The clear appearance makes it a choice for trim, furniture, and cabinetry. It is the material of choice with both professionals and do-it-yourselfers for projects exposed to the rigors of weather, hot, humid climates, decay, and termites. In preparation for treatment, like lumber products are grouped together onto moving trams and placed into a large cylinder for treatment of the charge. I noticed that a 2x8x16 is 5 bucks less a board at HD than the quote that a lumber yard gave, but everything the lumber yard quoted is ground contact. The appearance doesnt affect the structural grade, it just is superficially more appealing. Recommended for uses where high strength, stiffness and good Abbreviations for framing-grade softwoods, from strongest to weakest, Doug Fir, D Fir- L: Douglas fir (L=western larch). May 26, 2016. Pro Note: All copper-based wood preservative solutions will corrode unprotected iron and steel brackets and fasteners. SPIB is a not-for-profit company that serves as the rules-writing agency for the Standard Grade Rules in Southern pine lumber. The unique cellular structure of Southern Pine permits deep and uniform penetration of preservatives, rendering the wood useless as a food source for fungi, termites and micro-organisms. There is no structural premium grade, it is strictly a term for bright looking wood free of blemishes or knots. r Then I worked to live. IMO when buying PT for above ground use, quality and appearance is what counts. Larger sizes conform to Dense Structural 65 Structural Lumber except for dense grain requirement. Here is another good link a guy posted over on Ins News The wood weathers better than untreated wood and wont gray or discolor as quickly. This double treated Ground Contact lumber must be used for applications where treated lumber is difficult to maintain, repair or replace. Being 80% or more clear of defects, it is often used for cabinetry, furniture, and trim. Home Derpo person said that #2 is ground contact and stronger. By submitting your email, you agree to our, 5 Easy Ways to Remove Scratches from a Glass Window, Build It | Shaker End Table with Char Miller-King, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Most likely it is a treated board, since most treated lumber is sold wet, some yards sell K.D.A.T. Re-inspection of plant production is performed on a routine frequency by the agency. MCA can be used inside or out, above ground, in-ground, or in fresh-water contact residential areas. Reasonably clear, but permits limited number of surface checks and small tight knots. If the wood is #1, it is stamped #1. r Usable lengths suitable for bracing, blocking, bulkheading and other general utility purposes where strength and appearance are not a consideration. SYP holds almost 85% of the U.S. pressure treated market. The kinds of softwood available in different geographic regions often determine what species is available for pressure treatment. it's primarily 2x planks. 1s and Selects, to boot. Copyright 2023 This Old House Ventures, LLC. A walk down the lumber aisle or through a lumberyard will provide some understanding of the differences between #1 and #2 grade pressure treated lumber, or increase your confusion. The type identifies the amount of chemical retention which in turn determines how or where to best use the lumber. Most is not. Different chemicals have been used in the preservative bath, with changes being made to limit health risks to humans and animals.