Pressure Treated Lumber

Pressure-treated wood is lumber that has been infused with preservation agents that protect it from severe weather, rot, and insects. Generally made with southern yellow pine, the lumber is placed into a pressurized tank, which causes the wood to absorb the preservation treatment fully. If you’re looking to build a long-lasting project outside, whether residential or commercial, this is your wood.

Benefits of Pressure Treated Lumber

• Protection from the weather – Rain, snow, and sun will not affect pressure treated wood like they would otherwise. The treatment can protect your project from the elements for up to 20 years or more.
• Protection from insects – The preservation agents used in the treatment are safe for humans to touch but act as a repellent to insects like termites and beetles, once again extending the life of your project.
• Protection from fungi – The preservation agents also keep moss, mold, and other fungal rot from occurring. Humidity and moisture are held at bay with pressure treated wood.

Treated Lumber Stocked at Each Curtis Lumber Store

This list represents the pressure-treated lumber stocked at each Curtis Lumber store location. However, all types of lumber can be delivered throughout our service area the next day. Contact the closest store if you don’t see something you are looking for.

Common Projects Using Treated Lumber

You should seriously consider using pressure-treated wood for the following exterior projects. Also, be sure to use the properly labeled wood, tagged for “Ground Contact”.

• Decks & porches – If you want your deck to last not just years but decades, pressure treated lumber is the ideal choice. It’s terrific for posts and joists, floor boards, railings, stairs and any other part of your deck or porch that will be exposed to the elements of nature.
• Picnic tables – Even if you put your picnic table away for the winter, it remains outside for much of the spring, summer, and fall. Pressure treated wood is often used to protect picnic tables from the rain and sun. When properly sealed, it is safe to eat off, though you should still use plates and bowls when serving your food.
• Fences & posts – Putting in a natural wood fence can provide an appealing privacy barrier that’s beautiful to look at. But if you’re going to take the time and cost of a wood fence, you’ll want it to last a long time. This is why pressure treated wood is used. It is also good for posts that will hold mailboxes, pergolas, dog houses, and lights.
• Outdoor furniture – Just like when it’s used for a deck, pressure treated lumber makes for a great choice when it comes to long-lasting, outdoor furniture.
• Retaining walls & garden beds – Being in constant contact with soil is no problem for pressure treated wood, thanks to its resistance to mold. A bonus: its insect repellent feature helps keep unwanted pests off your plants and vegetables!
• Walkways & permanent foundations – Keeping a beautiful wooden walkway, or timbered foundation, for years to come is attainable with pressure treated lumber. Whether your walkway is an extension from your deck and foundation, or isolated somewhere else on the property, you’ll get to enjoy it year-round.
• Gazebos – The elegant beauty of your gazebo will stay impressive, down to the most intricate detail, when you build it from pressure treated wood. With the resilience of pressure treated lumber, your gazebo can entertain your friends and family for back-to-back generations.

Handling, Safety Tips, and Maintenance

• Sawdust & debris – Clean all remnants of your construction and dispose of them properly in your ordinary trash collection. Pressure treated wood should not be used for burning.
• Food & animals – Pressure treated wood is not recommended for cutting boards, counter tops, structures storing animal feed or human food, or coming in contact with drinking water.
• Protective gear – Wear a dust mask and goggles when cutting any lumber.
• Cleaning your wood – Use a deck brightener to clean the wood and keep its appearance healthy-looking.
• Water repellent – For extra protection against moisture, apply water repellent once your project is in place and finished being built. It is recommended to apply this every year or two.
• Painting & staining – Pressure treated wood may take a little while longer to dry, but when it is, it’s best to use oil-based paints and stains, which can be applied immediately.