Selecting the correct type of treated wood for a project often depends on how and where it will be used. In this article, well explain pressure treated (pt) lumber, the different types and uses, and how it is graded. Suitable for stud uses including use in load-bearing walls. 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. Recommended for general framing purposes. hVmO9 ^TUJk[ The tag identifies its proper use Above Ground, Ground Contact, etc. Most lumber in my area is listed as Prime or Premium depending on the box store and is stamped #2 or #2 & BTR. Its appearance ranking requires it to be 75% free of knots or defects. Research shows that . It is not as strong as the other grades and is commonly used for where it wont be visible, and light framing purposes such as bracing, crates, and pallets. The stamp identifies the wood species, grade, moisture content, inspection organization, and the mill it came from. It is stronger than #2 or #3 grade lumber. The wood is commonly used for light construction or framing where it isnt visible, or for bracing, packaging, and shipping purposes. Pressure treatment is an affordable alternative to expensive naturally rot-resistant lumber. The grade mark can include "1W" or "2W" if visually graded to the wane requirements for No.1 or No.2 dimension lumber, respectively. Just to second what rjniles just said, the HD guy couldn't be more wrong (imagine that). Fax: (850) 434-1290. Most likely it is a treated board, since most treated lumber is sold wet, some yards sell K.D.A.T. The ranking goes from Select Structural (highest strength, best appearance) to No. materials that may be exported. Listed spans are for wet-service conditions, pressure-treated Southern Pine floor/deck joists, MC > 19%. An easy way to identify the right framing lumber for your needs. Application of these grade-marks represents assurance by the manufacturer that their Southern Pine lumber product is properly manufactured and meets the grade requirements of their customers, ensuring consumer confidence in Southern Pine lumber products. BOARD GRADES. The very basic quality control attributes to evaluate the level of treatment in lumber products is the determination of the depth of preservative penetration and the analysis of preservative retention in a specified, outer assay zone. As you look through our website, you will recognize the many different grades of lumber we stock. These Standards are very prescriptive in the requirements for Quality Control procedures, preservative penetration, analysis methods for retention, in-plant equipment, records and third-party agency responsibilities and requirements. Pressure treated lumber commonly is end-tagged with an information label before leaving the plant. Both #2 grades have all the characteristics, including knot size, of regular #2 grades but are selected for 4 square edges (very light to no-wane or bark). It is most commonly used for sheathing and applications where a fine finish is not required. Pressure-Treated Pine meets the highest grading standards for strength and appearance. Premium is usually #1 or #2 grade lumber. 2 lumber, which provides good strength at a reasonable price. SPIB is subject to continual review by IAS to ensure that the laboratory and agency records remain in compliance. 2, and No. SPIB performs these functions through the accreditation of the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) as appointed by the Department of Commerce. I hope you have a better understanding of what pressure treatment means and which grade and type is best for your project. Pressure treated lumber has been infused with preservatives to prevent rot and insect damage. Pressure treated wood used for in-ground or critical use has a greater retention level than timber used for above or ground contact. Select grade lumber may have a knothole every 4 and splits can not be longer than the board is wide. As I understand it, the grade refers to the number of knots in a given length. However, it shouldnt be used where it comes in contact with food or animal feed. %PDF-1.5 % It often links with the logo or symbol of the association that oversees the grading at that mill. Select Structural (SS) is the highest grade based on strength and durability. Recommended for general construction uses. This process is required through the plants Internal Quality Control (IQC) for all treated lumber products to be represented as meeting an applicable standard. Eugene has been a DIY enthusiast for most of his life and loves being creative while inspiring creativity in others. Then I worked to drink. Its moisture content of 19 percent or more makes it inexpensive, but it can move unpredictably as it shrinks and dries. I guess it is just a regional thing. CCA is a mixture of chromium, copper, and arsenic that turns wood green. The quest for decent boards begins. Generally clear, although a. H\n0l/$x\$-"-! A final vacuum removes the excess preservative from the woods surface before the charge is removed from the cylinder and placed on the drip pad. Regardless of whether the preservative system is approved through the AWPA or ICC-ES process, the inspection and analytical standards used to monitor the respective quality attributes are delineated in the AWPA Book of Standards. Please keep in mind, that with the advent of prime grades, the differences between the grades of lumber have become even more defined and distinct. vX63t$i"CIdxGFG(bpX@F2@2@pGG1Z@? The longer the wood is in the pressure chamber, the greater the content of chemical preservatives forced into and retained in the wood. Bruce, I found more info on the heat treated wood. The cores are removed by a specialized boring bit on the edge of the lumber, near the mid-length of the piece. Excellent for painting or natural finish where requirements are less exacting. CCA Pressure-Treated Wood Wood-constructed homes, roof shakes and shingles, exterior decks, and children's play equipment that were built before 2004 and not made of cedar or redwood were likely constructed using wood that was pressure-treated with CCA, or chromated copper arsenate. The recommended type of treated wood for in-ground use is UC4B and UC4C; UC4B has a higher retention level than lower graded types, and UC4C has even more. As a result, we have more grades available to our customers now than at any other time in the history of our company. ? More knots than Premium grade Lumber with more checks, splits, wane, well-spaced larger knots and holes, and a grain slope of 1 in 4 are stamped #3 or construction grade. They dont discolor the wood and protect against insects, molds, mildew, and fungi. The dry wood is loaded into a treatment cylinder which is then sealed and depressurized to vacuum as much air as possible from the wood cells. Grade based on No.1 Dimension Lumber except wane and other characteristics that affect appearance are limited. No.1 Drop Siding is graded as No.1 Boards; No.1 Flooring and Paneling not provided under SPIB Grading Rules as a separate grade, but if specified, will be designated and graded as D. Graded as No.2 Boards. Ground contact level treatment (.15 pcf) has more than double the preservative of above ground level treated wood (.07 pcf) Lighter, more natural wood appearance for improved staining qualities. Records, trained personnel and an approved, properly equipped laboratory (either in-house or an approved external lab) are also required to complement the penetration and retention sampling requirements. Similar to MCA, the treated wood shouldnt be used in contact with food or animal feed. Each charge sheet is reviewed to verify that all IQC requirements have been met and properly documented. . Pressure treated wood may require several weeks or even months to dry before it will absorb stain or paint. &_ePM&dWCh Well-manufactured material evaluated by calibrated mechanical grading equipment which measures certain properties and sorts the lumber into various strength classifications. Appearance is same as D Finish for thicknesses 4" and less and widths 12" and less. At the end of the pressurized period, the solution is pumped out and stored for use on the next batch. Pressure treated lumber has been treated with a chemical solution to protect it from insects, mold, mildew, and rot. Recommended for construction where high strength, stiffness and good appearance are desired. Grade based on No.2 Dimension Lumber except wane and other characteristics that affect appearance are limited. MSR lumber is distinguished from visually stress graded lumber in that each piece is non-destructively tested. Provides good appearance with some of, Maximum recommended support spacing is 24" on center (16" on center for Imported Southern Pine), High-quality product, recommended where smallest knots are, Slightly less restrictive than premium grade. Outside building projects and even some damp areas inside require wood that is resistant to moisture damage. The process is similar for treating milled lumber, plywood, posts, or utility poles against rot and insects. This lumber has been non-destructively evaluated by an American Lumber Standard Committee approved machine. The best pressure treated wood for decks is Select, #1 or #2 grade wood. #2 Prime grade has the strength of #2 grade lumber, but will look better, with fewer knots Premium Grade: Use when small knots are desired and appearance is very important. For additional information on the proper handling and storage of pressure-treated Southern Pine materials,click here. Premium is often identified as A, B, C, and D. A has no visible defects, knots, or splits, B has a few small defects visible, C may have small knots on one side and none on the other, and D may have pin size (up to 1/2) knots or small defects on both sides. Green Building Material . 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. The chemical treatment makes the wood resists insects, mold, mildew, and rot but not moisture-proof. Most is not. For demanding applications, such as interior load-bearing walls, hell pay extra for these stronger grades. As the numbers go up, quality and price go down. Application of the product requires pressure treatment by an approved treating process and preservative for marine usage. 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. Unseasoned or green lumber has a moisture content of 19% or greater and subject to shrinkage and warping as it dries. Kiln-dried wood is lighter, easier to work with, and less likely to split. SYP Lumber Sales. All rights reserved. maple, oak, birch, etc. Office: (850) 434-2611 | Toll Free: (800) 995-7742 http://www.anthonyforest.com/pdfs/AWPA-Use-Category-System-U1-07.pdf. Box 10915 Pensacola, Fl. Abbreviations for framing-grade softwoods, from strongest to weakest, Doug Fir, D Fir- L: Douglas fir (L=western larch). 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. Pressure treated to a Ground Contact retention of either ACQ or CA Chemical preservative. Dense Select Structural Select Structural. #1 #2 prime etc deals with the quality of the board. The grades are stamped prior to the wood being treated, so are the same for both treated and untreated. The label will show w/CE which means with color enhancement. There are different types of treatment and lumber grades for different uses. Premium and select classifications and the percentage of clear wood are appearance grades used by some mills and retailers. What is the Best Pressure Treated Wood for Decks? 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. Now I must drink to work. Use in-ground type lumber where there is a greater risk of deterioration or severe environmental exposure, or for critical structural components like foundation posts, exposure to fresh or groundwater, or utility poles. The look of the wood is only important if it is highly visible, such as deck boards, railings, and other visible structural members. r Modern science has developed preservative treatments that are odorless and colorless, and leave the wood paintable and dry to the touch. Basements and bathrooms are other areas where pressure treated wood can be used to frame interior walls to protect against moisture, mildew, and mold damage. However, they make an ideal solution for use in arid or dry locations. A specific indicator or a specific method is then used to reveal the depth and consistency of preservative penetration. The grade mark can include "1W" or "2W" if visually graded to the wane requirements for No.1 or No.2 dimension lumber, respectively. Charges found non-conforming, either through plant IQC or third-party, are isolated for correction and the corrective actions are to be documented accordingly. Number 2 grade lumber often has more knots and blemishes than #1 grade but may be clear enough on one face to be deemed select or premium. Usable lengths suitable for bracing, blocking, bulkheading and other general utility purposes where strength and appearance are not a consideration. But using bigger joists of a cheaper species might save you money without loss of strength. Southern yellow pine in the eastern U.S., spruce pine and fir in the northern U.S. and eastern-central Canada, and Douglas fir, fir, and hemlock in the western U.S. and Canada. Combination for B&B and C grades; satisfies requirements for. CCA is still used for industrial purposes today. 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. 32524-0915 | Office: (850) 434-2611 | Fax: (850) 434-1290. it is damn difficult to tell the differance on the new stuff. Different chemicals have been used in the preservative bath, with changes being made to limit health risks to humans and animals. Box 10915 Pensacola, Fl. The wood is 43% clear for appearance grading. IQC results of treatment for each charge are required to be documented in the plant records to correspond to the individual charge reports. The SPIB publishes grading rules under which 95% of the production of the entire industry is classified and sold and maintains an extensive training program in a classroom setting, on the web, and at the mills. The stamps on lumber do not always include everything, the PT data is usually just on one of those plastic tags stapled on the end of the board which gets cut off or removed. Grade based on No.1 Dimension Lumber except wane and other characteristics that affect appearance are limited. Lumber is stamped after it is milled and prior to being pressure treated. All Scaffold Plank design values are calculated using ASTM Standards D245 and D2555. Typically, the first step of a third-party agency audit involves a review of the plants records. Denotes the woods species or a group of species with similar strengths. Similar in appearance to No.1 Dimension Lumber. {Vzgil=ecQ*Q\o[lb[9X^gZyzzxzxxxyO`}@}(% m6@93 gx$?yV7`{x"?W@_} s It has nothing to do with the wood being pressure treated (PT) at all. Working with pressure treated lumber is similar to working with untreated planks. The grade-mark must contain the first four items listed below; the fifth item is optional. Box 10915 Pensacola, Fl. It must specifically be labeled ground contact. The appearance doesnt affect the structural grade, it just is superficially more appealing. A high-pressure period is then undergone to push the preservative deep into the wood. I did some research and found that they only staple the PT label to the end of the boards in many cases. ACQ is another environmentally safe preservative composed of soluble copper and either quaternary ammonium alkyl or substitute compounds. Building codes, inspectors, builders, engineers, and other professionals use the grades to make sure structures are safe for use. The certification identifies the grade rules used to grade the lumber for example, ALSC is the American Lumber Standard Committee and NLGA is the National Lumber Grades Authority. Twenty cores are taken randomly throughout the charge to measure the depth of preservative penetration in each core. The stapled on label will have w/CE to indicate with color enhancement, she is correct. It's distinctive wood grain appearance is great for decorative finishing. KD and KD-HT are often more expensive and less susceptible to warping and shrinkage. Stud is a fifth designation, meaning its good for a load-bearing wall. The main tree species used in the manufacture of pressure treated lumber are softwoods that regionally predominate in the mill area. The two remaining designations, while not very useful to a homeowner, enable grading agencies to enforce their standards. SPIB is accredited through IAS and maintains ISO certification as both an inspection agency (ISO 17020) and a Laboratory (ISO 17025). 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. http://www.ecoprem.com/pdf/ecoprem_wood_technology_competitive_analysis.pdf. It can be used to span greater distances, an SPF SS 28 will reach 15-3. The American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) sets the standards for the retention level required for the different chemical preservative compositions for specific types of use. Plant inspections are required to be performed at least once per month, but may be increased due to production and/or performance. Economical, serviceable grade for natural or painted finish. Wood packaging material made of unprocessed raw wood is recognized as a pathway for the introduction and spread of pests. A very good product to, Highest recognized grade of Finish. There are many other uses for pt lumber, including docks, boathouses, sheds, boardwalks, play structures, gazebos, and the list goes on. I'm redoing my deck surface and the lumber yard stocks only prime lumber. All rights reserved. The lumber has the structural strength it is graded with but has fewer blemishes or knots, so a better appearance. SPIB is able to assist manufacturers achieve and maintain the quality that their customers require by employing highly qualified instructors. The SPIB grade-mark is recognized as a sign of integrity within the industry. Ill suffer with pt. spib no. Industry quality-control standards for the manufacture and preservation of Southern Pine ensure long-term performance and minimize environmental impact. Lumber, posts, and ties range from 8 to 16 in length, although longer may be ordered. Tel: 251-457-6872. It is stamped S-GRN for surface-green or AD for air-dried. This information will then be combined with previous plant data to determine the plant performance status, as mentioned above. Structurally, an SPF #2 28 can be used to span distances of 14-11. My electrical answers are based on 2017 NEC, you may have local amendments. Southern Pine's ease of treatability has made it the preferred species when pressure treatment with wood preservatives is required. The International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) similarly approves preservative systems through its Evaluation Service Reports (ESRs). This website is presented by SFPA members, including: 2023 Southern Forest Products Association. Older growth wood is better but more expensive and difficult to find. Treated wood products must meet very specific quality requirements to meet the building code. SPIB is committed to assisting our customers meet their treatment goals in the most cost-effective means possible. Recommended for uses where high strength, stiffness and good The pressure-treatment process Timber components, machined to their finished dimensions and at an appropriate moisture content, are impregnated with preservatives in large pressure vessels, where the combination of vacuum and high-pressure drives the preservative into the wood. Fax: (850) 434-1290. 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. However, treated lumber may be kiln-dried or wet and will shrink, cup, and warp as it dries. Different chemical solutions are used to create treated lumber. Recommended for uses where high strength, stiffness and good appearance are desired. Treated wood is made from strong evergreen species making it suitable for most building projects. Tough to find decent boards. This grade is available in dimensions of 24, 26, 28, 210, and 212 and in lengths from 8 through 24. Larger sizes conform to Dense Structural 72 Structural Lumber except for dense grain requirement. This defect is exacerbated in the presence of Spi-1 haplo-insufficiency (Spi1+/- SpiB-/-). It holds nails, screws, and other fasteners well, and is commonly used in residential, industrial, and commercial construction. Raised floor homes look great and protect homeowners against risks from flooding and subsiding soils. hb```"/VI ealR]2L 7] u~m>^;+g=ll&Cv)!N&%5g~IK1 (See Wood Code, below). Protecting wood against rot and insects has been done for centuries. Lumber must be stamped for strength by a trained inspector and identified with a legitimate stamp. To qualify for a SPIB grade-marking license, a mill must have verified credentials in the manufacturing, seasoning, and grading of Southern Pine lumber. Treated wood is made from strong evergreen species making it suitable for most building projects. It could be HT and then PTd later? Locations Products. SPIB is subject to continual review by ALSC to ensure that the laboratory and agency records remain in compliance. Similar in appearance to No.2 Dimension Lumber. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. The solution protects the wood from rot, insects, fungus, mold, and mildew, and also turns the wood a brown tone. I do like to cover the tops of the joists and beams with ice and water shield. 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. Using expensive wood that is naturally resistant may not fit the budget. Here is another good link a guy posted over on Ins News When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Tell us how were doing! Any lumber experts out there that can confirm KD HT is ok for a new deck? 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. Green unseasoned lumber fresh from the mill is labeled either air-dried (AD) or surface-green (S-GRN). The preservatives provide protection against rot, insects, mold, and fungi, so the wood lasts longer. Best appearance (compared to Standard) High-quality lumber Smaller and fewer knots Standard Grade: Use when a rustic appearance is desired. 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. These values are modified using procedures shown in "Calculating Apparent Reliability of Wood Scaffold Planks," as published by the Journal on Structural Safety, 2 (1984) 47-57, and updated in 1993. 2 grade lumber, commonly referred to as "#2 & Btr" is used where high design values are required and high appearance in not a factor. 1s and Selects, to boot. Since 1960, lumber in North America has been graded at lumber mills by trained inspectors for structural strength and quality control. The chamber is then flooded with a diluted chemical solution, and hydraulic pressure applied for 20 to 60 minutes to force the solution deeper into the wood. The greater the content of preservatives denotes the type and use of the treated wood. x 8 ft. #2 Prime or Better Ground Contact Pressure-Treated Lumber is a . #1 is better. OK then thanks. Then I worked to live. Suitable for use as individual laminations for structural glued laminated timbers. Treated wood will shrink as it dries and expand when wet and may acquire surface checks and cracks over time. Recommended for general construction purposes where appearance is not a controlling factor. The amount of moisture in the wood at the time of milling is noted. Lumber may have one hole every 3 and any splits must not be bigger than the plank is wide. 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. In appearance, it is at least 57% clear of defects. The SPIB Treated Wood Quality Audit Program provides a customized third-party quality control program to help Treated Wood producers meet industry-approved standards. The lumber is inspected for knots, splits, and other defects that can weaken the woods structural strength. It is used for all areas of residential construction from load bearing to trim. Machine Evaluated Lumber is also required to meet certain visual requirements. The clear appearance makes it a choice for trim, furniture, and cabinetry. Im building a deck and am getting conflicting info on the difference between #1 and #2 PT. o>>QS-RSnwO4piq4Szh+jkS3NQn(:;^unn^}Q8ws{7sFS
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