Using a brand like G-tape, which allows for adjustment while installing, will make this even easier. However, you should know that Best Composite Decking for a Full Sun Deck and Two Runner Ups. ATTENTION: We are experiencing technical difficulties with our login and checkout systems. If you dont want to replace it every few years, you will need to take steps to stop. Boards that have been marked with these indicators have been graded for use below ground and are highly resistant to rot and decay. But if you use wood treated for ground contact, which has twice the level of treatment of standard outdoor wood, Above ground pressure-treated wood, you start to have a chance of survival. Structural posts serve the same purpose as deck posts, but they are often larger and the consequences of them failing are often much greater. Good choice! Here are a few extra tips to keep in mind when working with pressure-treated lumber: Wear gloves when handling treated wood, and wash up thoroughly before eating or drinking. So, youve done your research into different types of decking materials and have decided that composite decking is the right choice for your home. This increase treatment can be achieved by increasing pressure or time being treated or by incising the wood for more treatment is absorbed. Pressure-Treated wood is not all the same. If anything, this saves you some time and money later one, which is always a good thing. So, youve done your research into different types of decking materials and have decided that composite decking is the right choice for your home. This wood level is slightly more durable than UC4A and can even endure saltwater in some cases. Share Improve this answer Follow Especially if its close to the ground. Deck and fencing lumber includes railings, floor boards, posts and balusters. This includes salt water exposure. Lumber Grade. Wood decking boards are durable and budget-friendly. link to Best Composite Decking for a Full Sun Deck and Two Runner Ups, Pressure-treated wood is treated under pressure, Protection from burrowing pests like insects, Never burn pressure-treated wood since it has a chemical treatment, Wear protective gloves, work glasses, and face masks when cutting and building with it, Always thoroughly clean your skin after working with ground contact wood. Mechanical incisions can also be used to increase the amount and depth of chemical penetration. Refer to the AWPA standards for guidance before buying pressure-treated wood. What are these applications though? Which will reduce rotting. Since all treated wood is now ground contact, it can make your projects last longer whether youre a general contractor or taking on a DIY project at home. Pressure-treated lumber is widely used because it is durable and high-quality. Get in touch! They exist on a Use Category system, which is why the levels start with UC. The levels include: Use Categories 1 and 2 are for interior use only. Is It Better to Use Ground Contact Wood for a Decks Joists? Gravel allows water to drain quickly away from the post and into the soil. Ground contact lumber is made for outdoor projects where the wood is exposed to all types of weather or has a high potential for decay. After roughly four hours the workpiece should be ready to bear weight and is now protected from rot and decay! If you want to keep your ground contact deck in good shape, you must make sure that all of its pieces are treated with a high-quality sealant or preservative. As stated above Rust-Oleum Copper Green is most effective at preserving wood. The best way to treat wood for ground contact is soaking the part of the wood that will have contact with the ground in wood preservative for 20 minutes. Some of the most common and possibly best ways to prevent the wood from rotting in contact with the ground are, Even pressure-treated wood decks can become susceptible to rot. Southern Yellow Pine can be treated in a variety of ways to add to its durability against the elements. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. Wood is in direct contact with material that already shows signs of decay. best of . Treating your sills with substances designed to defend wood against the ravages of ground contact is especially important in this context as it ensures that the foundation of your home (and everything inside it) is safe and sound. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'decksbye3_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-decksbye3_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');Ground contact wood levels. Ground-contact pressure-treated lumber can be used either above ground or in contact with the ground. The same is true with outdoor wood. What Is Thinset? This site is owned and operated by E 3 Construction Ltd, a limited liability company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Regardless of what extra steps you take, using anything less than ground contact, you are stepping up to bat with 2 strikes against you. There are different types of rot too, brown rot which attacks the woods cellulose and causes it to break down into dry chunky bits. Regardless of the treatment, the more important labelling is level. Not to be used in contact with the ground or even within 6 (150mm), which is considered ground contact. Ground contact has a high chemical retention level and can be placed directly on or in the ground. Regardless of the height of the deck. If you build a ground level deck with the joists close to the ground or with a drop beam trenched into the ground to get the right height. Plus, a little added colour. Advantages and Disadvantages. Pressure-treated wood does a fairly good job of protecting workpieces against rot and general decay, although its always best to use a wood preservative in addition to pressure treatment to ensure that your wood stands the best chance of surviving being submerged into the soil. A great way to prevent rot and decay in ground contact wooden workpieces is to use concrete to secure them. Pressure-treated wood is essentially infused with chemicals that preserve the wood and prevent mold and microbes from eating away at your workpiece. Structural posts work to keep things like verandas, roofing, and non-load-bearing walls upright. Redwood, then, is one of the best woods to use when looking for some board to use for ground contact, rivaling even pressure-treated wood in its ground contact effectiveness. Such an ideal deck location Hi! This means that they are at constant risk of rot and decay if they are not prepared and maintained throughout the course of the decks lifespan. Copyright 2023 Capitol City Lumber. Pressure-treated wood is any wood species that has been treated with a range of chemicals and then placed into a pressurized chamber in order to bond these chemicals with the woods fibers. But what makes redwood so good at resisting decay and rot? The speed and ease of application may make up for this but budget accordingly. As we have emphasized: it is very important to stop rot before it sets in. Wood gets wet on a very frequent, recurring basis and doesnt have time to dryadequately. Take the time to do the proper preparations, and use the right materials in the recommended way in the proper setting. Delivery. I have made it a few times myself. Paintable and stainable wood treatment is ready to use and preserves wood . On the off chance that a microbe or fungus does manage to worm its way into a cypress, it rarely affects the structural integrity of the wood. Ground contact wood requires the most protection. The good news is that there are, and there are even woods that are treated for applications like ground contact before they reach the point of sale, so What is the best wood for ground contact? The specific chemical used in the pressure-treated lumber you find at your local building materials dealer will depend on the processing facility where the lumber is sourced. If you are looking for protecting membrane but dont want the mess of liquid rubber joist membrane is a cleaner option. x 16 ft. Nominal Product Length (ft.) Price. Above Ground Lumber Above-ground-contact lumber is treated to withstand rot and decay even when it physically touches the ground, water, or leaves. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Shop this Collection. The level of moisture and fungi is more than most treated wood is treated for. . And if youre still wondering what is pressure treated lumber, just drop us a line and talk to one of our experienced wood shop team members! if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'decksbye3_com-box-4','ezslot_6',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-decksbye3_com-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'decksbye3_com-box-4','ezslot_7',109,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-decksbye3_com-box-4-0_1');.box-4-multi-109{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Not a chance. Lets have a look at what causes wood to rot, the different types of rot you might come up against, and how to combat rot in all its incarnations. Ground Contact General Use Fresh-water Immersion Salt-water Splash The Qualities That Matter to You Ideal for residential, commercial and certain agricultural projects in these treated lumber applications: Above Ground Exposed Use Ground Contact General Use Fresh-water Immersion and Salt-water Splash This standard is used by many lumber providers. Ideally, the ground should slope away from the house a minimum of 1/2'"/foot and continue 10 feet from the foundation. Capitol City Lumber is the place for amazing promotions on different types of wood. Priceless. admin@improvewood.comBy accessing or using Improve Wood Blog, you agree to abide by the Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, Affiliate Disclosure, Disclaimer, Cookie Policy The only thing Mike Guertin likes better than building new homes is remodeling old ones. Use Category 5, labelled for marine environment. These designations are numbered 1 to 5, with up to three subcategories based on the severity of the decay potential. Content may not be reproduced in any form without written consent from Improve Wood. Made of pine. This wood is virtually watertight because of its tightly packed grain, which is why it makes such a good construction and crafting material for demanding applications. There are many different kinds of chemicals used in preserving wood, but one way to protect it from ground contact is by using whats known as a ground contact preservative. If you find yourself face to face with rot, there are loads of products out there to remedy your wood workpieces, and well be having a look at those too. This is the easiest one. Which is for heavy and extreme duty, application. Giving it protection against the elements. As a bonus tip, all cuts of pressure-treated wood should be brush-treated. Using rot-resistant wood outside is especially important when the wood comes in direct contact with the ground, like with a raised garden bed or vine trellis. While the best way to prevent wood from rotting in the ground is to use a protective coating on it, there are other ways of ensuring that your wooden workpiece like fence posts and flower boxes are protected against the ravages of degradation. This is especially true if the wood will be in contact with dirt. Above-ground lumber is treated to a lower standard of resistance. Pressure-treated wood is treated under pressure to increase the penetration and absorption of the chemicals. Buy in Store. Most ground contact wood will be treated with MCA (micronized copper azole) or CA (copper azole). Both of which allow me to do three things that I love, building things, spending time outdoors and sharing what I have learned with others. On the other end is UC5, intended for marine use. Along with sharing what I learned of the things that can further enhance your outdoor oasis, making your deck, your happy place with the right accessories. You dont expect good air circulation, especially on the underside and between decking boards. Your intention should be to eventually use substances graded for more long-term protection. If youre going to be using wood treatment products for the first time, ensure that you do so outdoors and while wearing the appropriate personal protective gear like gloves and a face mask. The chance of the buried wood-rotting is high. The AWPA is the American Wood Protection Association. Until this change in recommendations, the treatment category lower than UC4-UC3 Above Ground pressure-treated wood was considered adequate for deck building where the wood had no contact with the ground and didnt stay wet. Southern Yellow Pine is an excellent choice for these outdoor projects because it is dense, straight-grained, and easy to work with. If the bottom of your deck frame is less than 6" above the ground or partially buried, you should use pressure-treated wood that is rated for ground contact. A full sun deck that you can bask in the sun's warmth all day long. Its used in cases where frequent wetting or immersion in fresh water doesnt allow the lumber to dry. Your email address will not be published. 4-in x 4-in Standard Ground Contact Wood Pressure Treated Lumber Find My Store for pricing and availability Common Measurement: 4-in x 4-in Contact Type: Ground contact Lumber Grade: Standard Drying Method: Green Severe Weather 6-in x 6-in x 8-ft Standard Ground Contact Wood Pressure Treated Lumber Model # MSLTCASL0606 Find My Store There are three common types of chemical treatment for ground contact wood. At Capitol City Lumber, its our business to let our customers know about the products theyre considering for their projects. Treated for protection against fungal decay, rot and termites. safety tips; prohibited items; product recalls; The biggest difference with ACQ is the addition of ammonium, making the wood less edible for fungi and insects, increasing its resistance to rot. Who doesnt know the difference between a twig and your deck beam. Dry ground requires less treatment. Wood is in direct contact with material that already shows signs of decay. Wood thats in contact with the ground can rot. More treatment is the biggest difference. A south-facing back door is a perfect place for a deck. Lumber treated to the AWPA standards will say Ground Contact and have the code UC4A displayed, and itwill have the Quality CheckMark symbol as well. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'decksbye3_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_4',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-decksbye3_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'decksbye3_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',107,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-decksbye3_com-medrectangle-3-0_1');.medrectangle-3-multi-107{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. The AWPA groups types of treated wood into Use Categories. In fact, American Wood Protection Association classified treated woods into 12 levels of use. Noncombustible wood is used less for residential projects. Standard. Pressure-treated timber has been treated with preservatives. A ground level deck is meant to be low, which means you'll want to consider the type of wood or composite you'll use for framing. This is because wood treatments penetrate beneath the surface of the board and bond with the wood fibers, protecting them both inside and out. Also, as the . This provides better protection against rot and decay. link to What Is The Difference Between Capped And Uncapped Composite Decking? To meet the AWPA's UC4 standard, ground-contact lumber must be treated with approved chemicals and retention levels. Unless you take steps to protect it, they will just eat it. Those categories are also appropriate for freshwater docks or decks. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'decksbye3_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-decksbye3_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');Most of the time, using ground-treated wood will be enough, but you can take it to another level in the following ways. Uniform thickness, density and appearance for stable and long lasting performance. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'decksbye3_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-decksbye3_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'decksbye3_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',108,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-decksbye3_com-medrectangle-4-0_1');.medrectangle-4-multi-108{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}The chemicals are the treatment. This is due to their durability and strength. However most of these you can only get these from lumber thats already treated. It actually soaks into all of the pores in your timber, keeping it rot-free. Let the wood dry overnight before you put it in the ground. The pressure is the means. Use Categories 3-4 are for exterior use. Not all wood that is incised is ground contact. 1/2 in. The industrial option is usually pressure-treating ground contact lumber. Treated at a level of protection to survive the increased fungi and moisture of contact with the ground. Yes, pressure-treated wood is treated to be used outside. It is available with above-ground contact or ground contact treatment. This method seems to work well in prolonging ground contact lumber. Specifications for each type of lumber treatment are established by the American Wood Protection Association, a trade group that sets standards for treated lumber. To make wood last longer there are no shortcuts the wood has to be protected with a good sealer or some other sort of treatment. Required fields are marked *. Once your workpiece has been sanded to your liking, use a clean, dry cloth to remove any stray wood particles before moving on to the next step in the process. Wood Species. Wood In Contact with Dirt Should Be Treated for Ground Contact, Additional Ways to Protect Buried Wood from Rotting. What does a ground contact preservative do? As the names suggest, ground-contact lumber is treated to a standard to withstand rot and decay even at the point where the lumber physically touches the ground, water or leaves. You will reduce how quickly water is absorbed by sealing the wood, thus how moist the wood becomes. Its all food to them. One treatment category below UC5 is UC4, Ground Contact lumber. The most common preservatives are pressure treating the wood with creosote, pentachlorophenol, and inorganic arsenic compounds such as Chromated copper arsenate (CCA). Why? Well, weve prepared a few methods you can use besides protective coatings to prevent the wood from rotting in the ground. A south-facing back door is a perfect place for a deck. Within the UC4 grouping, there are subcategories A-C, which specify use conditions in detail. What Is the Best Pressure-Treated Wood for Ground Contact? White cedar is a common sight around the eastern US, and its uses range from high-end furniture design all the way to ornate decorations and crafting. Decay, rot and decay in ground contact of liquid rubber joist membrane a. To eventually use substances graded for more long-term protection Improve wood may make up for this but budget accordingly by... Above ground or even within 6 ( 150mm ), which allows for adjustment installing... Copper azole ), or leaves wood for more long-term protection marked with these indicators have been for! Ground, water, or leaves concrete to secure them they exist on a very frequent recurring. And between Decking boards AWPA groups wood in contact with ground of wood eating away at your workpiece ft. wood is infused... 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A bonus tip, all cuts of pressure-treated wood is essentially infused with chemicals preserve! Wood level is slightly more durable than UC4A and can even endure saltwater in some.! Contact lumber treated for ground-contact pressure-treated lumber is widely used because it is available above-ground! Some cases to three subcategories based on the severity of the chemicals approved chemicals and levels... Dirt should be to eventually use substances graded for use below ground and highly! And easy to work with the sun 's warmth all day long duty, application membrane is perfect.