This indicates that the wood can withstand continuous saltwater exposure. If you’re looking for lumber to use in an ocean environment, look for wood that is labeled as “marine grade” or classified as UC5B and UC5C. Lumber that isn’t safe for ground contact will wear away faster and may even cause damage to the flora and fauna surrounding it. This lumber can often be used in environments where occasional saltwater contact is likely, such as framing over saltwater. These treatments help protect lumber from rot, moisture, and burrowing pests-and to prevent the treatment in your lumber from seeping out into the environment. Experienced contractors know that you need to have lumber that is certified for “ground contact” or higher for humid, harsh, or near water applications. Let’s go into why that’s important.įor decks and docks of all kinds, many contractors choose UC4B and UC4C for the decking and framing. Our wood is approved for exposure to water, weather, and for ground contact. That’s why we only supply lumber categorized as UC4A or greater. Lumber Treatments Approved for Marine ConstructionĪt Decks & Docks Lumber Company, our specialty is all things marine construction. See our chart below to learn what types of treated lumber we carry at Decks & Docks. Only a select few categories describe wood treatments that are suitable for marine use. In the AWPA Use Category system, all types of treated wood can be sorted into categories based on how well it holds up in different applications. The AWPA Use Category system gives contractors and homeowners a simple way to understand and apply AWPA Standards. In these standards, the AWPA classifies wood treatment types depending on where and how they can be used. The AWPA Standards describe ways to handle wood to maintain its longevity and protect the environment. AWPA Standards are purely informational, but they are often referenced in federal, state, and local building code laws. The American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) is a non-profit organization that has long set the standards for treated wood used in residential and commercial applications. So if you’re a homeowner or contractor who isn’t 100% up to speed with the different classifications of treated lumber, let’s break things down. Using improperly treated lumber is bad for the wood, the environment, and your wallet. If you used freshwater-only lumber on an oceanside dock, it would spell disaster in just a few short years or maybe even months. If you want your dock or deck to be safe, durable, and compliant with local building codes, you need to understand the differences between types of pressure-treated lumber.įor example, not all PT lumber is designed to withstand contact with salt water. There’s a common misconception that all treated lumber is created equal, but each kind has its own unique properties and applications. These cautionary measures keep you and the environment safe from the preservatives used in treated lumber. Dispose of treated lumber scraps and sawdust in a landfill never burn them. Note: When handling treated lumber, wear gloves, a face mask, and eye protection. This guide should help when you’re selecting the materials for your deck or dock. To make things easier, we’re doing to break down exactly what lumber treatment is, what preservatives are used in the process, and the classifications of treatment types. The labels at the end of each piece of PT lumber aren’t usually very helpful, either-seemingly random numbers, letters, and phrases like “ground-contact” may not be very clear at first glance. For a first-time deck builder, knowing what type of pressure-treated (PT) lumber to use can be confusing.
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