Project Ideas
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TECHNICAL BULLETIN
UNDERSTANDING PRODUCT USE OF PRESSURE-TREATED LUMBER
DESIGN YOUR PROJECT FOR SUCCESS
Some simple rules can have long-lasting impacts—good or bad—on your treated wood structure. In light of our
description of what treated wood is and how it works, these may seem obvious, but they’re worth repeating.
LONG-TERM, HARD-TO-REPLACE VS. SHORT-TERM OR EASY-TO-REPLACE
For long-term structures and parts of a project that will be dicult to replace, choose the correct ProWood® products
for the task. Choose Aboveground Use Only products for those areas that are clearly aboveground and will not devolve
into situations that simulate ground contact. Choose Ground Contact/Fresh Water Use products for others. For
landscaping projects or decorative fences that are short-term or easy to replace, use either the ProWood® or UFP-Treated™
products that best fit your project.
DEBRIS ACCUMULATION
For those parts of the project that will use Aboveground Use Only products, keep in mind that areas where debris can
accumulate over months or years can simulate ground contact conditions. Factoring this into the design of the project
and selection of material on the front end can pay dividends over the life of the project.
Other common culprits that fit this category are mulch used around fences or decks or vegetation that is allowed to grow
up around the treated wood. These can quickly turn an aboveground exposure into one that presents the same challenges
as direct ground contact.
VENTILATION
Providing good ventilation is very important in the design of a treated wood structure. Decay fungi tend to thrive in dark,
damp areas. This is especially important when decks are built within two feet of the ground or elevated with an under-deck
ceiling. Again, factoring this in on the front end of the design is important to the long-term life of the project.
MAINTENANCE
So far we have covered things that help keep the project structurally sound and fit for its intended purpose. However,
keeping a project looking good is just as important. In this section, we will relate some of the attributes of our pressure-
treated products to maintenance.
ROUND 1: NEW PROJECT, LOOKS GREAT, NOW WHAT?
Our preservative treatment is designed to provide protection from decay fungi and termite attack. However, as soon as
your project is built, Mother Nature begins her assault, weathering your beautiful new project. Her primary weapons are
the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays and the wet-dry cycle (rain/high humidity, then drying out). There are a couple of options in
our ProWood® or UFP-Treated™ products that may assist, but your decisions about how to take care of your new project will
make the biggest dierence.
One added benefit of our copper-based preservatives is that they oer real protection from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
UV exposure is less damaging to these products than to untreated wood.
In addition to the preservative, we oer some products with built-in water repellent (see the end tag to know for sure)
and/or an infusion of color as an alternative to the typical light green tone of most treated wood.
Applying a good quality brush-on or spray-on product is never a bad idea. These products are readily available. Look for
penetrating products that boast water repellency, UV protection, and if desirable, color. Generally we would not recommend
film-forming products like paints or other “long term products.” The wood must be fairly dry to apply these penetrating
products successfully. Except for KDAT products, this will generally take several weeks after the project has been installed.
When you believe the wood is dry enough, apply a small amount and test for ready absorption into the wood. Generally
these products will also have directions for confirming the wood is ready for the application of the product. For best results,
the first application should be within 90 days of completing your project.
Products containing built-in water repellent will be better able to handle exposure over the first year or two. However,