Toggle Nav

Characteristics of Pressure Treated, Untreated Rot-Resistant and Softwood Lumber

Characteristics of Pressure Treated, Untreated Rot-Resistant and Softwood Lumber

Are you looking forward to undertaking a construction project? Well, the type of lumber you use will determine the outcome. It'll be the difference between the success and failure of your project.

It's therefore important that you choose the right lumber for your construction project. But how do you choose the best? If you’re in a quandary about how to do so, don't worry.

In this article, we'll look at the differences between Pressure-Treated Lumber, Untreated Lumber, Untreated Rot-Resistant Lumber, and Untreated Softwood Lumber. We'll also look at the features that make each the best choice for different types of projects.

In essence, you'll need to use a rot-resistant wood if it will be coming into contact with concrete or the floor. It's all about protecting your investment.

The Features of Pressure-Treated Lumber

Pressure-treated lumber is able to withstand rotting or insect-related damage due to its treatment. It's, therefore, your best option for projects where the wood will have contact with concrete or the ground. If the untreated softwood is used in the process, it will absorb the available water and start to rot.

Untreated softwood lumber is used to make pressure-treated lumber. In this process, the softwood is placed in a vacuum chamber that's full of preservative compounds.

The vacuum helps force these preservatives deep into the wood. However, it's worth noting that the added compound makes this wood heavier than any other form of wood and may be challenging to cut.

It's also more expensive than untreated softwood lumber but cheaper than natural rot-resistant wood.

The Features of Untreated Rot-Resistant Lumber

Some tree species will have natural rot-resistant features. If you have pets, children or animals, this may be your best bet. Remember, as children grow, they tend to try to eat anything they come across. This can be especially dangerous if they eat chemicals present in pressure-treated lumber.

Since they are naturally rot-resistant, they are easier to cut and have lesser weight. These two properties put this species in high demand. In turn, the increase in demand means that they're always more expensive than all other types of woods.

Examples of trees with rot-resistant lumber include redwood, cypress, western cedar, Pacific yew and black locust.

Untreated Softwood Lumber

At times, you may substitute the rot-resistant options with untreated softwood lumber. This is ideal in areas where the wood is expected to come into contact with cement. You must ensure that any protrusion that may be vulnerable to moisture is covered.

If you want to use it for outdoor purposes or want to trim it, it is important to use a good quality paint. An oil-based enamel would be your best bet. In this way, the wood is protected from rotting and other forms of insect damage, at an extra cost.

How to Choose Among the Three

The type of lumber you use should depend on the needs you have. As shown, each of these three types of wood will meet specific needs.

However, the decision on which wood to buy will depend on the overall costs, environmental demands and the need for an earth-friendly material.

Take your time to analyze the options available and settle on the one you feel will best meet your needs and wants.


Share :
← Previous Next →
Удобное приложение онлайн казино Пин Ап позволяет после установки запускать слоты в один клик.