When the intended application for a wood product is known to present a hazard, specify pre-treated wood. In Canada, reference a CSA O80 standard. In the US, reference an AWPA standard. Also specify that all field cuts must have a field-cut preservative applied. Ideally, all trimming, boring, and other cuts in the pieces should be done prior to pressure treatment. In addition, there are complexities involving choices in species, types of preservatives and the need for incising the wood - it's best to consult with an experienced specifier of treated wood.

For do-it-yourselfers: Ideally, the treated wood you buy at your local building supplies store will have an end tag to help you choose the right product. The tag identifies the type of preservative used, the amount retained, the appropriate usage for this piece of wood, the standard to which it was treated, and the name and location of the treating plant. The most important information to look for is the usage. If the piece is going in the ground (as with a fence post), you need the piece to be treated for "ground contact." All other uses (such as fence boards, deck boards and shingles) can be labeled "above ground." The piece may also be tagged with consumer safety information. You might also find this information in the store, either posted or as a handout.

Safe Handling

Using common sense and standard safety equipment applies when working with any building products. Gloves, dust masks and goggles are appropriate for use with all woodworking. Here are a few key points specific to treated wood:

• Pressure-treated wood is not a pesticide, and it is not a hazardous product. In most municipalities, you may dispose of treated wood by ordinary garbage collection. However, you should check with your local regulations.
• Never burn treated wood because toxic chemicals may be produced as part of the smoke and ashes.
• If preservatives or sawdust accumulate on clothes, launder before reuse. Wash your work clothes separately from other household clothing.
• Treated wood used for patios, decks and walkways should be free of surface preservative residues.
• Treated wood should not be used for compost heaps where free organic acids produced early in the composting process can remove the fixed chemicals. It is, however, safe to use for growing vegetables in raised soil beds. If, after reading this, you are still concerned, place a layer of plastic sheet between the soil and the treated wood wall.
• Treated wood should not be cleaned with harsh reducing agents since these can also remove the fixed chemicals.

Selecting the Right Fasteners

Fasteners for use in treated wood that will be exposed to the weather should be selected to withstand weathering as long as the treated wood itself. Stainless steel fasteners are by far the ideal, but hot-dipped galvanized fasteners will normally provide the desired service life. Unfortunately, hot-dipped galvanized nails may not be applicable by nail gun. Electroplated galvanized fasteners will prove disappointing and common nails will quickly corrode. Aluminum fasteners should not be used with treated wood. Do not use stainless steel fasteners in saltwater applications.

Repairing Cuts in the Treated Shell

Pressure-treated wood in the ground suffers internal decay in only six or seven years if cuts, bolt holes and notches are not brush treated with field-cut preservative. Forgetting this critical step will almost certainly shorten the life span of the product and will void any warranties on the product. Although brush-on application of wood preservatives aren't nearly as effective as pressure-treatment, the field-cut preservatives are usually applied to end grain, which most easily absorbs the product.

In Forintek's field tests of these preservatives, copper naphthenate performed best. Zinc naphthenate (2% zinc), which is colourless, was not as effective but may be suitable for above-ground applications where the decay hazard is lower and the dark green colour of copper naphthenate may be more objectionable. Consumers may also like to know that the dark green of the copper-based product does fade after a few years.

More Information

Click here for more information on fasteners.

Click here for more information on performance tests done with treated wood.

Click here for more information on wood preservatives that can be applied on site.

Click for consumer safety information on handling treated wood (Canada).

Click here for handling information (USA)