Choose Pressure Treated Lumber For Your Summer Project

Summer is the perfect time to tackle outdoor projects, whether you’re building a deck, a fence, raised garden beds, or another wooden structure. When it comes to durability and longevity, pressure-treated lumber is a top choice.

The Basics of Pressure Treated Lumber

Pressure treated lumber is wood which has undergone a chemical treatment process to enhance its resistance to moisture, decay, insects, and fungi. This process involves placing the wood in a pressurized chamber and forcing preservatives deep into the fibres. The result is a more durable material suitable for outdoor and high-moisture environments. 

Features and Benefits of choosing MicroPro® Sienna Pressure Treated Lumber

Durability: Pressure-treated with advanced MicroPro® preservative technology, pressure treated lumber offers enhanced protection against fungal decay, termites, and harsh weather, ensuring a long-lasting, resilient structure for your outdoor projects.

Environmental Responsibility: MicroPro® treatment meets strict environmental standards, minimizing the carbon footprint and reducing the use of chemicals compared to traditional treatment methods. It’s an eco-friendly choice for conscientious builders and homeowners.

Aesthetic Appeal: Sometimes called brown pressure treated, MicroPro® Sienna wood boasts a rich, warm sienna brown color that naturally elevates the look of your outdoor spaces. Its beautiful hue also helps reduce the need for frequent staining or painting, saving time and maintenance costs.

Versatility: This treated wood is perfect for a variety of outdoor applications, from decking and fences to landscaping and general exterior construction, offering flexibility for all your building needs.

Corrosion Resistance: With its enhanced corrosion resistance, MicroPro® Sienna is safe for use in contact with aluminum above ground, ensuring durability even in environments with high moisture or other corrosive elements.

Proudly Made in Canada: This high-quality pressure-treated lumber is proudly manufactured in Canada, ensuring you receive a product that meets both local and global standards for excellence.

Man installing pressure treated lumber fence boards in a backyard.

Tips and Consideration when Building with Pressure Treated Lumber

Colour Will Fade Over Time: Left unprotected, brown pressure treated lumber will fade and eventually turn grey. It is recommended that you apply a protective finish to your project once treated wood is dry to the touch.

Warping and Twisting: Moisture, weather, and temperature can cause even pressure treated lumber to warp or twist. Using a protective finish on boards can help to keep moisture out of the wood.

Bark Side Up: Whenever possible, make sure to install visible boards with the bark side facing up. This means that the visible tree rings you can see at the end of the board should arch upwards.

Field Cuts and Cut Ends: If you have to cut pressure treated wood, it is important to treat all saw cuts, large drill holes, and field cuts. A brush-on end-cut wood preservative like Cut-N-Seal® should be applied at the time of construction. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for the best results.

Choosing the Right Size and Dimensions

Pressure-treated lumber is available in standard lumber sizes, but selecting the right dimension ensures structural integrity and efficiency:

• 4x4 or 6x6 posts: Suitable for load-bearing structures such as decks and pergolas.

• 2x6 or 2x8 boards: Commonly used for decking and framing.

• 1x6 or 1x4 boards: Great for fence pickets and trim work. Always account for the natural shrinkage of pressure-treated lumber when cutting and fitting boards.

Safety Considerations When Handling Pressure Treated Lumber

While pressure-treated lumber is safe for residential use, precautions are necessary when handling and cutting it:

• Wear gloves and a dust mask to avoid skin irritation and inhalation of sawdust.

• Use stainless steel or galvanized fasteners to prevent corrosion.

• Never burn pressure-treated wood, as it releases toxic chemicals.

• Wash hands and tools thoroughly after working with pressure treated-lumber.

Simcoe Building Centre

Choosing the right pressure treated lumber for your summer project ensures longevity, safety, and aesthetic appeal. Take your time while shopping, Simcoe Building Centre is here to help you choose the perfect materials with care, so you can build a structure that brings you enjoyment for many summers to come. Contact us today to kick start your summer project, no project is too big or small for us! Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned professional, our home building centre has everything you need to get the job done!

Looking to build a deck? Simcoe Building Centre offers a Deck Design service. Contact us today to get started.