What is Pressure Treated Wood?

Building a deck is one thing – maintaining it is another.

When you work with a Maryland decking company to build a deck for your house, you will usually be asked about what type of wood you prefer. Pressure treated wood is a popular choice, but what exactly is this type of decking material?

Many people have heard the term, but they aren’t exactly sure what it means. Pressure treated wood is a material designed to withstand issues that cause regular wood to falter, chip, and break down. When you’re looking for a material that lasts and gives you plenty of reliable use, consider pressure treated wood.

The Problems with Traditional Wood

There are many different types of wood used on decks, such as cedar, redwood, and mahogany. A Maryland decking company may offer you a choice of wood, with each option varying in appearance, strength, and consistency. While each option has its perks, most wood is vulnerable to the same threats. Weather damage, termites, and standard wear and tear can all lead to a wood surface breaking down quickly.

In order to remedy this, many companies have now started offering pressure treated wood. This option is specifically created to hold up against these problems, and to provide a decking material with greater longevity.

How is Pressure Treated Wood Created?

Pressure treated wood utilizes preservatives to help strengthen the material, allowing it to withstand environmental conditions that would break down lower-quality wood. These preservatives are added to the wood through a combination of a vacuum and pressure, as the name suggests.

The wood is placed in a cylinder, where high-pressure conditions insert the preservatives into the wood surface. The result is a product with additional stability, and internal protection against insects, excess heat, chipping, and the other common problems associated with decks.

What Does Pressure Treated Wood Contain?

In addition to the obvious material, being wood, pressure treated wood can contain a combination of the follow preservatives:

• Alkaline Copper Quaternary
• Copper Azole
• Micronized Copper Azole

Is it Easy to Care for Pressure Treated Wood?

Many people who have decks take great pride in the way they look. A well-kept deck area is great for grilling, relaxing outdoors, or simply adding aesthetic appeal to a home. While most deck owners have their preferred methods for cleaning and treating wooden decks, they often have concerns about how switching to a different material could change things.

A Maryland deck builder that offers pressure treated wood can advise you on how to care for this material. Certain materials and cleaning habits work better than others, and the professionals who build decks with these materials can advise you accordingly.

Popular Uses for Pressure Treated Wood

Pressure treated wood is a popular choice for decks, but this isn’t the only time it comes in handy. Fences, porches, and other outdoor structures can be created from pressure treated wood, giving them extra strength to withstand the elements.

When people look to get the most for their money during a building project, a Maryland decking company is likely to suggest this material. Its lifespan makes it a very cost-efficient choice as a building material.

If you’re in need of a new deck, or your current deck needs repairs, why not give the experienced Maryland decking builders at North American Deck & Patio a call! NA Deck is the area’s leading decking contractor with over 25 years of experience delivering quality decks at an affordable price. For more information, give NA Deck a call at 866-535-1961 or fill out the form on our website, today!

“Jim at North American patio and deck's came up with the most ingenious way of utilizing our small very slanted very water drained environment and turned it into a virtual oasis. Making this deck the envy of all our ambitions and gem for the community.”

– C. Cross