Guidelines for the selection and use of pressure-treated wood

Stan Lebow; Juliet D. Tang; Grant T. Kirker; Mark E. Mankowski

doi:10.2737/FPL-GTR-275

Treesearch

Guidelines for the selection and use of pressure-treated wood

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Stan Lebow, Juliet D. Tang, Grant T. Kirker, Mark E. Mankowski

Year:

2019

Type:

General Technical Report

Station:

Forest Products Laboratory

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2737/FPL-GTR-275

Source:

FS Pub

Download (PDF 16.56 MB)

Download (PDF 16.56 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/59612.pdf

Abstract

Wood is a versatile and sustainable building material but may be vulnerable to fungal decay and insect damage when used outdoors or otherwise subjected to moisture. Pressure treatment with wood preservatives is the most common method of protecting wood from biological deterioration. This publication summarizes characteristics of pressure-treating preservatives and provides guidance for selection of pressure-treated wood for specific applications. It also discusses construction practices, service life expectations, and environmental considerations. The intended audience for this publication is users of pressure-treated wood such as homeowners, builders, contractors, engineers, and architects.

Keywords

Pressure treatment, wood preservatives, selection, specification, standards

Citation

Lebow, Stan T.; Tang, Juliet D.; Kirker, Grant T.; Mankowski, Mark E. 2019. Guidelines for selection and use of pressure-treated wood. General Technical Report FPL-GTR-275. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 39 p.