Pressure-treated decking is the most popular choice in modern decks. According to Arch Treatment Technologies, a leading producer of wood preservatives, approximately 75 percent of all new decks are finished with pressure-treated (aka ‘PT’) lumber. Atlanta Decking concurs as many of our customers have chosen pressure- treated lumber for their own decks. Why? Undoubtedly because it is typically the least expensive when compared to cedar or composite decking. Sourced from plentiful Southern yellow pine, it is also structurally the strongest. Beyond deck construction, pressure-treated wood is often used to build pergolas and sheds.
What is pressure-treated lumber? It is wood that has been infused with chemical preservatives by placing it in a depressurized holding tank— removing the air and replacing it with a preservative that protects the wood from rot and insects. In addition, this chemical treatment helps make the lumber weather-resistant and long-lasting.
The preservative treatment that enables wood to last a long time also features an environmental benefit associated with the wood itself. Its source is a renewable and quickly replenished resource grown on managed timberlands. This requires less energy to produce than alternative building materials such as composites. Pressure treated wood can last over 15 years when properly treated with a water repellent every two years.
The chemicals used to create pressure treated lumber prevent rot and also act as an insecticide. So, with PT wood, you receive a 2-for-1 deal. And more good news: lumber manufacturers offer a long-term warranty, which generally covers fungal decay and termite infestation.
Caring for your pressure-treated deck. Atlanta Decking installs wet pressure-treated lumber as tight as possible with no gaps, knowing that the boards will shrink as they dry and leave the appropriate gaps. When you start seeing that space, in about 6 weeks, that’s a good indication it is ready to be cleaned and stained. We recommend oil-based, all-in-one stain sealers like TWP that will protect your new deck from both sun and water.
We suggest having your deck professionally cleaned and sealed at least every 2 to 3 years to protect it against the rain and sun. If you opt to do it yourself, you’ll probably need to clean and seal the deck at least once a year. So in the long run, professional work pays for itself.
Find out why our pressure-treated decks could be the perfect solution for relaxing and entertaining. Contact us for a free, no-hassle design consultation.
