What is the difference between green and brown pressure treated wood?

Brown timber has been treated in the same way as green timber, but a brown dye has been added to the preservative to give a darker brown finish. This dye is simply for colour, it doesn't have any additional preservative quality.

Is green treated wood the same as pressure treated?

“Green treated” (aka pressure-treated) refers to wood that's had preservatives forced into it, under pressure, to help protect it against decay and insect attacks. Today, the most commonly used preservative is ACQ—Alkaline Copper Quaternary.

What is the difference between green and brown pressure treated?

Brown timber is a traditional dark brown coloured wood, which follows the same pressure treated process as green timber to extend the timbers life but the only difference is to achieve the brown colour, a brown dye is added to the copper preservative mix.

Why is some pressure treated wood green?

Why is some treated wood green? The green color you see on treated wood is caused by chemical reactions that take place between the preservative components and the wood. Copper is still the most widely used element in wood preservatives and creates a green color on the wood.

Why is pressure treated wood different colors?

It resists the elements because it is treated under high vacuum pressure that forces chemical wood preservatives into the fibers of the wood. The color of any particular piece or type of pressure treated lumber depends on the chemical that was used during the pressure treatment process.

Brown and Green Pressure Treated Wood

What happened to green pressure treated wood?

About 10 years ago, the treated lumber manufacturers began adding a stain to all its products, changing the lumber's appearance from what had been green for the last 40 years, to a softer, brown tint.

Is green treated lumber safe?

Yes, pressure-treated wood is safe for use in everything from raised garden beds to children's playhouses. Before 2003, pressure-treated lumber was often treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA), a preservative containing some amount of poisonous arsenic.

What is the best grade of pressure-treated lumber?

The 5 Pressure Treated Lumber Grades

Select structural, or SS, is the highest grade based on durability and strength. Standard grade lumber can be used for joists and other load-bearing applications.

How long will pressure treated wood stay green?

Before you can stain, wait 72 hours for pressure-treated wood to dry completely if has been kiln-dried at the lumber yard. You can check the board for tags and ask the hardware store staff if it's already Kiln dried If not, it usually takes a few weeks to six months before you can stain.

What is the best pressure treated wood for ground contact?

The best pressure-treated wood for ground contact or within 6″ (150mm) is wood classified as UC4A or UC4B. Often lumber companies will make this easy by tagging the wood as treated for ground contact. Treated at a level of protection to survive the increased fungi and moisture of contact with the ground.

What is the difference between #1 and #2 pressure treated wood?

If the wood is #1, it is stamped #1. The main difference between #1 and #2 is the slope of the wood grain, size, spacing, and the number of knots and holes, and the length of any splits. Construction grade is #1 and Standard is #2. Both can be used for load-bearing purposes or other outdoor applications.

What is the best wood to use for a deck?

Pressure-treated lumber is the best wood for outdoor decks when it comes to upfront costs because of its easy accessibility. However, pressure-treated lumber — and indeed, all types of traditional wood decking material — require the aforementioned rigorous, costly maintenance over time.

Is it better to stain or paint pressure-treated wood?

Pressure-Treated Wood Needs Protection

Applying stain to pressure-treated wood offers an additional level of protection that homeowners don't want to be without. Stain offers another layer of much-needed protection from insects and decay, as well as from mold and mildew.

How long will a treated 4x4 post last in the ground?

A treated 4×4 will last 20 to 25 years in the ground if the conditions in the soil and climate are favorable. That number could increase to 40 to 75 years if you install the treated 4×4 in a cement ring rather than the soil. There are a few factors that influence how long the 4×4 can last in the ground.

What happens if you don't stain pressure-treated wood?

Pressure-treated wood is a porous material. Without stain, any type of paint or sealant, rainwater, dew or snow can easily penetrate the decking. The wood will then swell until it dries when it will shrink again.

What are the three categories of treated lumber?

There are three main families of treated lumber used in construction. Borate, Alkaline Copper Quat (ACQ) and other rot-resistant treatments, and non-combustible (Non-Com).

What is better #1 or #2 lumber?

Typically wood that is two or more inches thick is graded only for strength, denoted by #1, #2 and so on. And because stronger lumber has fewer and smaller knots, it's typically more attractive. So the general rule of thumb for lumber grades is this: the lower the number, the more strength and better appearance.

How do I choose pressure-treated lumber?

Pressure-treated lumber is rated according to the pounds of preservative retained per cubic foot of wood; the higher the number, the better the protection against fungi and insect attack. Select decking boards with the preservative concentration suitable for their use.

Is brown pressure treated wood toxic?

If you follow safety precautions around treated wood, you should not have any health effects as a result. However, you should avoid exposure to the smoke or ash from burning treated wood. If you suspect poisoning, seek medical attention immediately.

Does brown pressure treated wood fade?

A new pressure treated wood is on the market now that has a brown colour. The brown is dark at first, but then fades to a more natural wood colour over time. Brown Treated Lumber is now the most popular and requested material for installation!

Why is pressure treated wood brown?

Brown timber has been treated in the same way as green timber, but a brown dye has been added to the preservative to give a darker brown finish. This dye is simply for colour, it doesn't have any additional preservative quality.

Should I sand pressure treated wood before staining?

All wood, except manufactured products like composite wood — even pressure-treated lumber — need to be sanded and stained. If you want it to last, you have to put in the time and some elbow grease.

Do you need to seal pressure treated wood?

Although treated wood is protected against decay and termite attack, the application of a water-repellent sealer to all exposed wood surfaces is recommended upon completion of construction. This sealer will help control surface checking (splitting or cracking) and provide an attractive appearance.

How long should you wait to stain a new pressure treated deck?

Pressure-treated lumber should be allowed to dry for at least six months before stain or any wood treatment is applied. A good test is to pour water on the boards. If it beads up, it's still too wet. If the water soaks in, it's ready for stain.

Should I use cedar or pressure treated wood for a deck?

When it comes to comparing treated wood vs. cedar, pressure-treated wood is the sturdier and more weather-proof of the two. It's highly resistant to insect attack and rot, and special versions rated for “ground contact” can be buried in soil and will continue to shrug off decay for decades.