Pressure Treated Decks – Strong, Resistant and Beautiful

Decks can easily become the center of family fun and relaxation, but to keep it that way, it’s important to use pressure treated wood during the construction phase of the deck. This special process is the key to building a deck that is strong, resistant to damage and able to withstand the daily use your deck is sure to get.

Decks have become a much sought-after feature for homeowners and that popularity has only increased in recent years. Those in the market for a new home put a high value on homes with backyard pressure treated decks and those selling their home find they can command a higher price for their property if it comes with a relaxing deck. And a plus for both of them is a deck made with pressure treated wood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pressure Treated Wood – Highly Recommended for Decks

Pressure treated wood is wood infused with special chemicals that make it resistant to the elements as well as damage from insects such as termites and fungus. Some of the most common wood treatments include Creosote, Waterborne and Oil-borne and specific chemicals used include chromated copper arsenate, alkaline cooper quaternary, alkaline copper quat, micronized copper quat and copper azole. Pressure treated wood is infused with protective chemicals prior to being used in construction. This type of wood is highly recommended for wood projects that will be exposed to the outdoor elements for long periods of time – such as decks.

The wood is available in several grades from “Premium” to “Standard” – Sunshine Contracting uses only #1 Pressure Treated Premium Southern Pine Wood. The pressure treated wood generally looks no different than regular wood, although in some instances the wood may take on a greenish tint as a result of being infused with the chemicals. But this is of small concern to many owners of pressure treated decks when they consider the longevity of the sound state of the wood.

 

Pressure Treated Decks Offer Protection against Termites and Water

Having a deck made of pressure treated wood needs to be a major consideration for homeowners who plan on having their deck come into close contact with the ground. Not only will the deck be susceptible to water damage (both from rain from above and possible standing water below) but is will also be attractive to termites as well as become a possible breeding ground for fungus. Without the pressure treatment, the deck may become damaged and useless well before its time.

It should be noted that pressure treated decks are not automatically resistant to water.   Homeowners should wait approximately 2 months for the pressyre treated wood to dry out and then should seal or treat the deck with a water repellent. In addition, it’s sometimes recommended that you re-treat your deck with a water repellent at least once every year. Constructing your deck with pressure treated wood is a smart way to ensure that you will have your deck to enjoy for many years to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is My Current Deck at Risk for Collapse?

Check out this Today Show investigative report aired August 14, 2012 investigating the dangers of improperly installed and extremely weathered decks.  Is your deck at risk of collapsing?  Call Sunshine Contracting for a free estimate!