Treated Lumber FAQs & Literature
Loading...
Additional information available for download. See PDF documents below.
What is AC2® pressure treated lumber?
AC2® is a revolutionary copper-based wood treatment technology. Solid, micronized copper particles are suspended in a solution that is pressure impregnated into wood products.
Are AC2® treated wood products code approved?
The AC2® lumber preservative system meets all major model building code requirements. AC2® is an American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) standardized wood preservative.
What are the end use applications for AC2® treated wood products?
AC2® treated lumber and other wood products are available for: Above Ground, Ground Contact and Critical Structural. AC2® products are not currently approved for saltwater immersion applications.The AC2® wood preservative can produce wood products treated to these End Use Categories:
• ABOVE GROUND Interior Dry (UC1)
• ABOVE GROUND Interior Damp (UC2)
• ABOVE GROUND Protected (UC3A)
• ABOVE GROUND Exposed (UC3B)
• GROUND CONTACT General Use (UC4A)
• GROUND CONTACT Critical Structural (UC4B)
What are retentions or retention levels?
Retention levels refer to the amount of preservative retained in the wood following the treatment process. Retention levels can be different based on the wood preservative system used to pressure treat the wood product and its intended end use (ground contact, above ground contact, etc.). It is important to purchase treated wood products for the intended exposure condition. Typically, wood products are treated for "above ground use" and "ground contact/fresh-water immersion use." The treated wood end tag should state the recommended end use for the treated wood product.
Why is some pressure treated wood wet?
Pressure treatment solutions contain water, preservatives and enhancements that are pressure impregnated into the wood. During the treating cycle, a final vacuum step helps removes excess water and treating solution from the wood, however the wood will still remain damp. As the wood continues to air dry, a certain amount of shrinkage must be accepted. Allowing adequate time for the lumber to air dry prior to beginning your project may help lessen the effects due to the reduction in size the wood may undergo.
Why does freshly treated pressure treated wood shrink?
As the wood dries out following the treatment process, a certain amount of shrinkage will occur. Prior to putting the wood into service, it can be "preshrunk" by allowing it to air dry and acclimate, helping to reduce the effects of shrinking and swelling. Allowing adequate time for the lumber to air dry prior to beginning your project may help lessen the effects due to the reduction in size the wood may undergo.
How do water repellents and stains help minimize the effects of weathering on treated wood?
The sequence of wetting and drying, along with the accompanying swelling and shrinking may cause surface checks to form, contributing to weathering of the surface. Wood exposed to rain and sunlight should be protected from weathering by sealing with a water repellent product or stain. These products will protect the surface of the wood from rapid wetting and drying, prolonging the appearance over time. Follow manufacturer's instructions on water repellent or stain products.
Is maintenance required on pressure treated wood projects?
Pressure treated wood products help protect wood from rot, fungal decay and termite attack. However, moisture, sun, and outdoor conditions may cause the wood project to show signs of weathering. Natural weathering such as raised grain, splitting, checking, twisting, warping, shrinkage, or swelling occurs in wood treated or untreated. To help reduce the effects of natural weathering, the use of a clear water repellent coating or a semi-transparent water repellent coating product is recommended.
Can I paint treated wood?
Yes. If you desire to apply paint, stain, water repellent, or other finish to your preservative treated wood, follow the manufacturer's instructions and label of the finishing product. Before you start, apply the finishing product to a small exposed test area before completing the entire project to insure it provides the intended result before proceeding.
How often do I have to apply a finish to treated wood?
Check the manufacturer's instructions regarding period of application. The amount of exposure to sunlight and other weather conditions may affect how often a protective finish should be applied.
My deck has not kept its original pressure treated wood color. How can I restore the appearance of the treated wood?
Wood deck cleaning products are available. These products may be referred to as cleaners, brighteners, or restorers. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Can I use a pressure washer on pressure treated wood?
Yes, follow the pressure washer manufacturer's recommendations and guidelines. Wood can be damaged if these instructions are not followed.
What fasteners or hardware should I use with treated wood?
AC2® wood treated with MicroPro technology offers many benefits including significantly improved corrosion rates on metal products. Use fasteners and hardware that are in compliance with the manufacturer's recommendations and the building codes for their intended use. Where design and/or actual conditions allow for constant, repetitive or long periods of wet conditions, only stainless steel fasteners should be used.
Can pressure treated wood posts be buried or installed in concrete?
AC2® pressure treated wood posts produced for "Ground Contact Use" can be placed in the ground with or without the use of concrete. (When placing a pressure treated wood post in the ground, the freshly cut end should not be place in, or on the ground. Orient the posts so that the original factory-treated ends are in contact with the ground.)
Can treated wood be used in contact with manure or compost?
We do not recommend this use for treated wood, however if AC2® treated wood products are used for this application, it is suggested that all of the treated wood products be treated for "Ground Contact" end use.
Can treated wood be used for raised vegetable beds or around my grape vines?
AC2® treated wood products may be used to construct raised bed gardens. The treated wood process is certified by Scientific Certification Systems, Inc. (SCS) as an Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP) based on SCS' Life-Cycle Assessment. If AC2® treated wood products are used for this application, it is suggested that all of the treated wood products be treated for "Ground Contact" end use.
Very small amounts of copper and azole may migrate out of AC2® treated wood over time. If it is desirable to minimize the migration of these components into the soil of a raised bed garden, we recommend that a suitable thin plastic material be used as a barrier between the treated wood and the raised bed garden soil.
The use of a plastic barrier will also help keep the raised bed garden soil within the bed area. For proper drainage, the plastic material should not be used underneath the raised bed garden soil.
Is it safe to use treated wood in a picnic table or on countertops?
AC2® pressure treated wood products can be used for outdoor picnic tables. We recommend that the picnic table be covered to prevent food from contacting the wood surface. It is not recommended that any treated wood product be used as a countertop. Do not put food directly in contact with treated wood.
Can I use treated wood in feed troughs for livestock?
Do not use preserved wood under circumstances where the preservative may become a component of food, animal feed, or beehives.
How does mold affect wood?
Mold occurring on pressure treated wood products is typically not an indication of fungal decay attack. Mold growth can and does occur on the surface of many products, including untreated and treated wood, during prolonged surface exposure to excessive moisture conditions. To remove mold from the treated wood surface, wood should be allowed to dry. Typically, mild soap and water can be used to remove remaining surface mold. For more information visit www.epa.gov
Do your pressure treated wood products contain formaldehyde?
Koppers wood preservative products do not contain formaldehyde. However, glues used to produce plywood, glue laminates, and other engineered wood products may contain formaldehyde. Contact the engineered wood producer for information regarding the use of formaldehyde in their products.
Is AC2® pressure treated wood available with a water repellent?
Yes. Check with your building material supplier for availability.
Is the AC2® wood preservative system in the current AWPA standards?
Yes. The MCA preservative used in AC2® is an American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) standardized wood preservative.
Are AC2® treated wood products available in different colors?
AC2® CedarTone lumber is color infused with a rich color, similar to Coastal Western Cedar which provides pleasing aesthetic performance for the first two years following completion of the outdoor project. The MicroShades in-solution color pigment system is pressure treated into the wood with the durability and protection of AC2®.
AC2® is a revolutionary copper-based wood treatment technology. Solid, micronized copper particles are suspended in a solution that is pressure impregnated into wood products.
Are AC2® treated wood products code approved?
The AC2® lumber preservative system meets all major model building code requirements. AC2® is an American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) standardized wood preservative.
What are the end use applications for AC2® treated wood products?
AC2® treated lumber and other wood products are available for: Above Ground, Ground Contact and Critical Structural. AC2® products are not currently approved for saltwater immersion applications.The AC2® wood preservative can produce wood products treated to these End Use Categories:
• ABOVE GROUND Interior Dry (UC1)
• ABOVE GROUND Interior Damp (UC2)
• ABOVE GROUND Protected (UC3A)
• ABOVE GROUND Exposed (UC3B)
• GROUND CONTACT General Use (UC4A)
• GROUND CONTACT Critical Structural (UC4B)
What are retentions or retention levels?
Retention levels refer to the amount of preservative retained in the wood following the treatment process. Retention levels can be different based on the wood preservative system used to pressure treat the wood product and its intended end use (ground contact, above ground contact, etc.). It is important to purchase treated wood products for the intended exposure condition. Typically, wood products are treated for "above ground use" and "ground contact/fresh-water immersion use." The treated wood end tag should state the recommended end use for the treated wood product.
Why is some pressure treated wood wet?
Pressure treatment solutions contain water, preservatives and enhancements that are pressure impregnated into the wood. During the treating cycle, a final vacuum step helps removes excess water and treating solution from the wood, however the wood will still remain damp. As the wood continues to air dry, a certain amount of shrinkage must be accepted. Allowing adequate time for the lumber to air dry prior to beginning your project may help lessen the effects due to the reduction in size the wood may undergo.
Why does freshly treated pressure treated wood shrink?
As the wood dries out following the treatment process, a certain amount of shrinkage will occur. Prior to putting the wood into service, it can be "preshrunk" by allowing it to air dry and acclimate, helping to reduce the effects of shrinking and swelling. Allowing adequate time for the lumber to air dry prior to beginning your project may help lessen the effects due to the reduction in size the wood may undergo.
How do water repellents and stains help minimize the effects of weathering on treated wood?
The sequence of wetting and drying, along with the accompanying swelling and shrinking may cause surface checks to form, contributing to weathering of the surface. Wood exposed to rain and sunlight should be protected from weathering by sealing with a water repellent product or stain. These products will protect the surface of the wood from rapid wetting and drying, prolonging the appearance over time. Follow manufacturer's instructions on water repellent or stain products.
Is maintenance required on pressure treated wood projects?
Pressure treated wood products help protect wood from rot, fungal decay and termite attack. However, moisture, sun, and outdoor conditions may cause the wood project to show signs of weathering. Natural weathering such as raised grain, splitting, checking, twisting, warping, shrinkage, or swelling occurs in wood treated or untreated. To help reduce the effects of natural weathering, the use of a clear water repellent coating or a semi-transparent water repellent coating product is recommended.
Can I paint treated wood?
Yes. If you desire to apply paint, stain, water repellent, or other finish to your preservative treated wood, follow the manufacturer's instructions and label of the finishing product. Before you start, apply the finishing product to a small exposed test area before completing the entire project to insure it provides the intended result before proceeding.
How often do I have to apply a finish to treated wood?
Check the manufacturer's instructions regarding period of application. The amount of exposure to sunlight and other weather conditions may affect how often a protective finish should be applied.
My deck has not kept its original pressure treated wood color. How can I restore the appearance of the treated wood?
Wood deck cleaning products are available. These products may be referred to as cleaners, brighteners, or restorers. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Can I use a pressure washer on pressure treated wood?
Yes, follow the pressure washer manufacturer's recommendations and guidelines. Wood can be damaged if these instructions are not followed.
What fasteners or hardware should I use with treated wood?
AC2® wood treated with MicroPro technology offers many benefits including significantly improved corrosion rates on metal products. Use fasteners and hardware that are in compliance with the manufacturer's recommendations and the building codes for their intended use. Where design and/or actual conditions allow for constant, repetitive or long periods of wet conditions, only stainless steel fasteners should be used.
Can pressure treated wood posts be buried or installed in concrete?
AC2® pressure treated wood posts produced for "Ground Contact Use" can be placed in the ground with or without the use of concrete. (When placing a pressure treated wood post in the ground, the freshly cut end should not be place in, or on the ground. Orient the posts so that the original factory-treated ends are in contact with the ground.)
Can treated wood be used in contact with manure or compost?
We do not recommend this use for treated wood, however if AC2® treated wood products are used for this application, it is suggested that all of the treated wood products be treated for "Ground Contact" end use.
Can treated wood be used for raised vegetable beds or around my grape vines?
AC2® treated wood products may be used to construct raised bed gardens. The treated wood process is certified by Scientific Certification Systems, Inc. (SCS) as an Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP) based on SCS' Life-Cycle Assessment. If AC2® treated wood products are used for this application, it is suggested that all of the treated wood products be treated for "Ground Contact" end use.
Very small amounts of copper and azole may migrate out of AC2® treated wood over time. If it is desirable to minimize the migration of these components into the soil of a raised bed garden, we recommend that a suitable thin plastic material be used as a barrier between the treated wood and the raised bed garden soil.
The use of a plastic barrier will also help keep the raised bed garden soil within the bed area. For proper drainage, the plastic material should not be used underneath the raised bed garden soil.
Is it safe to use treated wood in a picnic table or on countertops?
AC2® pressure treated wood products can be used for outdoor picnic tables. We recommend that the picnic table be covered to prevent food from contacting the wood surface. It is not recommended that any treated wood product be used as a countertop. Do not put food directly in contact with treated wood.
Can I use treated wood in feed troughs for livestock?
Do not use preserved wood under circumstances where the preservative may become a component of food, animal feed, or beehives.
How does mold affect wood?
Mold occurring on pressure treated wood products is typically not an indication of fungal decay attack. Mold growth can and does occur on the surface of many products, including untreated and treated wood, during prolonged surface exposure to excessive moisture conditions. To remove mold from the treated wood surface, wood should be allowed to dry. Typically, mild soap and water can be used to remove remaining surface mold. For more information visit www.epa.gov
Do your pressure treated wood products contain formaldehyde?
Koppers wood preservative products do not contain formaldehyde. However, glues used to produce plywood, glue laminates, and other engineered wood products may contain formaldehyde. Contact the engineered wood producer for information regarding the use of formaldehyde in their products.
Is AC2® pressure treated wood available with a water repellent?
Yes. Check with your building material supplier for availability.
Is the AC2® wood preservative system in the current AWPA standards?
Yes. The MCA preservative used in AC2® is an American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) standardized wood preservative.
Are AC2® treated wood products available in different colors?
AC2® CedarTone lumber is color infused with a rich color, similar to Coastal Western Cedar which provides pleasing aesthetic performance for the first two years following completion of the outdoor project. The MicroShades in-solution color pigment system is pressure treated into the wood with the durability and protection of AC2®.
Loading...
Additional Literature
