This approach is intended to consider the big picture trends as opposed to allowing otherwise isolated issues to severely affect plant performance status. All structural lumber used in the U.S. and Canada requires a stamp identifying it as grade SS, #1, #2, or #3. Pressurization then forces the liquid deep into the wood. Quality control for treating should be done by an approved inspection agency. #1 will have less knots and is typically spec'd for joists and rafters. THE TREATING PROCESS, QUALITY AND IQC RESPONSIBILITIES. There are different types of treatment and lumber grades for different uses. Different types of treated lumber are used in many aspects of residential, commercial, and industrial construction where moisture or ground exposure may occur. Exciting stuffyou wont want to miss that! An internet search says it has to do with less knots and quality, and that #1 is of higher quality. MSR Scaffold Plank is available 2"-thick only. www.strongtie.com/products/ptwoodfaqs.html, FAQ: Pressure-Treated Wood | Simpson Strong-Tie. 1, No. 2023 Southern Pine Inspection Bureau | All Rights Reserved | SitemapP.O. ehV$W'A Listed spans are for wet-service conditions, pressure-treated Southern Pine floor/deck joists, MC > 19%. Records, trained personnel and an approved, properly equipped laboratory (either in-house or an approved external lab) are also required to complement the penetration and retention sampling requirements. Lumber that is KD (kiln-dried) or S-DRY (surface-dry) has a moisture content that is lower, between 16% and 19%. ACQ is another environmentally safe preservative composed of soluble copper and either quaternary ammonium alkyl or substitute compounds. SPIB is able to assist manufacturers achieve and maintain the quality that their customers require by employing highly qualified instructors. The ALSC also accredits third-party agencies, like SPIB, to inspect treating plants that produce treated lumber products with preservative systems listed in the American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) Book of Standards (BOS). It's distinctive wood grain appearance is great for decorative finishing. The type identifies the amount of chemical retention which in turn determines how or where to best use the lumber. Selecting the correct type of treated wood for a project often depends on how and where it will be used. Generally, the charge is accepted if at least 80% of the cores (16 of 20) meet the minimum depth of penetration. SPIB is subject to continual review by ALSC to ensure that the laboratory and agency records remain in compliance. #2 Prime/Appearance Grade (APG): A step up from #2 in appearance, this grade will have characteristics . Some types of timber have natural abilities while others need a boost. Tell us how were doing! Commonly used for joists, trusses, and other load-bearing applications. KD HT lumber vs PT lumber for deck - InterNACHI Forum The chamber is then flooded with a diluted chemical solution, and hydraulic pressure applied for 20 to 60 minutes to force the solution deeper into the wood. *Load duration factors greater than 1.6 shall not apply to structural members pressure-treated with water-borne . Wood preservation also helps conserve forest resources for future generations by greatly reducing the amount of wood needed to replace untreated wood structures prematurely damaged by decay or termites. hVmO9 ^TUJk[ Suitable for stud uses including use in load-bearing walls. Other than the features that depend on the type of tree the wood came from (i.e. Mobile, AL. The look of the wood is only important if it is highly visible, such as deck boards, railings, and other visible structural members. D Fir-L or Doug Fir for Douglas fir or larch (L), H-F, Hem-fir, or Hem for hemlock-fir or hemlock. Composite of No.3 strength and No.1 nailing edge characteristics for a better nailing surface. Come join the discussion about tools, projects, builds, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Grademarks. 32524-0915 | Office: (850) 434-2611 | Fax: (850) 434-1290. Then I worked to drink. The wood grain has a 1 in 8 slope, and there may be bark edge or wane visible. It has nothing to do with the wood being pressure treated (PT) at all. A Production Category is defined as a given preservative, specie and retention combination. it also has several good links. I do like to cover the tops of the joists and beams with ice and water shield. MCA is an environmentally friendly water-based preservative considered safe for humans and animals and is an alternative to CCA. SYP Dimension Lumber Specifications | Canfor Youll get less movement with kiln-dried (KD) or surface-dry (S-DRY) lumber, which has a moisture content between 16 and 19 percent. As a result, we have more grades available to our customers now than at any other time in the history of our company. Recommended for general construction uses. Wood is a sustainable product, making it . Most is not. Helping You to Do It Yourself! While each charge is evaluated on its own merit, it is important to note that overall evaluation of plant performance is done over the most recent 20 samples. Those stacks also include some No. Each American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) certified agency has its own registered grade-mark. Green Building Material . Southern Pines ease of treatability has made it the preferred species when pressure treatment with wood preservatives is required. Being 80% or more clear of defects, it is often used for cabinetry, furniture, and trim. In ancient times the Greeks used olive oil, the Romans tar, and others used pitch or lye. Wood packaging material made of unprocessed raw wood is recognized as a pathway for the introduction and spread of pests. SPIB is able to assist manufacturers achieve and maintain the quality that their customers require by employing highly qualified instructors. Like all lumber, the fewer knots, blemishes, or defects, the higher the grade. %\dbZ!1T09 F.#3s3+VdIr9f>LQOL7-1K)s+}OY'\awt_D FfhWnK8R5 @^L;@e\;7&8/O_PL;V@SqqZEy?9S=Z_{uh@fx:DSs=8! b+! I didn't ask but I doubt the deck boards and 2x are ground contact which deals with the amount of preservatives used on the lumber. Email: cspsales@canfor.com. We work together with our subscribers to provide consistent, accurate inspection data for their use to improve product quality, meet Building Code specifications, enhance service life, and promote industry sustainability. For complete information about types of preservatives, the latest industry standards, product identification and specification guidelines, refer to SFPAs booklet,Pressure-Treated Southern Pine (download in Publications). endstream endobj 145 0 obj <>stream Recommended for construction where high strength, stiffness and good appearance are desired. 2 in. x 12 in. x 8 ft. #2 Prime or Better Ground Contact Pressure Pressure treated lumber has been treated with a chemical solution to protect it from insects, mold, mildew, and rot. Dont know anything about the HT lumber, but if you are in the west, the PT is still Western Hemlock and looks pretty much the same as before. Wood Packaging Material (WPM). Treated wood products must meet very specific quality requirements to meet the building code. Framing lumber, unlike money, does grow on trees, so theres always the chance it will have some natural defect, such as a large knot or a long split, that can reduce its overall strength. It has anti fungal properties along with a host of other positive features. Charges that are documented as conforming for penetration and retention by IQC results are subject to re-inspection by the agency to verify penetration and retention. Treated wood will shrink as it dries and expand when wet and may acquire surface checks and cracks over time. Some on this forum think that is a waste of time, but I think it extends the life of the lumber. Douglas fir, fir, and hemlock dominate in the western U.S. and Canada, with Douglas fir ranking the strongest of the commonly milled and treated softwoods, while the fir and hemlock are slightly stronger than SPF. The stapled on label will have w/CE to indicate with color enhancement, she is correct. the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau (SPIB) Standard Grading Rules for Southern Pine Lumber. Abbreviations for framing-grade softwoods, from strongest to weakest, Doug Fir, D Fir- L: Douglas fir (L=western larch). Pressure treated lumber is available in 1, 5/4, 2, 4, and 6 nominal thicknesses, and widths up to 12. A very good product to, Highest recognized grade of Finish. hb```"/VI ealR]2L 7] u~m>^;+g=ll&Cv)!N&%5g~IK1 PDF Treated Span Chart - Culpeper Wood Preservers Just to second what rjniles just said, the HD guy couldn't be more wrong (imagine that). This defect is exacerbated in the presence of Spi-1 haplo-insufficiency (Spi1+/- SpiB-/-). Treated Wood | SPIB | Southern Pine Inspection Bureau HWW&)@@vaU\P}qtyneG@@x7]Ia8QNoW%T"HH zB-rJ(TG?e)-3"kzvdkMwTXcfb`UML||d]/t@Q1~Q#|30LQA RG vy_rfazhfx NL+XEB7Hb%Y5?_9_h4}EZ^R Z}'a1+&z&j+m}b? z[TWL*baKq @NO{CHpXa2 PkHX%W!AH0aP1 bB z%Oev+Yh!UL$(MJ \N Before a given charge can actually go into the plants treated inventory to be ready for shipment, it must first be evaluated for penetration. To qualify for a SPIB grade-marking license, a mill must have verified credentials in the manufacturing, seasoning, and grading of Southern Pine lumber. All rights reserved. s Premium and select classifications and the percentage of clear wood are appearance grades used by some mills and retailers. Those stacks also include some No. The American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) sets the standards for the retention level required for the different chemical preservative compositions for specific types of use. It needs to be treated every 2 to 3 years (depending on the environment) to protect it from moisture damage. Help a newbie identify treated wood? | LumberJocks Woodworking Forum The SPIB publishes grading rules under which 95% of the production of the entire industry is classified and sold and maintains an extensive training program in a classroom setting, on the web, and at the mills. The HD guy is wrong. Raised floor homes look great and protect homeowners against risks from flooding and subsiding soils. Non-stress rated, but economical for general utility purposes such as bracing, blocking, bulkheading, etc. When pressure treated it is resistant to decay and termites. OK then thanks. Advances in preservative treatments, environmental management and sustainable forestry practices make treated wood an ecologically sound building material. MC-15 identifies lumber as having 15% or less moisture content. Wood treated with water-based preservatives for saltwater immersion has significantly higher retention levels than other types and categories. Lumber must be stamped for strength by a trained inspector and identified with a legitimate stamp. This information will then be combined with previous plant data to determine the plant performance status, as mentioned above. endstream endobj 146 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/Height 49/Intent/RelativeColorimetric/Length 6519/Metadata 150 0 R/Name/X/Subtype/Image/Type/XObject/Width 174>>stream Thats why every stick of lumber coming out of a sawmill is appraised by trained inspectors and given a grade stamp. The most noticeable difference may be the price and scarcity of #1 grade lumber. Both can be used for load-bearing purposes or other outdoor applications. This cryptic tattoo indicates that a piece of wood meets established standards for strength and stiffness, and it also offers useful information about the type of wood and how much moisture it contains. The two remaining designations, while not very useful to a homeowner, enable grading agencies to enforce their standards. &_ePM&dWCh The appearance doesnt affect the structural grade, it just is superficially more appealing. SPIB is a not-for-profit company that serves as the rules-writing agency for the Standard Grade Rules in Southern pine lumber. Use tar paper or bituminous tape to protect metal brackets and ho-dipped galvanized or stainless-steel fasteners, or those specially coated to prevent corrosion by wood preservative chemicals. Most lumber in my area is listed as Prime or Premium depending on the box store and is stamped #2 or #2 & BTR. Research shows that Southern Pine can be expected to last for many decades when properly treated and installed for its intended use. Where applicable, the International Building Code requires that all treated wood products be treated and labeled as meeting specific AWPA Standards and bear the mark of an ALSC-accredited agency OR equivalent. Superior product suitable for a wide range of uses including shelving, boxing, crating, and form lumber. I did find a post about how the PT label might be cut off the end of a board and the stamp that is left shows HT or kiln dried HT. UC3B or UC4A are best for ground contact use. SPIB is committed to assisting our customers meet their treatment goals in the most cost-effective means possible. If the wood is #1, it is stamped #1. While most residential pressure treated lumber is deemed safe for use, dust and particles can still be harmful. Treatment with preservatives protects wood that is exposed to the elements, in contact with the ground or subjected to high humidity. SYP holds almost 85% of the U.S. pressure treated market. SPIB is subject to continual review by IAS to ensure that the laboratory and agency records remain in compliance. Grade based on No.1 Dimension Lumber except wane and other characteristics that affect appearance are limited. It is not as strong as the other grades and is commonly used for where it wont be visible, and light framing purposes such as bracing, crates, and pallets. Copyright 2022Culpeper Wood Preservers | All rights reserved. The species and grade, however, affect the spacing between supports with #1 often rated for greater spans. Longleaf, shortleaf, loblolly, and slash are some of the native southeastern pines that are classified as SYP. These values are modified using procedures shown in "Calculating Apparent Reliability of Wood Scaffold Planks," as published by the Journal on Structural Safety, 2 (1984) 47-57, and updated in 1993. Pressure treated to a Ground Contact retention of either ACQ or CA Chemical preservative. The resulting hole will be filled with a treated wood plug to prevent easy access by insects or decay fungi. MCA can be used inside or out, above ground, in-ground, or in fresh-water contact residential areas. The pressure-treatment process Timber components, machined to their finished dimensions and at an appropriate moisture content, are impregnated with preservatives in large pressure vessels, where the combination of vacuum and high-pressure drives the preservative into the wood. o>>QS-RSnwO4piq4Szh+jkS3NQn(:;^unn^}Q8ws{7sFS BOARD GRADES. Southern yellow pine (SYP) is very strong and is common in the eastern U.S. A mixture of spruce, pine, and fir (SPF) dominate much of the northern U.S. and eastern and central Canada and isnt as strong as SYP. This website is presented by SFPA members, including: 2023 Southern Forest Products Association. Protecting wood against rot and insects has been done for centuries. There are many questions about the different treated wood products in our market today. Oil-based and creosote treatments are still used but since the preservatives leach out over time and with heat, they are considered too messy or hazardous for residential use. Larger sizes conform to Dense Structural 72 Structural Lumber except for dense grain requirement. The lumber is stronger than #1 or #2 and is ideal for all structural construction applications. Pressure treatment is an affordable alternative to expensive naturally rot-resistant lumber. I am finding lots of info about how HT (heat treated lumber) is required for packaging, pallets etc to prevent the spread of some WDO across the world but can not find anything concrete on whether or not it is suitable for a deck. A high-pressure period is then undergone to push the preservative deep into the wood. s 32524-0915 r r There are many other uses for pt lumber, including docks, boathouses, sheds, boardwalks, play structures, gazebos, and the list goes on. 43:Gs * endstream endobj 143 0 obj <>stream . Free of pitch pockets, pitch streaks and medium pitch on one wide face, but otherwise conforms to No.1 Dense or No.1 Dimension Lumber. However, treated lumber may be kiln-dried or wet and will shrink, cup, and warp as it dries. Southern Pine's ease of treatability has made it the preferred species when pressure treatment with wood preservatives is required. It was widely used as a preservative from the mid-1930s to 2004. Pressure treated lumber has been infused with preservatives to prevent rot and insect damage. Description & Documents #2 prime southern yellow pine with virtually no wane CA-C Above Ground pressure treated exterior wood protected by Ecolife (EL2); a stabilizing formula that repels water keeps boards straighter and looking better longer Ecolife (EL2) provides built-in water repellency that lasts for up to 3 However, it shouldnt be used where it comes in contact with food or animal feed. Each charge sheet is reviewed to verify that all IQC requirements have been met and properly documented. Tel: 843-236-9399. Older growth wood is better but more expensive and difficult to find. The wood is 43% clear for appearance grading. Recommended for general construction uses. The treatment doesnt penetrate deeply into the wood due to the impermeable nature of the wood cells. You Save $3.39 with Mail-In Rebate. Pressure-Treated Lumber 15 Span Tables . Within all grades, there are planks that will be freer of blemishes and knots and may be called premium. The solution protects against insects, mold, mildew, fungus, and rot, and turns the wood a light brown hue. Pressure-treated wood can dry in about 1 month, whereas fresh wood provides an environment where fungi and bacteria produce rot and insects infest. Good appearance, but graded primarily for strength and serviceability. As the wood dries, the preservative is left behind to protect against insects, mold, mildew, fungal growth, and rot. Recommended for uses where high strength, stiffness and good appearance are desired. We've downsized and im already overimproved. Modern science has developed preservative treatments that are odorless and colorless, and leave the wood paintable and dry to the touch. Regardless of whether the preservative system is approved through the AWPA or ICC-ES process, the inspection and analytical standards used to monitor the respective quality attributes are delineated in the AWPA Book of Standards. Modern chemical baths and pressurization began in the early half of the 20th century. Lumber that is 2 or less in thickness (24, 26, 5/4 decking, etc.) 1s and Selects, to boot. Hi Raymond, it looks like this 2 in. A forum community dedicated to Do it yourself-ers and home improvement enthusiasts. Grades of Lumber - Culpeper Wood Preservers What is the Best Pressure Treated Wood for Decks? He is passionately interested in home improvement, renovation and woodworking. AC2 2 x 6 #2 Prime Ground Contact Tongue and Groove Treated - Menards Allows well-spaced knots of any quality. They dont discolor the wood and protect against insects, molds, mildew, and fungi. It can be used to span greater distances, an SPF SS 28 will reach 15-3. Kiln-dried wood is lighter, easier to work with, and less likely to split. 2023 Southern Pine Inspection Bureau | All Rights Reserved | SitemapP.O. it would be unsuitable unless it is a naturally resistant wood such as teak or redwood. See Table 2 or SPIB Grading Rules for design values. A specific indicator or a specific method is then used to reveal the depth and consistency of preservative penetration. Larger sizes conform to Dense Structural 65 Structural Lumber except for dense grain requirement. Got the ledger #2 GC from the lumber yard. Overly dry wood often needs a pilot hole before fastening to prevent splitting. An excellent decking grade that can be used face side down for roof decking or face side up for floor decking. The preservatives provide protection against rot, insects, mold, and fungi, so the wood lasts longer. Dimensional wood from all grades is pressure treated for different uses. About Contact Careers Locations Products, About Contact Careers HD and Lowe's only had lower grade. How to Figure Out if Wood Has Been Pressure-Treated, and Why It Matters (See Wood Code, below). http://www.ecoprem.com/pdf/ecoprem_wood_technology_competitive_analysis.pdf. The treated wood is then taken to the yard to dry naturally or to the drying kilns before shipping to the retailer. Its moisture content of 19 percent or more makes it inexpensive, but it can move unpredictably as it shrinks and dries. The lumber is commonly used for all facets of structural construction, plus furniture, shelving, decking, railings, siding, post, and other purposes where its visible appeal can be appreciated. Premier structural grades. Suitable for economical use as sheathing or lathing. Tel: 251-457-6872. Excellent for painting or natural finish where requirements are less exacting. #1 grade can have more wane (or bark) Please keep in mind, that with the advent of prime grades, the differences between the grades of lumber have become even more defined and distinct. No.1 Prime No.2 Prime Size inches ( actu l) Spacing inches on center 12.0 16.0 24.0 12.0 16.0 24.0 12.0 24.0 16.0 24.0 TREATED FLOOR /D . The dry wood is loaded into a treatment cylinder which is then sealed and depressurized to vacuum as much air as possible from the wood cells. Recommended where a combination of economical construction and good strength is desired. Behind the Mark: A Look at the SPIB Treated Wood Inspection Process Some lumber is also treated for fire protection and used throughout different areas of residential, commercial, and industrial construction. Sep 13, 2020 i would not use that for cutting boards,looks to be a soft wood and you want a hardwood like maple or cherry. High utility value where appearance is. The SPIB Treated Wood Quality Audit Program provides a customized third-party quality control program to help Treated Wood producers meet industry-approved standards. 2 x 4 x 20' Prime Pressure Treated #2 Lumber *BUY IN BULK* AND SAVE Pressure treated lumber comes in a variety of lengths, widths, and thicknesses and from different species of softwood. SPIB also inspects mills that manufacture and label various lumber products under these rules. Lumber stamped #2 grade is commonly used for framing, lintels, rafters, trusses, joists, beams, and fencing. Lumber Products | Southern Pine Lumber Company Its appearance ranking is 80% or better clear of defects. Gives the trademark or number of the mill of origin. The ranking goes from Select Structural (highest strength, best appearance) to No. It's easy to work with. But not all defects are obvious. Copyright 2023 This Old House Ventures, LLC. Specification Guidelines - Southern Pine Its appearance ranking requires it to be 75% free of knots or defects. Ground contact level treatment (.15 pcf) has more than double the preservative of above ground level treated wood (.07 pcf) Lighter, more natural wood appearance for improved staining qualities. The current process is mostly computerized and mechanized using modern technology. Combination for B&B and C grades; satisfies requirements for. x 12 in. The charge is considered conforming if each component meets the minimum required retention AND the total, combined minimum retention is met. %PDF-1.5 % t|]UE)@Whi`_@z>'}8/p}8c s This specific set of data for each charge is called a charge report. A superior decking grade, suitable for plank floor where face serves as finish floor. Georgia-Pacific pressure treated lumber is an economical building material that offers all the benefits of wood, plus built-in resistance to decay and termite damage. Good-quality sheathing, fencing, shelving and other general purpose uses. Tags: None The Duke Resistance to biological decay is 15-25 times higher then of untreated wood Pressure treated wood can also be stained or sealed to enhance its color and for added protection. A number that identifies the mill where the lumber was produced. It is stamped S-GRN for surface-green or AD for air-dried. This website is presented by SFPA members, including: 2023 Southern Forest Products Association. Fax: (850) 434-1290. There is no structural premium grade, it is strictly a term for bright looking wood free of blemishes or knots. Now I must drink to work. Has a better appearance than No.1 Dense Dimension Lumber because of additional restrictions on firm red heart, pith, knots and wane. WWPA offers a heat treatment certification program for mills to stamp qualifying lumber with the KD - HT mark. It could be HT and then PTd later? In appearance grade, the planks are 66% clear wood. ? Details Made from quality Southern Pine lumber Available for . The wood then is dried naturally or in a kiln to evaporate the water out, leaving the preservatives behind. Denotes the woods species or a group of species with similar strengths. Use in-ground type lumber where there is a greater risk of deterioration or severe environmental exposure, or for critical structural components like foundation posts, exposure to fresh or groundwater, or utility poles. Severe Weather 2-in x 6-in x 12-ft #2 Prime Wood Pressure Treated Lumber Follow along as we decode the stamp and show you how to get the most lumber for your money. Provides good appearance with some of, Maximum recommended support spacing is 24" on center (16" on center for Imported Southern Pine), High-quality product, recommended where smallest knots are, Slightly less restrictive than premium grade. The retention level is measured in pounds of chemical per cubic foot of wood (pcf). More knots than Premium grade No matter what it is called or tagged, it should bear a stamp on the wood surface identifying it as SS, #1, # 2, or #3.