Some TREATED LUMBER Rots Faster Than Others! WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?! (Ground Contact Vs. Non-GC!)

Рет қаралды 205,844

Күн бұрын

Check Out Our FREE GUIDE: 25 Must-Have Carpentry Tools...Under $25 Each!
www.thehonestcarpenter.com/
Did you know that there are multiple varieties of TREATED LUMBER? And that some treated lumber will rot much faster in certain conditions? This short video from The Honest Carpenter explains the various treated lumber USE CATEGORIES!
Check Out Our Other Lumber Videos:
Is Treated Lumber Toxic?:
Is Particle Board The Worst?:
• The Truth About PARTIC...
Treated lumber and wood doesn't last nearly as long as it used to. This is because we shifted our pressure treatment process in 2009.
For years, Chromated Copper Arsenate was used to treat the vast majority of lumber in USA. But CCA contains a trace amount of arsenic, which caused concern. So, the EPA encouraged companies to switch it out for two other treatment fluids:
Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ)
Micronized Copper Azole (MCA)
These fluids don't protect lumber quite as well, and they also contain a higher concentration of COPPER, which makes them expensive to use.
In order to avoid very high lumber prices, lumber companies began grading treated lumber and treated wood based on how much treatment chemical was present in various grades of lumber after drying out. This quantity is known as TREATMENT RETENTION.
These retention quantities fall into USE CATEGORIES, since different retentions are suitable for various ideal uses.
Use Categories fall on a scale of 1A to 5C.
Lumbers up to the UC3C range are considered ABOVE GROUND USE, or NON-GROUND CONTACT lumbers, because they can't stand up to the high moisture saturation levels in various soil substrates.
However, lumbers graded UC 4A or higher are GROUND CONTACT lumbers, since their retention levels can handle contact with or immersion in the ground...or even directly in water!
These lumbers are used for deck posts, fence posts, structural exterior members, foundation piers, and more...
To find out more about the various Use Categories, check out some of these websites, which have great, detailed information!:
www.decks-docks.com/treated-l...
plasticinehouse.com/pressure-...
wooditsreal.com/2017/05/02/wh...
Thanks for watching!
The Honest Carpenter

Пікірлер: 364

@consumeand Жыл бұрын

Had no idea! Just assumed if it was Pressure Treated, It was good to go for all outdoor use! Thanks for this great content.

@TheHonestCarpenter Жыл бұрын

Sure thing!

@billystink4611 Жыл бұрын

Same

@elainenilsson5472 9 ай бұрын

It was at one time, like before 2009 and had a life expectancy of 40 years

@ontheroadwithralph1530 Жыл бұрын

I really appreciate that you keep your videos short and to-the-point. Thanks for the concise information.

@jameskennedy673 Жыл бұрын

Thank you, this is very helpful for me & others. When we moved to where we’re at now the back yard was fenced in, the fence post was treated round post. One day I opened the gate one post broke off at ground level, termites had destroyed the bottom part. I’ve learned the hard way about treated lumber. Keep’m coming

@Firedog-ny3cq Жыл бұрын

I have had far too many PT 6x6 posts rot at ground level in less than 10 years. My son built a house with wrap-around decks and he used milled 8x8 locust posts with T&G locust flooring. It was code approved and should outlast the both of us.

@PM13501 Жыл бұрын

Ethan, I've been using wood for the home projects for many years and amazed at my ignorance about the grades, so thanks for sharing. Also want to thank you for the other video about the circular saw, it was very useful too!!

@billm.8220 Жыл бұрын

Always appreciate your insight & expertise. Had no idea there were that many various ratings for treated lumber. Great job as always Ethan. Keep ‘em coming.

@davidhunden120 Жыл бұрын

Back about 10 or so years, we built a deck on very sandy soil that drained very well. We didn't know about all the differences between PT lumber (above, on, and below ground), so we bought what was available, which included above and below ground, but we used them indiscriminately for the project. At some point, we had to rearrange some of the partially buried lumber and we were astounded that some of the pieces were substantially decayed just shy of a year in the sand. We were much more particular after that when buying PT lumber.

@arajalali Жыл бұрын

Great info. In some countries they actually dye the lumber with a certain color so that it would be easy to recognize. that's why for instance in New Zealand all new houses' skeletal structure look as if the builder had been Elle Woods from the movie Legally Blond. It's all pink :)

@TheHonestCarpenter Жыл бұрын

I’ve seen that, Arash! 😆

@chrisreibold1634 Жыл бұрын

I've seen pink lumber on the construction site around Pittsburgh Pa. I was told it have an additive to make it fire resistant.

@gregglumus5303 Жыл бұрын

I wish we'd adopt that idea here in the us. Our only choices are green and not as green. 😵‍💫

@mrgee7059 Жыл бұрын

Great info! The details that you covered are so important for a successful project (and for saving $$ over the medium and long term) Nice job

@fluffymustdienow Жыл бұрын

I am a structural engineer, licensed PE, and I had no clue. Just got a call from a contractor who erected a deck I designed 14 years ago. I specified "preservative treated" but did not specify the "grade" of preservative treatment. A few of the deck joists (joists, not floor boards, not posts, but joists) have melted from the middle out. Literally big gaping holes between the top and bottom edges. My google searches led me here. Thank you HC. This is very eye-opening information.

@juliehenderson1672 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for explaining the 5 levels of treatment retention for lumber to resist deterioration.

@heidbumbee1689 Жыл бұрын

Locally, here in Scotland, every cut in pressure treated wood is regarded as an exposure to untreated wood. Pressure treatment only penetrates so far, so any cut exposes untreated wood. Local mills recommend that treated wood when cut is re-treated to heal the "wound" and offer full protection. We don't use arsenic based treatments. Almost all of the treatments cannot be used in water / ponds or it will affect pondlife. They work on the assumption that pressure treated wood is safe to use for stables etc, on the principle that a large animal horse / cow cannot graze/chew/gnaw on enough wood to cause harm, but at a microbiological level it's a no no, so no using scraps for bird boxes etc

@markarita3 Жыл бұрын

There's DEFINITELY been a very noticeable change. Thanks for all the info.

@shaunl446 4 ай бұрын

This was eye opening! I had absolutely NO IDEA there was a difference! Thank you sir.

@urchant2768 Жыл бұрын

Great information. I did know anything about the grading but I've always stuck to GC lumber when outside. Probably wasted some money, but rather go better than have to replace boards after a few years.

@I_like_pears Жыл бұрын

That was super helpful - I never realized there were more than one type of pressure-treated wood. I will need to pay attention to this the next time I buy some.

@patriciapiper6294 Жыл бұрын

I'm so glad your here for us!!!

@TheHonestCarpenter Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Patricia! 😄

@DSH1LL Жыл бұрын

This video was really helpful. Thanks for posting it. I appreciate your channel and look forward to more. Best to you.

@user-hi7kk1mp2y Ай бұрын

Great information. I'm getting ready to build a treated seawall. Thanks for the help.

@ronnieyoung9688 Жыл бұрын

Great information!!! I didn't know that those different types of lumber existed. I only thought there were only two types, treated and untreated. Your information helps me look for a certain lumber that I don't have to replace every one to two years. If Homedepot doesn't have it, I'll go to the lumber yard.

@richardstrada212 Жыл бұрын

First comprehensive explanation that I have seen. Thank you.

@glg3945 Жыл бұрын

Wow, this is an eye opener 😳. Didn't know this. All the best. Peace and good fortune and good health to you and your family. 😃

@Slaphappy-_- Жыл бұрын

This is so true! I didn’t know and no one will tell you at Lowes!!!!

@monkeygraborange Жыл бұрын

Employees at the big box stores are there to answer questions rather than to provide an education. I’ve eavesdropped on countless conversations where the customer has so little experience that they can’t even ask the right questions. There are literally thousands of videos on KZfaq about any facet of construction... watching a few of those should _always_ be the first step in any project.

@republicoftexas3261 3 ай бұрын

I asked once about the difference at home depot. They all asked each other then made up some BS

@sanyopoweraid1 Ай бұрын

@@republicoftexas3261 I went to home depot the other day looking to build a low deck and the rep told me there is no such thing as ground-rated pressure treated lumber anymore. He said there is just above-ground and marine grade and the above ground will do the job. I didn't argue with him but did say that even if you don't carry it, ground rated lumber does exist. I didn't buy anything there.

@rodbear1364 Жыл бұрын

Its the best day of the week, I'm loving the vids!! I learned so much!

@Robin35758 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video HC. I had no idea there were so many treatment grades for lumber.

@shanew7361 Жыл бұрын

More ways to scam people that don't know lol

@Robin35758 Жыл бұрын

@@shanew7361 Yeah, I've seen this one before but never responded to it.

@Nrscathy60 Жыл бұрын

Awesome to know. Oregon loves its cedar air decks. Growing up in MN we always used redwood. Now to save the old trees, lesser wood is used. Thanks for explaining the rating system for treated wood!

@TheHonestCarpenter Жыл бұрын

Sure thing, Catherine! Thanks for the regional info 🙂

@steeplecab 7 ай бұрын

I had a commercial fence contractor building a wildland fencing job for me through some cobbly alluvium. The posts were al pressure treated for ground contact in semi-damp environments. For posts that couldn't be driven to full length because of encountering rock in the ground, we specified treating the cut tops that exposed untreated wood with copper napthanate after chamfering the edges of the cut.

@jbmaine 2 ай бұрын

Thank you for your great content.. keep ‘em coming

@erichenao6537 Жыл бұрын

Had no idea. THANK YOU. Extremely relevant for me as I need to replace a bottom horz piece on my fence that runs parallel along the ground. Just the info I needed!

@jobacuda4472 Жыл бұрын

Eric, if your fnece boards drop down onto that horizontal piece, leave a space between the piece and the vertical boards. That will keep water from being trapped and soaking into the ends of the verts. Also, it wouldn't hurt to treat the ends of those verts before installing the horizontal piece.

@tonygray6351 Жыл бұрын

That was very helpful in making my decision on a project. Thank You!

@shanestegman3850 Жыл бұрын

Sir, You Da Man! Love your top-notch information packed videos and your down-to-earth persona explanations! I was amazed at the various levels of PT lumber. Outstanding! As always, Thank You!

@woodworksbygrampies1284 Жыл бұрын

Hola! 🖐Thanks for the video and bringing light to this subject. Like many others that commented below, I was unaware that there was a scale. I was under the impression that PT was a generic term without distinction. Now I know to do a little research when I'm in need of this type lumber. Take care and have a good one, Adios! 👊

@forger9443 Жыл бұрын

Oh wow! Great info man. Thanks for that. I was actually wondering about this the other day.

@kencoleman7762 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for another useful video. There are so very many grades of lumber, PT and other, that's it's difficult to know exactly what I should be purchasing or sometimes what I bought from a limited selection.

@Cnfcavazos 16 күн бұрын

Great post. Thank you for the information.

@ericl.winter3622 6 ай бұрын

This was extremely helpful. Thanks as always.

@stepannovotny4291 9 ай бұрын

Valuable info, thanks for putting this out.

@dmiroy 28 күн бұрын

Wow, how did I miss this one.... great information. Thanks!!!

@a.a.p3254 3 ай бұрын

Very very informative …so true I’m in the middle of replacing a upper deck railing board it only lasted 10 years …going to cedar now Cheers 🇨🇦

@marinablueGS Жыл бұрын

Great info! I bookmarked all those websites. Thanks for the great explanation!

@tomdenny8507 Жыл бұрын

Really good information. Thanks

@tateseacrest4609 Жыл бұрын

Home owner myself I'm glad I found this channel.

@Kevan808 Жыл бұрын

Great info. I thought treated lumber was all the same. Very eye opening!

@robertspina4503 7 ай бұрын

Great information thanks

@subtropicalken1362 Жыл бұрын

I am badly in need of a porch rebuild down on the coast. This video is one of the most useful to me at least I have watched anywhere. I knew about ground contact rated but not the sun-gradations. Need a working vacation at the beach? 😉 😉

@jfelty6262 Жыл бұрын

Great Videos! Living on a farm I I have opportunity to use primarily CCA thank goodness. Early transition from CCA produced ground contact rated lumber that was lucky to last 5 years above ground. If you haven't done so already, you may wish to learn about another form of treated wood that has been know for many years; not readily available (import only) but that is changing - acetylated wood. Acetylated wood is non-toxic and process to make replace some of the "hydroxyl groups" found in wood with "acetyl groups" making the wood more hydrophobic. Byproduct of process is acetic acid (salad vinegar) in less concentration that natural content causing tart smell in Red Oak. EMC is closer to 4% than typical 12% so wood does not retain enough moisture to promote rot or support termites. Process to make is akin to making cigarette filter tow (wood pulp product), but in "Stick Form" - and we all know how long those little frail filters last after being tossed out the window. Process also restores wood close to green dimension and relieves internal stresses; so wood shrinking/swelling and other movement such as cupping is 80% less than that of starting lumber treated - typically pine). Less movement translates to straighter lumber post treatment, installation and better coatings retention. There is a USA company right now (or was last time I checked) using acetylated wood finger-jointed into bottom 6 inches or so of external door jams to prevent that rot you are very familiar with and have produced videos on how to repair. I know number of applications have grown tremendously since I was first exposed to technology/development in 2004 and 1st commercial scale plant is now being constructed in USA.

@tc2558 22 күн бұрын

Great info as usual. Was not even aware of a difference. Probably best to phase out the non-ground contact as you mentioned. I have a ‘green’ pressure treated deck I built 30 years ago. Still solid but I did replace the deck boards (walking surface) last year as some were getting a bit spongy. Otherwise I pressure wash it every couple years and it literally looks like new when I finish!

@sticks0662 Жыл бұрын

Great information, thanks got to replace some boards on my deck soon. 👍

@WarrenHenry 6 ай бұрын

Thank you for this video.

@trinidadscorpion3835 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this information. It should be required viewing for employees of Home Depot and Lowe's that really have no clue about treated lumber.

@TheHonestCarpenter Жыл бұрын

I’d love to help the people in the big box stores, Trinidad! Many of them don’t come through construction, and I’m sure jumping into lumber and hardware can be overwhelming

@sammartinez4244 Жыл бұрын

Great video. Thanks, Sam

@josepherlandson7966 Жыл бұрын

I liked this video. Just finished tearing down an 800 sq ft deck with gazebo & even the 4X6's are rotted. I'm in a wet climate but still...Non ground contact SHOULD be discontinued. All treated lumber should be treated to the max except for maybe in the water lumber (marine use). Thumbs up my man. I'm 74 & had never seen the numbers on treated lumber. thanks joel

@h.b2029 Жыл бұрын

Excellent. Very helpful. Thanks. God bless.

@macsloan58 Жыл бұрын

Very informative. I know more now than I did 6 minutes ago.

@annette1109 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the detailed information.

@mehensley1234 Жыл бұрын

Wow! You know the saying, a day late dollar short? I had a cedar fence installed professionally back in 2010. Since then, I have had to replace some fence posts. However, that's not the worst part. I like others, thought treaded lumber was one and the same. So the question is, what did I choose?? Great FYI video. Now I know better.

@David.M. Жыл бұрын

Thanks Ethan, good information.

@csimet Жыл бұрын

Yep, seen it many times... people buy the the wrong stuff and put it on the ground for sheds. It rots in just a few years.

@tonyz6421 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this information 👍🏼

@doobielawson702 Жыл бұрын

Great info here. Also, I love your logo, it's perfect.

@anthonymarino4260 Жыл бұрын

thanks for sharing always learning

@keeblerkelloggs Жыл бұрын

Excellent information, thank you!

@olderendirt Жыл бұрын

Very interesting information. Thank you.

@mariebunce4362 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this!!!

@kooale Жыл бұрын

Really great piece dude, THANKS!!!!!

@TheHonestCarpenter Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Ken!

@keithrayeski6417 Жыл бұрын

I too had NO idea! I do now…and I’ll pay attention! Thank you!!

@valborchardt3596 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Ethan, most helpful

@clifford3113 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Brother That's the truth for our trades.

@user-em6ie2be7x Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the informative video, now I'll know what's the best lumber to buy. 👷🏿‍♂️

@razor3151 Жыл бұрын

Great help, thank you.

@jamesdonlon3763 Жыл бұрын

Thank you! great content as always.

@jobacuda4472 Жыл бұрын

Good point about how many more tree we have to use because the treatment is no longer effective.

@YTAlpha01 Жыл бұрын

This is great information.

@DavidL-ii7yn Жыл бұрын

Great information. I've never seen a rating shown in any of the major lumber stores for treated lumber so I'll look for this. In contrast, I have a century home, and untreated 120 year old lumber with some weather contact seems to be in amazing shape... but I know they don't make trees like they used to.

@markpeterson9808 Жыл бұрын

thems old growth trees dont get used for lumber anymore

@kathleendavis2008 8 ай бұрын

Old growth trees need to b left alone cuz the electromagnetic earth is effected when they get cut down.

@georgeferlazzo7936 Жыл бұрын

Hello again Ethan Thank you for another Great Video 👍

@McmM-cv9sb Жыл бұрын

That was great thanks for the tip..👍

@donandwendylaprise8267 Жыл бұрын

Good info, thanks, did not know this. Take care be safe

@TheHonestCarpenter Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Don!

@Honestandtruth Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this Great important video 👍👍

@benharrison1069 Жыл бұрын

Good info. Thanks, Ethan.

@huejanus5505 Жыл бұрын

When building a wall on a concrete floor, it’s best to isolate the wood, pressure treated or not, to avoid direct contact. Cheap, easy way to add years to it. As for the lumber ratings, thank you, I didn’t know that. Most men don’t read the labels or instructions.

@ericb5852 Жыл бұрын

Great video👍🏼

@blackhillsrider2626 Жыл бұрын

Wow great video I never knew any of this! thanks.

@66block84 Жыл бұрын

I replaced the front door sill on a house I used to own about 28 years ago with a wood fiber & plastic 2 X 8, trimmed to fit. Went by that house today & it is still there, no rot.

@raffiquehillocks7501 Жыл бұрын

Good informative video as always.

@TheHonestCarpenter Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Raffique!

@erwinbrubacker7488 Жыл бұрын

Video is useful, was carpenter for 18 yrs, 12 yrs ago.

@theoriginalmonstermaker Жыл бұрын

Another amazing video with information I (and many others) would've likely never known without you providing this service. I was a framing laborer for years and I've worked on hundreds of various construction related projects since then, under the supervision of alot of craftsmen I considered to have quite a bit of skill and period in their work, and I NEVER heard of any of this! As far as I knew, there was regular lumber, pressure treated for all outdoor applications, and marine grade plywood (I only came across one while rebuilding the dash and floor of a boat). But it makes perfect sense... vertical boards don't have nearly the water connection that flat do. Incredible this never occurred to me. So thanks again, the knowledge you put out there makes a huge difference!

@user-lk8cp1df6z Жыл бұрын

I would love a video on concrete care, like sealer or coatings or whatever to make it last longer and resist the elements/temps

@TheHonestCarpenter Жыл бұрын

I’ll see what I can do, T! It might require a team-up, but I’ve been looking to tackle some concrete vids 🙂

@hassanal-mosawi4235 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing that!

@TheHonestCarpenter Жыл бұрын

Thanks Hassan!

@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461 Жыл бұрын

🤗👍 THANKS ETHAN For educating us … MOST DID NOT PROBABLY HAVE A CLUE 🤷‍♂️ sad but true 🥹💚💚💚

@bowhunter10167 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the Info .

@canebro1 Жыл бұрын

Excellent video, thank you!

@joycedimaggio3816 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the knowledge

@dustbat Жыл бұрын

Very helpful.

@jimscruggs5400 Жыл бұрын

Very good info thank you

@clifford3113 Жыл бұрын

Keep up the Great work

@jduffey320 Жыл бұрын

Cool video. Very interesting. I want to watch the arsenic treated wood toxicity video now of course haha

@gregglumus5303 Жыл бұрын

I just found your channel and really love it. It's hard to believe you left Cobra Kai for this but I'm glad you did (just kidding). On a real note, thank you for these informative videos. Many of these simple tips can make your life and projects so much easier. Be blessed and thank you