What Is Pressure Treated Wood and What Are Its Pros and Cons?

Are you looking into options for a home deck, but it seems overwhelming? The team at SEAL-A-DECK understands and we want to help! If you’re not a professional contractor, all of the material options and building jargon can leave you feeling stressed when you’re in those early planning stages. We don’t want that to happen. Our goal is to educate you on common material types like pressure-treated wood. Here is a brief overview of pressure-treated wood and the pros and cons of choosing this for your decking project.

What is Pressure-Treated Wood?

Wisegeek has a great and simple definition: “pressure treated wood is wood that has undergone a process to make it more durable so that it is not susceptible to water, rot, termites, or fungus”. This process consists of chemical treatments and preservatives that allow the wood to endure pests and anything that the New England climate can throw at it. Just as the name suggests, the wood goes through a series of high pressure that forces water and preservatives into the wood. These preservatives help extend the lifespan of the wood and makes it perfect for decking and other outdoor uses.

The Pros

One of the best things about pressure treated wood is that it is affordable. According to RemodelingExpense you can expect pressure treated deck wood to be between $8 and $10 per square foot. The SEAL-A-DECK team will suggest this material option for anyone looking to stay within a tight budget. Not only is it affordable, but it’s exceptionally strong. It compares to other wood types without the cost. If you purchase pressure treated wood you’ll also be investing in a material that is durable. There are often material warranties from most manufacturers for around 30 years. This is a great perk for you if you have any reservations on the quality of the more affordable pressure treated options.

The Cons

Although there are many pros of pressure treated wood, like any other material, there are a few cons. The first is that you must consider that the preservatives and chemicals that make it so durable can also be hazardous to the environment. Of course, industry standards have gotten better over the years, but there are still additives that should not be exposed to people or the environment. Another downside is that it does require a lot of upkeep. If you’re not looking for a deck that needs professional help throughout the years, this may not be the best option for you.

SEAL-A-DECK’s Options

If you’re ready to start the planning process for your new deck, we would like to chat with you. We have an experienced and knowledgeable team that can help walk you through the pros and cons of pressure treated wood as well as any other material type. If you choose this option for your deck, don’t worry about the upkeep. We offer the Advantage Plan just for this reason- to get you the maintenance you need, but at a discounted price. Call us today 1-877-SEALADECK for your free estimate.