Treated plywood is available in a variety of sizes to meet any need. Common sizes include 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, 5/8 inch, 3/4 inch and 1 inch in thickness, and 4 feet x 8 feet sheets in width and length.
Other sizes and thicknesses are also available. In addition, specialty sizes such as 2x4s, 2x6s, and other custom shapes can be ordered or found in specialty lumber yards. When selecting treated plywood, keep in mind that it is slightly thicker and heavier than regular plywood due to the additives that are used for treating the wood.
Additionally, remember that pressure-treated plywood is typically more expensive than regular plywood due to the added chemicals and treatments required.
Is there such a thing as treated plywood?
Yes, there is such a thing as treated plywood. Treating plywood is a process whereby the exterior of the plywood is soaked in a preservative that can protect the plywood from rot, decay, and insects.
This treatment method is often used in areas where weather and environmental conditions can cause plywood to become weakened or damaged over time. Treated plywood is commonly used in decks, patios, sheds, and other outdoor structures.
It’s also ideal for settings where wooden foundations may come into contact with soil or moisture. When choosing treated plywood for a particular project, it’s important to consider the type of preservative that is used—pressure-treated lumber may be treated with either copper-based preservatives or chromated copper arsenate (CCA) preservatives.
In addition, treated plywood is also designed to be fire-retardant and can effectively reduce the spread of flames.
Do they make ground contact plywood?
Yes, ground contact plywood is available and typically used for exterior projects such as decks or any other project or building exposed to the elements. These plywood sheets are pressure-treated with chemical preservatives to protect against rot, mold, and other types of decay.
The pressure-treated wood is denser and heavier than standard plywood, making it able to withstand moisture and other elements found in the ground. Most ground contact plywood also has a green tint, which lets you know it has been treated correctly.
It’s important to use the correct plywood for any building project so that it can stand up to wear and tear and the elements for years without needing to be replaced.
What is plywood for outdoor use?
Plywood for outdoor use is a special type of plywood designed to withstand the elements in outdoor conditions. It is typically made from several layers of thin wood veneer glued together. The layered construction helps to resist the expansion and contraction of wood fibers due to changes in humidity and temperature.
The wood veneers are usually bonded together using exterior-grade glue, and then finished with a durable outer coating that helps protect against water, UV light, and insects. Plywood for outdoor use also has a high dimensional stability due to its multiple layers, which can reduce warping and swelling as the weather changes.
It is often used for external structures such as siding, fences, and decks, as well as furniture and cabinetry outdoors.
Which is Better pressure-treated or ground contact?
When deciding between pressure-treated and ground contact lumber, the primary factor to consider is the location where you plan to use the lumber. Pressure-treated lumber has been specifically treated with chemicals to help protect it from rot, decay, and termites, and is suitable for outdoor use above ground (such as decks and fences).
Ground contact lumber, on the other hand, has been treated to a much higher degree for use in direct contact with soil, and is often used for outdoor structures like play sets, retaining walls, and outdoor foundations that may be in constant contact with damp soil.
In general, if you are uncertain as to whether the lumber may be in direct contact with soil, it’s best to err on the side of caution and use ground contact lumber to help ensure long-term protection and structural integrity.
Additionally, you should check with local building and safety codes to check which type of lumber is most appropriate for the planned application.
What type of wood is used for ground contact?
The type of wood used for ground contact depends on the specific application and the environment. Generally, woods such as oak, cedar, and redwood are used because they are naturally rot-resistant and can handle damp or wet conditions that come from contact with the ground.
Pressure-treated wood is also a popular choice for ground contact, as it is impregnated with preservatives to provide extra protection against moisture and decay. Other wood types such as cypress, fir, and spruce can also be used for ground contact, but their longevity is not as long as pressure-treated wood.
It is important to use the right type of wood for each situation, as some woods may be susceptible to moisture, decay, or insect damage in certain conditions. If a wood is not up to the job, it may need to be replaced sooner than expected.
What kind of wood can be in contact with the ground?
When selecting wood that will be in contact with the ground, it is important to consider both the type of wood and the treatment applied to it. To ensure a long-lasting outdoor wood structure, select wood that is durable and rot-resistant, such as cedar, redwood, ipe, teak, cypress, and treated pine.
Additionally, all wood in contact with the ground should be pressure-treated or naturally rot-resistant species that are properly sealed and treated to prevent decay and rot. When pressure-treating wood, a preservative is forced deep into the wood so that the wood is protected from termites and other wood-destroying insects.
Once treated, the wood can be further sealed with a waterproof sealer to prevent warping, swelling, cracking, and discoloration from moisture exposure.
What is pressure treated wood called?
Pressure treated wood is a type of wood that has been chemically treated to resist decay, rot, and insects. Its process, also known as pressure impregnation, is when wood is placed in a large, sealed container, and a preservative is forced into the wood under pressure.
Commonly referred to as, “PT wood”, the treated wood often contains preservatives such as chromated copper arsenate (CCA) or alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ). These preservatives create a barrier within the wood, which makes it highly resistant to water, fungus, mold, and insects.
Pressure treated wood is popular for outdoor and marine applications, such as decks, fencing, docks, and furniture, due to its durability and longevity. In addition, pressure treated wood is often used to construct retaining walls and foundation systems.
It is important to note that pressure treated wood should not be used indoors, as it is not suitable for human contact.
Is Marine grade plywood the same as pressure treated plywood?
No, marine grade plywood and pressure treated plywood are not the same. Marine grade plywood is made with waterproof glue, allowing it to withstand exposure to water and humidity. Pressure treated plywood is treated with special compounds to help resist rot, insect damage and fungus.
Pressure treated plywood is better suited for applications where it will be exposed to moisture but not total submersion. Marine grade plywood is most commonly used in boat construction and for other projects in which the plywood will be exposed to water and humidity over time.
How can you tell if plywood is pressure treated?
If you want to tell if plywood is pressure treated, there are a few things that you can look for. First, you should look for any stamps or markings indicating that the plywood has been treated. Most pressure-treated plywood will be stamped or labeled with a stamp such as “AWPA UC4A” or “Pressure-Treated” or “CA-B” or “Ground Contact,” which indicates the different levels of treatment.
Other clues can include green-colored stains or discoloration from the treatment process. Pressure-treated plywood will also be heavier than untreated plywood since it is saturated with preservatives.
Lastly, if you turn over the plywood and look for a reddish or orange hue, this is an indication that the plywood is pressure-treated.
Overall, it is important to look for any one of the clues listed above to determine if the plywood is pressure-treated.
Is CDX plywood pressure treated?
No, CDX plywood is not pressure treated. CDX plywood is a type of sheathing grade plywood. It is C-D grade on either side, with a X-grade back. It is most commonly used for roof and wall sheathing, due to its weather resistance.
The “X” in CDX refers to the exterior glue bond, which is stronger than interior-grade boards. Pressure treating is a process that forces chemicals into the wood, which makes it rot and insect resistant.
While CDX plywood is weather resistant, it is not pressure-treated and will not have the same level of rot and insect resistance as pressure treated plywood.
How long will ground contact pressure treated wood last?
Ground contact pressure treated wood can last up to 40 years or more when properly maintained. The exact lifespan of a pressure treated wood will depend on its environment and how it is used. Pressure treated wood can be used for decks, fences, play structures and raised garden beds, just to name a few.
When properly applied, a protective coating will seal out moisture, preventing the wood from rotting. The coating should be recoated every two or three years to maximize the life of the wood. Pressure treated wood can also make a great addition to retaining walls and sea walls, as it’s naturally resistant to decay.
With proper care and maintenance, pressure treated wood can last up to a lifetime.
Which is better marine plywood or treated plywood?
When it comes to deciding which is better between marine plywood and treated plywood, it ultimately depends on the purpose of the project and the environment where it will be used. Marine plywood is typically constructed out of higher quality materials and is used for projects intended for use in moist environments, like making boat hulls.
It is better used for exterior construction applications and is most commonly used for projects located near water, such as docks and boat parts. Marine plywood is thicker and more resistant to humidity and harsh weather conditions.
On the other hand, treated plywood is composed of softer and less expensive softwoods, such as pine, so they are not as resistant to wear and tear as marine plywood. Treated plywood has been altered with a chemical treatment to make it more resistant to moisture, fungi, and insects.
It is usually used for interior applications such as home remodeling or furniture construction, and thus might be a better option if the project will not be exposed to frequent moisture or harsh environments.
In conclusion, it will depend on the purpose and environment of a project to decide which plywood is better. Marine plywood is better for exterior and moisture-prone projects, while treated plywood is better for interior projects that don’t require as much waterproofing or protection.