Treated Or Untreated Wood For Attic

What s the major difference.

Treated or untreated wood for attic.

As wood is exposed to the natural elements it slowly breaks down. I was wondering if it was allowed to be used in an attic. Treating wood with a water seal helps it repel moisture blocks harmful insects and keeps the wood looking its best. You can safely use treated wood for indoor furniture but only under certain circumstances.

If you are interested in attempting to use pressure treated lumber indoors these types might be worth considering. Pressure treated wood in attic while performing an inspection on a home built in 2004 i noticed that several 2 x 4s were pressure treated wood. Although there are health hazards to consider treated wood does have its advantages. In most instances untreated wood will work just as well is much safer and will look nicer too.

When used indoors there is little possibility of chemicals leaching or releasing toxins into the air because houses are typically dry environments. Wooden steps and patios located outdoors can quickly absorb rainwater and snow causing the wood to warp erode and eventually rot. The cost is that many chemicals for wood treatment are not necessarily safe for people and pets. The major difference between treated and untreated wood is that treated wood is steeped in chemicals.

Yellow pine and douglas fir are the types of wood treated with borate. Reputable manufacturers offer warranties of 15 to 30 years against rot decay and insect attack. You can find treated lumber plywood lap siding and even specialty items like lattice and pre cut stair parts. Treated wood used to have arsenic in it as an insect repellent but the newer wood is all environmentally friendly.

Steps such as sealing painting or using other bonding agents increase the life of untreated wood. Active steps can be taken to make untreated wood still be a viable option outside if need be. If treated wood can last much longer than normal but to make sure your treated lumber lasts as long as possible you need to match its treatment level with the right use. Treated wood was designed to defy the effects of natural aging.

Untreated wood is vulnerable to moisture as well as insect pests such as termites. Treated wood also known as pressure treated wood or pt is widely available to consumers for home and garden projects. Sometimes hemlock western pine and spruce are treated with borate but douglas fir and yellow pine are the most common. Let s look at the pros and cons of both types of lumber so that you can make an informed decision that s best for your family.

These chemicals add all sorts of protection for the wood but they come at a cost. This is why non pressure treated wood is still required for use indoors and why builders recommended that you only use pressure treated lumber for the support structure of a deck and switch to untreated wood for the surface. Yes untreated wood can be used outside.