When it comes to crafting or installing a fresh deck, a multitude of factors demand your attention. These encompass the deck’s design, the choice of materials, and the selection of a reputable installation company.
In this article, let me tell you about an essential aspect of deck construction: CCA-treated lumber. Understanding this material is crucial for ensuring the longevity and safety of your outdoor space.
Installing a New Deck?
One of the most important things to consider when installing a new deck is the materials to use since there are different types of wood on the market. Each offers various benefits that can make the deck better or more resistant in the long run.
Nonetheless, while many people and even some construction workers need to know as much as they can about the matter, many don’t know what CCA-treated lumber is. Others understand and use this material as much as they can to profit from its properties.
Do you want to build a wooden deck in the backyard, or you opt to install a fresh one? Well, now’s the perfect time for me to introduce you to CCA-treated lumber and its incredible benefits. Stick with me if you’re curious to learn more!
What Is CCA-Treated Lumber?
CCA, short for Chromated Copper Arsenate, is a type of pressure-treated lumber. This special wood is infused with various chemicals, giving it unique advantages that regular wood lacks.
This is not the only type of treated lumber on the market. There are several methods to introduce chemicals to wood. You can opt for surface coating, especially when planning to dip the wood in chemicals after installing it.
Benefits of CCA-Treated Lumber
As mentioned, CCA-treated lumber offers different benefits, and people often go for it because of those perks. One of them is that it’s more resistant to deterioration by rotting. This tells you how useful this type of lumber is since rotting represents a huge issue for non-treated wood.
The chemicals on the wood also make it less likely for insects to get into the wood. While not all insects are going to destroy your wood, some of them are destructive and can affect your overall well-being. Hence, people prefer sticking to this type of wood instead of buying another.
CCA-treated lumber also works perfectly in places where moisture is more present. Deck warping is not an issue when I’m using this material, so it’s ideal for outdoors and moisture-full areas such as pools or gardens.
People also use this type of wood for ground fire protection of interior and exterior areas. CCA-treated food has also several marine uses. People who only want to install a deck in their garden can use it for interior drying or interior damp, but ask someone to check your case before trying anything.
Legal Regulations on CCA-Treated Lumber
The only problem with CCA-treated lumber is its arsenate. This component is poisonous when you are exposed to a significant amount of it. Its poisonous properties make it hazardous for both animals and people. That doesn’t mean you will always get health issues when using this type of wood, but rather that you need to be careful with it.
Thanks to this, CCA-treated lumber is not as popular as before. Some people still use it but prefer to keep it far from their households or animals.
However, the government started limiting this type of wood at the beginning of the century, and that’s the main reason people stopped using it. Pressure-treated lumber is controlled by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Wood Protection Association (AWPA).
EPA also limits other chemicals used for pressure-treated wood in general. Hence, wood manufacturers agreed to stop using CCA-treated wood for residential uses, or at least most of them. They did this to reduce arsenate exposure.
Fortunately, you can still use it for other wood foundations and commercial construction projects that need more durable wood.
When working on construction projects, I often use this type of wood for fence posts and key structural elements in farms and marine construction. But you better look into your state’s regulations to see if it’s suitable for your deck.
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Bottom Line
It’s essential to thoroughly understand the materials you choose for commercial and residential properties. This means diving deep into each material’s regulations, benefits, and crucial details.
No matter the materials chosen, everyone deserves a professional team to construct and set up their deck.
You've probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
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