There are many things to consider when building or installing a new deck, and you need to pay attention to them all. Whether they are the design, the materials you use, or the company you hire to install it.
Installing a New Deck?
One of the most important things to think about when installing a new deck is the materials you use for it since there are different types of wood on the market. Each offers various benefits that can make your 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 new deck? Now it’s the best opportunity to learn about CCA-treated lumber and how much it can help you. Dive into this page if you want to know more about the matter!
What Is CCA-Treated Lumber?
CCA stands for Chromated Copper Arsenate, and it’s a special type of wood called pressure-treated lumber. This type of lumber has several chemicals on it, which make it acquire new perks that average wood doesn’t have.
This is not the only type of treated lumber on the market. Additionally, there are several ways to add chemicals to the wood. People can also surface coat the chemicals on the wood, but they mostly do this when they want to dip the chemicals after something is installed.
Benefits of CCA-Treated Lumber
As we mentioned before, CCA-treated lumber offers you 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 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 are always going to 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 it was before. Some people still use it, but they 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.
Construction crews also use this type of wood when installing fence posts or structural components of farms and marine construction. We recommend you check the regulations of this type of wood in your state to see if you are fit to use it for your deck. You can also ask our team for information about the matter.
Next Read: Pressure-Treated vs Cedar Wood
Bottom Line
You must understand everything that comes with the materials you use for your commercial and residential properties. That includes all the regulations each material has, the benefits it offers, and the things you need to be aware of when using it.
Regardless of the materials you use, people need a professional team to build and install your deck. There’s no need to keep looking for one since MG Construction & Decks is always available for you!
More pages:
- Maple vs Birch Plywood — Which is More Durable for Cabinets and More? - March 26, 2023
- Does Cedar Take Stain Well? + Best Stains & Colors for Cedar Furniture - March 26, 2023
- Can You Stain Wood Without Sanding? — Restaining Wood Darker - March 26, 2023
