subject: How to Build projects easier and Look better with Pressure Treated Wood? [print this page] Whether you're building a new planter or replacing your deck, Pressure-treated wood is the high performance decking choice. The projects you build with pressure-treated wood products should last a long time. So, it makes good sense to build in a craftsmanlike manner. Here are some helpful tips to make your job easier and look better.
Recommended Fasteners. Use only hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel fasteners, connectors and hardware to help safeguard the structural integrity of projects built with ACQ treated wood. As a minimum requirement for use with ACQ treated wood, hot-dipped galvanized coated fasteners should conform to ASTM Standard A153 and hot-dipped galvanized coated connectors should conform to ASTM Standard A653 (Class G-185). In demanding applications, such as treated wood foundations and playground equipment, use of stainless steel fasteners and connectors should be utilized and may, in fact, be required by building codes.
Electroplated galvanized fasteners are not recognized as being corrosion resistant for exterior applications. Aluminum should not be used in direct contact with CCA or ACQ treated wood.
Nail bark side up. Always nail boards bark side up (annual rings arc upward) to reduce cupping. Nail thin boards to thicker boards to help maintain structural integrity.
Drill pilot holes. Especially when nailing near the edge or end of a board, it's a good idea to drill pilot holes for your fasteners.
Butt boards tightly. Butt decking boards together firmly. As drying occurs, some shrinkage can be expected.
Apply a weatherresistant finish. Any exposed wood, pressure treated or not, should be protected from the weather. Application of a finish coat of clear or semi-transparent water-repellent stain will help to minimize warping, checking, or splitting. The finish coat should be applied immediately to untreated wood and to pressure treated wood as soon as the surface is dry.
How to Build projects easier and Look better with Pressure Treated Wood?
