Is Pressure Treated Wood Safe for Building Decks?

There is a reason that pressure-treated wood decks have been the number one choice for outdoor decks for decades. Pressure-treated wood has many benefits, including:

-        Extremely Durable

-        Cost-effective

-        Natural Wood Aesthetics

Even with its widespread use, one of the primary concerns that many people have is whether the pressure treated wood is safe for everyday use as a decking material.

What is Pressure Treated Wood?

First, pressure-treated wood is made by placing the wood into a high-pressure environment, in which a chemical is pressed into the wood that makes it resistant to rot. This means that pressure-treated wood last much longer than untreated wood, making it an ideal choice for decking material.

What are the safety concerns?

So what are the safety concerns with pressure-treated wood decks? Well, until about 2003, the chemical used to pressure treat wood was chromated copper arsenate (CCA), which, as the name suggests, contains arsenic. Arsenic is a poisonous compound, and there is a risk that over time, it may leak out of the wood, and could come into contact with someone walking barefoot on a deck.

Today’s Pressure Treated Wood Decks

Thankfully, since 2003, CCA is no longer used to pressure treat wood. Pressure-treated wood that is available for residential building today is instead treated with other chemicals which are safe. This means that all of the perks of using pressure-treated wood are available while being safe.

If you are considering having a new deck built, or giving your old one new life, talk to Deck Experts for all your decking needs.