Commonly used for joists, trusses, and other load-bearing applications. Once penetration is verified, the outer section of the cores is removed to measure the amount of preservative retained. Structurally, an SPF #1 28 can be used to span distances of 14-11. Outside building projects and even some damp areas inside require wood that is resistant to moisture damage. So, weve covered a lot of ground, but this is not the end, not by a long shot! Luckily, a more budget-friendly option of pressure treated lumber grades is available. HD and Lowe's only had lower grade. SPIB is accredited through IAS and maintains ISO certification as both an inspection agency (ISO 17020) and a Laboratory (ISO 17025). Before a given charge can actually go into the plants treated inventory to be ready for shipment, it must first be evaluated for penetration. Pressure-Treated Lumber 15 Span Tables . Tags: None The Duke Being 80% or more clear of defects, it is often used for cabinetry, furniture, and trim. Each charge is tallied as to the specific Production Category that will be used to determine the level of sampling to be performed in the plants treated wood inventory. Pressure treatment doesnt make the wood stronger or weaker, just more resistant to insect and moisture damage. Locations Products. In this article, well explain pressure treated (pt) lumber, the different types and uses, and how it is graded. Machine Stress Rated (MSR) lumber is evaluated by mechanical stress rating equipment. However, some KD-HT wood at your local lumber yard might have a tag on the end of the lumber that specifies PT. Most likely it is a treated board, since most treated lumber is sold wet, some yards sell K.D.A.T. Generally sound and tight-knotted. Grade based on No.1 Dimension Lumber except wane and other characteristics that affect appearance are limited. S;t HmM~[3`~Dl1Cj^x{}g.-GWlEu Yl[k4!42#>#13"J! 1pJ`w&Im0m/=BA!^/[xN XX=xEzGjB x 12 in. Copyright 2022Culpeper Wood Preservers | All rights reserved. Pressure-treated wood can dry in about 1 month, whereas fresh wood provides an environment where fungi and bacteria produce rot and insects infest. The quest for decent boards begins. Species and Sizes Of Pressure Treated Wood, Different Kinds of Softwoods That Are Pressure Treated, Tips for Working with Pressure Treated Wood, Types of Pressure Treated Lumber and Where to Use Them, Sill & bottom plates, damp locations, basement framing, bathrooms, flooring, baseboards, Exterior Above Ground, Coated with Rapid Runoff, Exterior Above Ground, Uncoated or Poor Runoff, Cedar shakes, exterior stairs, joists, beams, decking, railings and fence boards/pickets, any wood within 6 of soil & vegetation, Fence, deck & structural posts, ledgers, retaining walls, garden boxes, any wood within 6 of soil, vegetation, or freshwater, or poor air circulation, As with UC4A plus posts set into the ground, retaining walls, wood foundations & supports, freshwater contact, saltwater spray, garden & utility posts, Pilings or wood in direct installation in soil, gravel, concrete, freshwater, or extreme weather exposure, Contact & immersion in cold ocean waters north of Long Island & San Francisco, docks, piers, wharves, shore walls, boardwalks, & buildings, Contact & immersion in warmer ocean waters south of San Francisco and Long Island, and similar to UC5A, Contact & immersion in warm Gulf Coast waters & south of Georgia, and similar to UC5A, Interior construction, no ground or moisture contact, fire partition walls, kitchens, hallway & stairwell framing, Exterior construction, exposure to weather but not ground contact, porches, exterior stairs, window treatments, Tight and well-spaced, and no larger than 2-3/4 on a 28, Well-spaced and no larger than 3-1/2 on a 28, 1/4 the thickness and 1/4 the width full length, or not greater than 1/2 the thickness or 1/3 the width for 1/4 of the length, 1/3 the thickness and 1/3 the width full length, or not greater than 2/3 the thickness or 1/2 the width for 1/4 of the length, Checks separation across or through growth rings due to seasoning, Unlimited surface seasoning checks with through checks limited to splits, Skips surfaces that were missed or failed to clean, Maximum of 5% of the plank or 2 or less in length, Shake lengthwise separation through or between growth rings, Limited as splits if through or 2 long on the surface only, Limited as splits at ends if through or 2 long if well separated, or maximum of 3 or 1/4 the length if surface only, Warp bow, crook, cup, twist, or any combination, Sapwood stained or firm heart or red heart stain, No limit to sapwood stained or firm heart stain or red heart. More knots than Premium grade There may be a secondary stamp that identifies the visual grade as Premium or Select A, B, C, or D. Pressure treated lumber also has an end-tag stuck or stapled to one end. Box 10915 Pensacola, Fl. Overall plant evaluation is done by means of separating and inspecting all of the different Production Categories to help identify very specific areas of concern, if any exist. @_10ip CzHrGfnl~Frc>fkH 2X [ ^ endstream endobj 140 0 obj <>>> endobj 141 0 obj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageC]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 595.276 841.89]/Type/Page>> endobj 142 0 obj <>stream Both DIYers and building professionals will like these garden and outdoor living ideas and plans. Fax: (850) 434-1290. Good appearance, but graded primarily for strength and serviceability. One wide face and both adjacent narrow faces must be free of pith and/or heartwood. Fax: (850) 434-1290. This grade is available in dimensions of 24, 26, 28, 210, and 212 and in lengths from 8 through 24. In appearance, it is at least 57% clear of defects. {l@n7gM. Denotes the woods species or a group of species with similar strengths. The greater the content of preservatives denotes the type and use of the treated wood. Treatment with preservatives protects wood that is exposed to the elements, in contact with the ground or subjected to high humidity. hb```"/VI ealR]2L 7] u~m>^;+g=ll&Cv)!N&%5g~IK1 The very basic quality control attributes to evaluate the level of treatment in lumber products is the determination of the depth of preservative penetration and the analysis of preservative retention in a specified, outer assay zone. When pressure treated it is resistant to decay and termites. A forum community dedicated to Do it yourself-ers and home improvement enthusiasts. MC-15 identifies lumber as having 15% or less moisture content. '\ & Ls30+X61j\e(gV]]M(q9qs)loyM #1 is better. 1s and Selects, to boot. #2 Prime Grade has a maximum hole size of ". Thanks to all, ill never outlive ground contact or not, but maybe for the kids ill go with the lumber yard ground contact since they did the quote and its not much more dough. 3 (lowest strength, not pretty). Ok, now that weve got that covered, lets go to the treating plant! Longleaf, shortleaf, loblolly, and slash are some of the native southeastern pines that are classified as SYP. The best pressure treated wood for decks is Select, #1 or #2 grade wood. As I understand it, the grade refers to the number of knots in a given length. The preservatives provide protection against rot, insects, mold, and fungi, so the wood lasts longer. I'm redoing my deck surface and the lumber yard stocks only prime lumber. Lumber that is 2 or less in thickness (24, 26, 5/4 decking, etc.) Description & Documents #2 prime southern yellow pine with virtually no wane CA-C Above Ground pressure treated exterior wood protected by Ecolife (EL2); a stabilizing formula that repels water keeps boards straighter and looking better longer Ecolife (EL2) provides built-in water repellency that lasts for up to 3 As the wood dries, the preservative is left behind to protect against insects, mold, mildew, fungal growth, and rot. 2 lumber, which provides good strength at a reasonable price. Gloves protect against slivers and water-soluble chemicals; it is also advisable to thoroughly wash hands before eating or drinking. Excellent for painting or natural finish where requirements are less exacting. The SPIB Treated Wood Quality Audit Program provides a customized third-party quality control program to help Treated Wood producers meet industry-approved standards. This website is presented by SFPA members, including: 2023 Southern Forest Products Association. In preparation for treatment, like lumber products are grouped together onto moving trams and placed into a large cylinder for treatment of the charge. %\dbZ!1T09 F.#3s3+VdIr9f>LQOL7-1K)s+}OY'\awt_D FfhWnK8R5 @^L;@e\;7&8/O_PL;V@SqqZEy?9S=Z_{uh@fx:DSs=8! b+! Recommended for general construction uses. Lumber may have one hole every 3 and any splits must not be bigger than the plank is wide. H\n0l/$x\$-"-! SPIB is a not-for-profit company that serves as the rules-writing agency for the Standard Grade Rules in Southern pine lumber. Many homes have fences, retaining walls, and garden boxes constructed of treated wood, and even the wooden utility poles supplying power and communications are pressure treated. It can be used to span greater distances, an SPF SS 28 will reach 15-3. maple, oak, birch, etc. Green Building Material . A final vacuum removes the excess preservative from the woods surface before the charge is removed from the cylinder and placed on the drip pad. . Pressurization then forces the liquid deep into the wood. It's easy to work with. http://www.anthonyforest.com/pdfs/AWPA-Use-Category-System-U1-07.pdf. It has nothing to do with the wood being pressure treated (PT) at all. The clear appearance makes it a choice for trim, furniture, and cabinetry. #1 will have less knots and is typically spec'd for joists and rafters. It is stamped S-GRN for surface-green or AD for air-dried. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. Follow the link here to complete our Treated Division and Laboratory Customer Satisfaction Survey. Water-repelling at a molecular level Since 1960, lumber in North America has been graded at lumber mills by trained inspectors for structural strength and quality control. Although there may appear to be many differences in what options to use for your next project, there may be more similarities than you know. 2 grade lumber, commonly referred to as "#2 & Btr" is used where high design values are required and high appearance in not a factor. Both #2 grades have all the characteristics, including knot size, of regular #2 grades but are selected for 4 square edges (very light to no-wane or bark). Pressure-Treated Pine meets the highest grading standards for strength and appearance. Has a better appearance than No.1 Dense Dimension Lumber because of additional restrictions on firm red heart, pith, knots and wane. Treating cylinders vary in size and length and a single charge of lumber can contain anywhere from 8,000 to 25,000 board feet of lumber. JavaScript is disabled. The table below identifies the types and their use based on the level of retention of preservatives. Plant inspections are required to be performed at least once per month, but may be increased due to production and/or performance. Ground contact level treatment (.15 pcf) has more than double the preservative of above ground level treated wood (.07 pcf) Lighter, more natural wood appearance for improved staining qualities. He is passionately interested in home improvement, renovation and woodworking. Similar to MCA, the treated wood shouldnt be used in contact with food or animal feed. Prime Dimension: 2" to 4" thick, 2" to 12" wide; See Table 1 for design values: Grade: Grade Characteristics and Typical Uses: No.1 Prime: Recommended where appearance and strength are a consideration. Minimum retention values are specified in the AWPA BOS for those preservative systems listed under AWPA and in the various Quality Manuals for those systems specified by a given ESR. Myrtle Beach, SC. The amount of moisture in the wood at the time of milling is noted. r The grading is standardized and consistent for structural strength across the U.S. and Canada. The wood is commonly used for light construction or framing where it isnt visible, or for bracing, packaging, and shipping purposes. Lumber, posts, and ties range from 8 to 16 in length, although longer may be ordered. The molecular changes in wood composition result in unique features: Dressed to standard dry size prior to machine stress rating, and visually graded to assure that characteristics affecting strength are no more serious than the limiting characteristics for each grade. We think it is only appropriate to attempt to describe these grades for your reference to help you better understand what you currently stock and what is additionally available to you and your customers. hbbd``b`i@i`}{" s@BHpE ^ !RHp@00 30 . endstream endobj startxref 0 %%EOF 162 0 obj <>stream This defect is exacerbated in the presence of Spi-1 haplo-insufficiency (Spi1+/- SpiB-/-). As we can find no formal and simple description of all the different grades, we attempt to describe the grades that we currently stock so that you can decide what best fits your need and customer base. In most cases, the required depth of penetration is 2.5 or 85% of the available sapwood. Machine Evaluated Lumber is also required to meet certain visual requirements. KD and KD-HT are often more expensive and less susceptible to warping and shrinkage. The accredited inspection agency, manufacturer, and plant are also commonly on the label but may be available in the bar code. Copyright 2023 This Old House Ventures, LLC. #2 Prime Southern Yellow Pine Above Ground Actual: 1.5-in x 5.5-in x 12-ft #2 Prime Southern Yellow Pine Above Ground Actual: 1.5-in x 5.5-in x 12-ft Treated for protection against fungal decay, rot and termites Treatment meets AWPA (American Wood Protection As Description & Documents #2 prime southern yellow pine with virtually no wane CA-C Above Ground pressure treated exterior wood protected by Ecolife (EL2); a stabilizing formula that repels water keeps boards straighter and looking better longer Ecolife (EL2) provides built-in water repellency that lasts for up to 3 6^,fniSgdc24.L7` b. Exciting stuffyou wont want to miss that! There is a barcode with product information, registration logo or symbol noting the standards followed, and the use category (UC4A for Ground Contact). 1s and Selects, to boot. Modern science has developed preservative treatments that are odorless and colorless, and leave the wood paintable and dry to the touch. Its appearance ranking requires it to be 75% free of knots or defects. Pressure treatment is an affordable alternative to expensive naturally rot-resistant lumber. Bruce, I found more info on the heat treated wood. 2 lumber, which provides good strength at a reasonable price. We've downsized and im already overimproved. Both DIYers and building professionals will like these garden and outdoor living ideas and plans. So if you see HT on the stamp theres no real reason to doubt its treated but there is no way to know for sure on a brand new deck. There is no structural premium grade, it is strictly a term for bright looking wood free of blemishes or knots. Pressure treated wood used for in-ground or critical use has a greater retention level than timber used for above or ground contact. A very good product to, Highest recognized grade of Finish. Building codes, inspectors, builders, engineers, and other professionals use the grades to make sure structures are safe for use. Recommended for uses where high strength, stiffness and good appearance are desired. Appearance is same as C Finish for thicknesses of 4" and less and widths 12" and less. Admits pieces below a No.3 grade which can be used without waste, or which contain less than 25% waste by cutting. SPIB is subject to continual review by IAS to ensure that the laboratory and agency records remain in compliance. Recommended for same purposes as Construction grade. The recommended type of treated wood for in-ground use is UC4B and UC4C; UC4B has a higher retention level than lower graded types, and UC4C has even more. All lumber must identify the association or agency accredited with overseeing the grading MLB is the Maritime Lumber Bureau. One even identifies its pressure treated pine fence boards as D & better so its appearance has small pin knots and some other blemishes. The species and grade, however, affect the spacing between supports with #1 often rated for greater spans. The appearance doesnt affect the structural grade, it just is superficially more appealing. www.strongtie.com/products/ptwoodfaqs.html, FAQ: Pressure-Treated Wood | Simpson Strong-Tie. The wood should be at least 6-inches above the ground, have good air circulation and drainage, and the components can easily be replaced. It's distinctive wood grain appearance is great for decorative finishing. This cryptic tattoo indicates that a piece of wood meets established standards for strength and stiffness, and it also offers useful information about the type of wood and how much moisture it contains. Pressure treated lumber has been infused with preservatives to prevent rot and insect damage. This service is intended to assist mills in supplying products that meet the standards for wood packaging Wood preservation also helps conserve forest resources for future generations by greatly reducing the amount of wood needed to replace untreated wood structures prematurely damaged by decay or termites. SPIB also inspects mills that manufacture and label various lumber products under these rules. Tel: 843-236-9399. Application of these grade-marks represents assurance by the manufacturer that their Southern Pine lumber product is properly manufactured and meets the grade requirements of their customers, ensuring consumer confidence in Southern Pine lumber products. wo*kS` 8r 5f)J `A%pWIu `lt=K!a4'(Xg^dU|$a!/,.-`0ir }dF\Nguyi12(8+DU Zty THE TREATING PROCESS, QUALITY AND IQC RESPONSIBILITIES. Green unseasoned lumber fresh from the mill is labeled either air-dried (AD) or surface-green (S-GRN). SPIB is able to assist manufacturers achieve and maintain the quality that their customers require by employing highly qualified instructors. Usable lengths suitable for bracing, blocking, bulkheading and other general utility purposes where strength and appearance are not a consideration. CCA is still used for industrial purposes today. Charges found non-conforming, either through plant IQC or third-party, are isolated for correction and the corrective actions are to be documented accordingly. Southern Pine's ease of treatability has made it the preferred species when pressure treatment with wood preservatives is required. A superior decking grade, suitable for plank floor where face serves as finish floor. I will try to post-some new treated lumber being sold in the wood depot I go to referd to as BLUE if I am not mistaken. two existing joists with this stamp are not dark in color like i think pressure treated wood should be I used to live to work. Good-quality sheathing, fencing, shelving and other general purpose uses. OK then thanks. Establishes lumber quality based on a graders visual inspection. Working with pressure treated lumber is similar to working with untreated planks. A joist made of Douglas fir, for instance, will cover a greater span than a hemlock joist of the same size and grade. Lumber is stamped after it is milled and prior to being pressure treated. Unfortunately, the water-soluble nature makes them susceptible to leaching out in rainy or wet areas, or near standing water. Dont know how PT Pine looks. SPIB is able to assist manufacturers achieve and maintain the quality that their customers require by employing highly qualified instructors. At the end of the pressurized period, the solution is pumped out and stored for use on the next batch. Most is not. I grabbed an exerpt here and there and put it all together, for I was on a lot of different sites and suppliers. };hax{Hk[qMkhpcge/*b7_W?!r*uEkGhKZS$_~Zuzrxx xo)>kf}sgn^k4$=!i[*5X,y-ZrZ1 I% I?S?C# M7nsp:{&|nn1###M&d lB6-M&d lB6M&d ; IS)VY23xe@YY_Q_Y_Q_Y_Q_Y_Q_Y_Q_u_BNt/;(.? For complete information about types of preservatives, the latest industry standards, product identification and specification guidelines, refer to SFPAs booklet,Pressure-Treated Southern Pine (download in Publications). Inspection Practices for Treated Lumber Products. There are different types of treatment and lumber grades for different uses. Then I worked to live. #2 Prime grade southern yellow pine. A study by the EPA in 2000 deemed it too hazardous for residential use, and in 2003 the lumber industry agreed to stop using it for residential purposes. 2023 Southern Pine Inspection Bureau | All Rights Reserved | SitemapP.O. These requirements are initially checked by the producing treating plant, but are ultimately verified by independent, third-party agencies that ensure plants produce treated wood products in accordance with industry standards. &_ePM&dWCh Other than the features that depend on the type of tree the wood came from (i.e. Email: cspsales@canfor.com. SPIB is subject to continual review by ALSC to ensure that the laboratory and agency records remain in compliance. I hope you have a better understanding of what pressure treatment means and which grade and type is best for your project. Premium is usually #1 or #2 grade lumber. The grade-mark must contain the first four items listed below; the fifth item is optional. "Stud" is a fifth designation, meaning it's good for a load-bearing wall. Quality control for treating should be done by an approved inspection agency. All rights reserved. The certification identifies the grade rules used to grade the lumber for example, ALSC is the American Lumber Standard Committee and NLGA is the National Lumber Grades Authority. Modern chemical baths and pressurization began in the early half of the 20th century. Dimension stability improves 12-17 times compared to untreated wood WestWood Heat Treated Lumber Production Corporation vapor-stabilization technology is a patented wood heat treatment technology, utilizing a natural thermochemical reaction and steam at temperatures of 230-240 C (450 F) and exclusive of any chemical additives. Oil-based and creosote treatments are still used but since the preservatives leach out over time and with heat, they are considered too messy or hazardous for residential use. BOARD GRADES. Grade based on No.2 Dimension Lumber except wane and other characteristics that affect appearance are limited. Framing lumber, unlike money, does grow on trees, so theres always the chance it will have some natural defect, such as a large knot or a long split, that can reduce its overall strength. Knots must be well spaced and tight, so they wont fall out, and no larger than 2-3/4 in a 28. Some types of timber have natural abilities while others need a boost. The result of having a unified rating means the end-tag on lumber identifies how well the wood will stand up in different conditions, regardless of the chemical cocktail its been exposed to. It holds nails, screws, and other fasteners well, and is commonly used in residential, industrial, and commercial construction. While most residential pressure treated lumber is deemed safe for use, dust and particles can still be harmful. SPIB performs these functions through the accreditation of the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) as appointed by the Department of Commerce. UC3B or UC4A are best for ground contact use. Then I worked to drink. Recommended for moulding and millwork applications. Pressure treated lumber has been treated with a chemical solution to protect it from insects, mold, mildew, and rot. Generally, the charge is accepted if at least 80% of the cores (16 of 20) meet the minimum depth of penetration. Even if you are on the right track, you will still get run over if you just sit there. We work together with our subscribers to provide consistent, accurate inspection data for their use to improve product quality, meet Building Code specifications, enhance service life, and promote industry sustainability. The solution protects the wood from rot, insects, fungus, mold, and mildew, and also turns the wood a brown tone. Appearance is same as D Finish for thicknesses 4" and less and widths 12" and less. No.1 Drop Siding is graded as No.1 Boards; No.1 Flooring and Paneling not provided under SPIB Grading Rules as a separate grade, but if specified, will be designated and graded as D. Graded as No.2 Boards. The lumber has the structural strength it is graded with but has fewer blemishes or knots, so a better appearance. Details Made from quality Southern Pine lumber Available for . Those stacks also include some No. Some lumber is also treated for fire protection and used throughout different areas of residential, commercial, and industrial construction. See Table 2 or SPIB Grading Rules for design values. Typically, the first step of a third-party agency audit involves a review of the plants records. Within all grades, there are planks that will be freer of blemishes and knots and may be called premium. Pressure treated wood has many outdoor uses and even is used in some indoor locations, especially where moisture may be a concern. This approach is intended to consider the big picture trends as opposed to allowing otherwise isolated issues to severely affect plant performance status. Suitable for economical use as sheathing or lathing. My 2-Story Addition Build in Progress Link . Office: (850) 434-2611 | Toll Free: (800) 995-7742 The most noticeable difference may be the price and scarcity of #1 grade lumber. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The unique cellular structure of Southern Pine permits deep and uniform penetration of preservatives, rendering the wood useless as a food source for fungi, termites and micro-organisms. Hi Raymond, it looks like this 2 in. A Production Category is defined as a given preservative, specie and retention combination. Recommended for general construction uses. Treated posts or ties readily available at yards and stores are 35, 44, and 66; 88 is also available but may be a special order. It should be noted, #2 & BTR does not mean #1. The treatment doesnt penetrate deeply into the wood due to the impermeable nature of the wood cells.
is spib no 2 prime pressure treated