Do I need pressure treated wood?
I am putting up a pergola. I made concrete footings with a metal base which the post will sit on. I needed to know if I need pressure treated wood or will regular redwood with a sealer suffice.
12 Responses
Brian B
12 May 2011
Jack the Toad
12 May 2011
yes, you need PT
robert k
12 May 2011
Redwood is better and far superior than PT.
Paul B
12 May 2011
I would use treated support beams, but the Redwood does not need a sealer…
pitchingcoach
12 May 2011
You can make do with either. Even mix if necessary. Treated for framework and cover with redwood.
Diamond Jim
12 May 2011
If it were me, I’d go with the PT. It will withstand weathering for a good twenty years if properly maintained.
oldtimer
12 May 2011
Use the redwood. Looks nicer and just as good as Treated wood. Maybe better
georgewarren93
12 May 2011
Redwood or even Cedar, these surpass PT lumber any day and both are naturally decay resistant for many many years. Cedar will resist termites also
GG
12 May 2011
Either will work because bugs and termites will not eat redwood or PT wood. I guess my answer is, when in doubt about an area use PT wood or redwood just to be on the safe side.
Steve in NC
12 May 2011
The environmentally (or green) sound choice is redwood that has been harvested from a redwood farm. Pressure treated wood contains some nasty heavy metals. While they may be approved by the EPA they are far from safe!
Redwood has it’s own natural preservatives and will last for a long time. It needs no sealer!
cloiser
12 May 2011
Pressure treated wood is an excellent choice, it will last longer than redwood (contact with concrete is very tough on redwood as the concrete is a constant source of moisture for decay) with less upkeep. Pressure treated lumber is also cheaper. Furthermore, the chemicals in treated lumber (ground-contact) available for homeowners will not leach and are not dangerous as popular opinion (opinion not science!) would have you believe. Pressure treated wood is actually more environmentally friendly as it lasts longer than redwood in use! (carbon tied up in wood not being released through decay, more trees left in forest)
Andy S
12 May 2011
Presure treated timber will last longer and u wont have to treat it
redwood is ok to use outside sealer or no sealer