Treated Yellow Pine - Adirondack Chairs Handcrafted by Clarks Outdoor Chairs

Treated Pine Lumber Profile

Treated Pine is widely used for building outdoor projects. The wood has been chemically preserved to protect it from moisture, insects, rot and decay. The treated wood industry estimates it will last 20 to 30 times longer than untreated wood in outdoor environments. This means a treated wood outdoor project should be around a long time saving you money and conserving trees.

The treatment industry has long been using Southern Pine as the preferred wood for treatment. It represents nearly 85% of treated wood. There are two reasons why it is the preferred wood for treatment. Number one, the unique cellular structure of Southern Pine permits tightly held deep uniform penetration of the preserving chemicals. This is the reason the wood stays protected for so long. Number two, the wood ranks among the strongest, most versatile woods for structural applications.

The industry has welcomed a new generation of preserving chemicals. This was in response to changing market perceptions and consumers interest in alternative preservatives. They no longer use Arsenic as a chemical to treat wood in the consumer and residential market. There will be no more Chromated Copper Arsenic (CCA) wood or Ammoniacal Copper Zinc Arsenic (ACZA) wood produced. The new preserving method uses an Arsenic free formulation called Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ). The ACQ technology eliminates the chemical components of Arsenic and Chromium. However, with the changeover came a price increase, but lower chemical retention levels than the old Arsenic treated wood.

Here is a quick account of what we found with the new ACQ wood. To begin, the boards are rated for above ground use and ground contact use. The boards for above ground use are given a chemical retention level of .25 per cubic foot (pcf). The ground contact boards are given a .40 pcf. The higher the pcf number the more the wood is protected. The only boards that are marked for ground contact are 4x4 and 6x6 post boards. Remember, these boards are intended to be buried in the ground. How will above ground .25 pcf boards do with ground contact? The industry feels that the .25 pcf level is enough to fully protect an above ground board. We trust the industry experts and use the premium choice above ground .25 pcf boards to build our Tremont Classic Adirondack chair.

Why Treated Yellow Pine ?

Treated Southern Yellow Pine makes outdoor furniture strong, affordable and lasting. Arsenic is no longer in the wood and chemical retention levels are lower. All the old treated wood had a .40 rating, but even with the new ACQ wood having a lower rating than the old do not think it will not last. The new wood will most likely out live its welcome or us, which ever comes first who knows. You can make it last as long as you want by deciding where and how the furniture is used along with practicing proper care.

Other Wood Profiles:

Douglas Fir

Redwood

Mahogany

Yellow Poplar

Ipe

White Oak

Red Western Cedar

Northern White Cedar

Cypress