Pressure Treated Lumber - Staining Pressure Treated Wood

Wood is no doubt one of the most versatile materials for building purposes. Nevertheless, wood obtained from almost all varieties of trees are susceptible to insects, bacteria, fungi and other microbes. When wood come in contact with atmospheric moisture or the ground for a certain period, it is easily attacked by microbes and pests, thus reducing its durability. Soft untreated wood, if exposed to moist soil, may last for only 1 - 2 years, whereas pressure treated and stained wood lasts for a much longer time. Pressure treated lumber refers to wood which is treated with chemical preservatives in order to make it insect and pest resistant.

Pressure Treated Lumber

In the process of pressure treatment, wood is introduced into a holding tank under very low pressure, thus creating a vacuum-like condition. Then the tank is filled with specific chemical preservatives. The pressure inside the tank is subsequently increased, so that the preservative is forced deep inside the wood. The treated wood is later removed and further cured for commercial usage. Pressure treated lumber is used for building decks, posts, tables and other wooden furniture, gardening components and at times building foundations as well. A high quality pressure treated wood usually lasts for about 20 years or more.

Using pressure treated wood in garden soil can cause the preservatives to leach out into the soil, resulting in certain adverse effects on plants growing in the surrounding area. Considering all these problems associated with this type of wood, one should always check the components of the chemical preservative before purchasing such pressure treated woods. The lumberyard may also suggest different pressure treated woods for use in ground contact projects or above ground projects.

Staining Pressure Treated Wood

Proper staining of newly pressure treated wood is recommended to preserve its appearance and color. Painting pressure treated lumber should be avoided as the paint holding capacity of such woods is very low. For staining pressure treated lumber, first decide on the suitable stain product and color. Avoid using water-based products for staining treated woods if they are meant for use in sunny areas. Regarding color, you can opt for light color stains or semi-transparent stains (with ultraviolet light protection) for best appearance.

It is to be noted that the chemical preservatives used in the making of pressure treated wood may be harmful to humans and animals. Hence, it is advisable to use protective gears while staining the pressure treated woods. Prior to application of the stains, clean the surface of the pressure treated lumber by using appropriate cleaning solution. In case of molds or powdery mildew, you can apply bleach solution for killing them. While doing so, make sure you use safety gears to avoid inhalation of the fumes. Allow the wood surfaces to dry well before staining.

Some stains can be applied even on wet surfaces. In such cases, you can follow the staining steps as per the guidelines provided by the product manufacturer. Apply the stain with a regular paint brush or paint pad. If available, you can make use of a sprayer for uniform application of the stain. For solid color stain, applying a single thick layer stain is sufficient for preservation of the pressure treated wood. However, for clear coating stains, it is better to apply two coats. Also clear finish requires frequent application, at least once in six months. Overall, staining pressure treated lumber once in a year will increase its aesthetic value and durability as well.