Pressure treated lumber or wood is a blessing for wood-frame projects. Because of their long-lasting and sustainable nature due to chemical preservatives applied to them, pressure-treated woods have elevated their usability at an exponential rate.
However, the answer to how often you should be sealing pressure-treated wood is not clear to most of the treated wood users; especially to those who are using it for the first time. Our article is focused today on some best treatments for pressure-treated wood you can imply to have the best service from these woods.
What Is Pressure Treated Wood?
Normal woods if left untreated can last only for a few years. There are different levels of manipulation that can be done on woods to increase their long ability. Other than structural efficiency, these types of engineering done on woods make them immune to tear and wear, insects, rain, mold, or any wood rot.
Pressure-treated woods are such types of woods that have undergone special types of processes to prolong their durability and enhance their performance. Based on the type of processing used on them, different types of pressure-treated woods are available. They can last from 10 to 40 years depending on their maintenance and indoor or outdoor use.
Why Does Pressure Treated Lumber Need To Be Sealed?
Pressure-treated lumbers do surpass the regular lifespan of untreated lumbers. However, to ensure proper maintenance (such as regular heavy rainfall, moisture, or fungus), it is essential to seal them every once in a year or so.
Once pressure-treated lumbers are dry upon finishing the process of pressure treatment, a water repellent sealant is highly suggested for them. This sealer for pressure-treated wood, besides providing an outstanding look, will protect the exposed lumber from dampness and cracks.
How Long Does Pressure Treated Wood Last?
Pressure-treated wood can last up to 10-40 years or more. Factors such as the types of pressure treatment used on them, types of chemicals used in the process, nature of the wood, maintenance, sealant used, environment, and surrounding influence the legibility of pressure-treated woods as well.
Whereas it is observed that indoor usage of pressure-treated woods such as pressure-treated deck boards or flooring will last a minimum of 10 years or more upon excellent maintenance.
Treated woods used outdoors such as piles or garden homes are sure to last for 40 years or more.
Is Pressure Treated Wood Waterproof?
Pressure-treated woods are not resistant to water to any extent. Exposure to heavy water flow and harsh environments cannot save them from getting damp and rotten. They will easily lose their moisture and start to absorb water.
This is why a strong water repellent is highly suggested once the treated woods are dry. One should apply a water coating wood sealant prior to the installation.
How Long Should You Wait For Waterproof Treated Lumber?
It is quite alarming how pressure-treated woods are left vulnerable without any water repellent. For proper maintenance and for a long-term service, applying a sealant is a must.
However, you cannot instantly apply sealant on treated lumber right after they have gone through the pressure chamber. Because special preservatives are applied during the process, it is mandatory for the treated lumber to dry completely before applying any sealant.
You must wait a minimum of 1 month before using any sealant on them. Once the lumber is dry, only then it will be able to absorb the sealant. After a period of 30 days, you have to go through a process to test whether the treated lumbers are completely dry and then apply the right waterproof sealant on them.
Can You Waterproof Pressure Treated Wood?
Yes, you can definitely waterproof pressure-treated wood by applying a proper waterproof sealant or stainer. In fact, it is highly suggested to have a finish with waterproof sealants or water repellent stains following a period of time. This will make the treated woods more sustainable, durable, and a service worth a lifetime.
Based on the kind of your usage, you will need to select quality stains or sealers. Such as miracle cover marine protects pressurized boat parts made of wood.
Is It Better To Stain Or Paint Pressure Treated Wood?
Compared to paints on pressure-treated woods, it is easier to stain them. However, if you have a liking for both of them, you can without any hesitation apply both of them on the pressure-treated wood.
As pressure-treated woods are porous in nature, it is highly recommended that you don’t apply paint on them directly without using any stain first. This will make the woods soak the paint and get swollen until they finally dry out. This will gradually lead to great damage to the wood which is irreversible.
How Often Do You Stain Pressure Treated Wood?
Once you have applied stain on pressure-treated woods. You can undeniably pass 2-4 years without any maintenance problems. This is actually should be the case for most of the pressurized woods.
However, at some points, your pressure treated woods can start to show some signs like Mildews or molds; or start to soak water; or the color starts to faint away. These are the clear signs that your treated woods need another staining. When these signs start to show up, do not delay further to give proper maintenance to the treated woods.
How To Stain Pressure Treated Wood?
Staining or sealing pressure treated wood can be quite simple if you follow these steps properly:
Choose The Stain
Different types of stains are available in the market; based on where you are using pressure-treated wood. Two types of stain: Oil type stain and Latex based stains are the most common ones for household treated woods.
Where most users prefer oil-type stains because it is entirely soaked by the treated woods and easy to use, most latex-based stains give a refreshing look to the woods.
Wash The Wood
You need to thoroughly clean the wood before applying your chosen stain. The wisest way is to use a blower or pressure washer to clean the woods. However, if you feel like that is not enough due to the long exposure to dirt and other stains, you can use professional cleaners especially built to clean treated woods.
Preparing To Stain
Before beginning with stain, make sure to check the moisture of the treated woods; as they have to be completely dry. Once you are ready, shake the stain container frequently and equally on every corner.
Apply The Stain: Once you are done with the following steps, use a clean brush or pads specially made for staining to apply one layer of stain on the entire surface first. Start with the top, it will help you to follow through the end terminal.
Conclusion
It is always a fun job to stain or seal the pressure treated woods at your usage. If you feel like there is more to add to our article, feel free to leave a comment. And let your friends know who are struggling with proper maintenance of pressure-treated woods.
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