About Pressure-Treated
Pressure-treated lumber remains the most popular decking choice in America, offering exceptional value through a proven combination of affordability, durability, and widespread availability. Modern pressure-treated wood uses Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ) or Copper Azole (CA) preservatives that are pressure-infused into Southern Yellow Pine, creating protection against fungal decay, termites, and other wood-destroying organisms that meets or exceeds EPA standards for residential use.
The treatment process forces preservatives deep into the wood fiber under high pressure, typically achieving penetration depths of 0.40 to 0.60 pounds per cubic foot for above-ground applications. This thorough saturation creates a protective barrier throughout the lumber that remains effective for 15-20 years under normal residential deck conditions. Southern Yellow Pine's dense grain structure accepts treatment readily while providing structural strength comparable to more expensive species.
Our pressure-treated deck installations follow best practices developed over decades of Minnesota experience. We allow lumber to acclimate and dry for 2-4 weeks before staining to ensure proper finish adhesion. All cuts and drill holes receive field treatment with copper naphthenate to maintain protection at exposed end grain. We use ACQ-rated hardware including hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel fasteners, joist hangers, and connectors designed to withstand the corrosive properties of modern copper-based treatments.
