Winterizing Your Deck and Fence
Treated Pine Decks
Treated Pine is pressure-treated lumber that is the most common decking material sold today. About 75% of all new decks built are made out of treated pine. The pressure-treated pine wood is chemically treated to resist rot, fungus and wood-boring bugs. Today’s pressure treated pine is treated with safe, low toxic chemicals, such as alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) or copper azole.
Pros of Treated Pine Decks:
- Cheapest of all decking materials
- Readily Available
- Creates a natural wood look
- Easy to cut and fasten with nails/screws
- Hard enough to resist abuse
- High grade pine is kiln-dried that will not warp
Cons of Treated Pine Decks:
- Tendency to crack, split, warp and rot
- Routine maintenance is necessary
- Annual power-washing
- Resealed every 2-3 years
- Does not always age well
- Low grade treated pine can be full of moisture and will shrink unevenly and twist
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