Can you use treated lumber inside

So if pressure treated wood resists the damaging effects of moisture and insects, why isn't it used for your entire home? It's because the chemicals used to pressure treat wood aren't safe for humans. You can find arsenic in all older pressure treated lumber and some new materials, while copper is widely used in even the newest pressure treatment formulas.

If you touch the wood and pick up these chemicals and then rub your eyes or eat some food, you could ingest something that could make you sick over time. This is why non-pressure treated wood is still required for use indoors, and why builders recommended that you only use pressure treated lumber for the support structure of a deck and switch to untreated wood for the surface. Any location where pets and kids spend time regularly should be built with non-treated wood. This includes play sets, decks, raised beds in gardens, and more.

Using a naturally rot-resistant wood, like cedar is a better compromise that is potentially putting your loved ones at risk for serious health problems.

Of course, sometimes you just can't build something safely without using pressure treated lumber. It's better to use treated lumber and know your deck will be secure in a few years than try to use untreated wood for the supports and watch them rot away rapidly.

If you're using pressure treated lumber and are concerned about its risks, applying an oil-based sealant is the best protective measure.

Oil-based sealants have been shown to limit the amount of arsenic, copper, and other compounds reaching the surface of the wood. Since the primary risk from treated wood involves touching the surface to transfer the chemicals, a suitable sealant is enough to protect you and your family. There's no need to worry about making treated wood safer that is completely covered in other materials and hidden from access, such as subflooring. Pressure treated wood doesn't release any gases or particulates that could harm you and your family.

If you're not touching the wood or exposed to its sawdust, there's basically no risk. Regardless of whether you need pressure treated or untreated lumber for your project, we have both types in stock in every size and shape here at Lyons Lumber Co. Serving Frankfort for Years.. Professional Services We Provide. Customer Accounts. Direct Contact with a Source of Moisture.

Opportunity for Contact with People and Pets. Sealant to Increase Safety. If you want your child to know handy skills, you should start a toolbox for them and add to it throughout the years. Follow the tips on this blog to start. Improved home security begins with strengthening weak areas throughout your home. Learn how to secure your windows and doors so that your home is safe. The type of siding you have on your home determines how frequently your home's exterior needs to be painted.

Wood siding, for example, should be repainted every three to seven years , while brick paint jobs can last upwards of a decade. Whether you want to paint your home's exterior for personal enjoyment or to preserve your home's siding, the right paint color is key to keeping your home's curb appeal fresh, modern, and inviting.

If you're stuck on what hue to paint your home's outside, consider classic white, light gray, or other lighter colors. Here are reasons why light tones are best for your home's exterior. Any cracks, blemishes, dents, stains from mold or mildew, or missing siding panel issues will not alleviate themselves with a fresh coat of paint. However, lighter paint colors will diminish the appearance of minor siding flaws to give your home a more renovated, well-kept appeal.

Softer colors reflect light, allowing blemishes to be more hidden by visual trickery. Before painting your home's exterior, power wash your siding and fill large cracks or crevices with cement putty or other filler. You can buy your paint and hardware supplies from your local lumberyard or home improvement store.

The main reason for painting your home's exterior is to add curb appeal. Your home isn't the only part of your property that improves with fresh paint, however. The surrounding landscape benefits as well. What are the main focal points you want highlighted in your yard? A decorative rock garden near your front entryway? If protective clothing is required to wear while working around this type of lumber , many argue that it is too dangerous to be left indoors. Pressure treated borate plywood can be used anywhere that moisture may be present.

Bathrooms and laundry rooms are common room in which you can use borate plywood. It can also be used for exterior sheathing. Yellow pine and Douglas fir are the types of wood treated with borate. Sometimes hemlock, western pine, and spruce are treated with borate, but Douglas fir and yellow pine are the most common. If you are interested in attempting to use pressure treated lumber indoors, these types might be worth considering.

On a popular website, the question was raised concerning pressure treated wood being used in a basement. A homeowner was concerned about the wood containing arsenic and wondered if the chemical could eventually seep from the wood. One expert said that the truly dangerous factor of the pressure treated lumber containing arsenic was during the cutting and sawing phase of building. After that, he saw no danger. The only concern was that there could be legal ramifications when the home was inspected.

Pressure treated lumber is affordable. Many people consider using it indoors for this very reason. If operating on a tight budget, the option of using pressure treated lumber can make a homeowner happy. Another advantage of pressure treated lumber is its strength. It is difficult to scratch or dent.

Pressure treated lumber will last longer than other types. Years after it is installed, it will still look great. Insects are not attracted to this type of wood. If an insect stays too long on pressure treated lumber, toxicity will result.

You will not have issues with termites and other pests. As a result, many people feel comfortable using this type indoors. The only place ACQ lumber is not recommended for use among those who approve of its indoor use is around aquatic life.

Most wood experts who are in favor of using pressure treated lumber indoors agree that the best places to use it are for studs, beams, frames, and even other places that have no direct contact with food. Counter tops and tables would not be good places to use any type of pressure treated lumber. Can you use pressure treated lumber indoors? Experts on both sides of the argument make valid points.

These harmful microorganisms are present in almost all moist dirty environments. This means that pressure treatment is a great way to keep wood lasting longer that might get wet. According to common understanding, you can use modern pressure-treated wood indoors. However, cleaning all sawdust and debris is highly recommended before the home can be occupied.

Further, when working with pressure-treated wood wear a respirator to avoid breathing in harmful sawdust. Generally speaking, and from a practical perspective, working with pressure-treated wood is no different than working with non-treated lumber. Pressure treatment does add weight to the wood so expect to add a little more work to a home framed with pressure-treated lumber.

However, the strength and support capabilities are the same for pressure-treated wood and non-treated wood. However, a debate exists as to whether pressure-treated wood is safe for indoor use. Some carpenters and designers worry that pressure-treated wood will leach harmful chemicals into the home.

However, according to the Environmental Protection Agency EPA , there is a wide range of toxicity depending on the type of pressure-treated wood. Take note, all sources recommend against using pressure-treated wood for cutting boards and countertops. Finally, interior framing should never get wet. The siding, sheeting, roofing, and more all protect that from happening. Therefore, the rot-resistance quality of pressure-treated wood serves no purpose indoors.

All told, it is possible to use pressure-treated wood indoors. However, the minor added benefits and potential risks are generally not worth the large increased cost. Floor joists, like other interior framings, are a potential application for pressure-treated wood. Floor joists made of pressure-treated wood do have a theoretically longer life span. However, pressure-treatment on most floor joists serves no purpose, as those floor joists do not get wet.

However, the situation changes slightly for floor joists on the bottom floor of a home next to a crawl space. Of all the interior framing areas, this calls most for pressure-treated wood. Crawl spaces are usually open to the ground and can get very wet seasonally.