Hi, All!

I need to replace my front porch stairs. They're falling apart, even though they looked great and appeared to be very solid after I painted them about six or seven years ago.

The area where they're located used to be about full-sun. Now, since trees have grown, it's more like a semi-shaded area. Water doesn't evaporate that quickly when it is on the stairs because there's not all that much sun shining on them anymore.

Is there a preferred type of treated lumber for this purpose that will pass the "muster" of requirements of most city building codes?

I would like to get the best treated lumber that's available.

Thanks!

Hi clough.

Not sure if you can get it there but the best treated lumber is wolmanized lumber. When I started using 4x4 for decks back in the 70s it had a 30 year rating stamp on the bottom of the post with ground contact. The reg "treated did not" They took the arsenic out of it but added more Eco solutions.

A wolmanized is a lifetime limited lumber its getting harder to get because of the big box stores selling to homeowners "cheaper" treated lumber. Not only that I have been complaining loudly at them advertising a #2 grade select and its really a #3 grade big Knots..

The treated lumber for board walks were 'Salt Treated" That meant it had ( now illegal ) arsenic in it,

Wolmanized® Outdoor® Treated Wood - Arch Wood Protection, Inc. (http://www.archchemicals.com/Fed/WOLW/Products/Preservative/genuine/default.htm)

http://www.woodtreaters.com/NewAssets/PDF/2004/MSDS01012004.pdf

http://www.pacificwood.com/aboutus.cfm?page=treatments2&tid=9

Thank you for responding to my question, 21boat!

I will see if that kind of lumber is available around where I am.

Thanks!