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    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
    Uber Member
     
    #1

    Aug 20, 2009, 10:18 PM
    What's the Best Type of Treated Lumber to Use for Exterior Stairs?
    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!
    21boat's Avatar
    21boat Posts: 2,441, Reputation: 212
    Ultra Member
     
    #2

    Aug 21, 2009, 12:02 PM

    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.woodtreaters.com/NewAsset...DS01012004.pdf

    http://www.pacificwood.com/aboutus.c...atments2&tid=9
    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
    Uber Member
     
    #3

    Aug 22, 2009, 03:23 AM
    Thank you for responding to my question, 21boat!

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

    Thanks!

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