Enduring Impressions

Select the right wood for outdoor projects that will stand the test of time.

Western red cedar (top) and pressure-treated pine (bottom).

You want your outdoor projects to last—Mother Nature doesn’t. Very few wood species can endure the combined effects of wind, rain, and sun. Two, however, do hold up well outside: western red cedar and pressure-treated pine.

Western Red Cedar

Western red cedar is one of the most decay-resistant species in America; it’s completely nonresinous, so it offers no “food” for decay. It grows along the coastal ranges of western Canada and the United States, from Alaska south through British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon, and east to Idaho and Montana. Western red cedar’s tendency to split makes it perfect for shingles, which are generally sawn smooth, and shakes, made by splitting the wood. When exposed, red cedar weathers to an attractive silver gray. Because it isn’t a very strong wood, though, it’s a poor choice for furniture under stress, such as a chair.

Pressure-Treated Pine

Pressure-treated pine is the most common wood used in outdoor construction because pine readily accepts wood preservatives, making it inexpensive to produce. Four distinct levels of protection are based on the intended use of the lumber. Varying degrees of chemical retention also help in keeping costs to a minimum. In general, the thicker the wood, the higher the preservative rating. The highest chemicalretention level is reserved for permanent wood foundations. Second, ground-contact protection is designed for 4-by and 6-by lumber. And the third level is approved for above-ground use; it applies to 2-by lumber. Decking lumber—or 5⁄4-inch-thick deck planks—receives the lowest level of protection. These end-use ratings are printed on labels stapled to the boards.

Special Fasteners

Although it may be well known that corrosion-resistant fasteners should be used when building outdoor furniture, it may come as a surprise that new pressure-treated wood requires fasteners with higher levels of protection. Your best bet is to use stainless steel fasteners whenever possible. Or, look for hot-dipped galvanized fasteners with a G-185 rating (1.85 ounces of zinc is used for every square foot of metal). Previous choices, such as G-60 or G-90 fasteners, will break down over time if used with the new preservatives.

Proper Handling

Finally, when using pressure-treated lumber, take care to protect yourself from the chemicals used to treat the lumber, and wear gloves, eye protection, and a quality dust mask. Also, you should never burn scraps of preservative-treated wood; both the fumes and the ashes can be toxic.

Enduring Impressions Labels stapled to the ends of pressure-treated lumber detail the treatment rating and project usage.

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