For much of the 20th century treated pilings, poles, and posts underwent specialized pressurization that impregnated the wood with chemicals to protect it from pests, rotting, and moisture damage. All three of which were common problems in marine-style environments. In the 21st century, there’s been a discontinuance of some of the more noxious chemicals that were using for treated pilings, and the market instead introduced newer, more eco-friendly preservatives. This has enabled treated pilings, poles, and posts to retain the following top advantages in addition to being overall good for the environment:

• Longevity:  Treated pilings are capable of resisting damage by moisture intrusion, pests, and fungal decay for several decades. You can use them in scenarios like bulkhead construction and submerge them into sea water without fear that they’ll quickly succumb to the elements. Certain grades of treated wood pilings when combined with a concrete cap can even last over 100 years. That’s a great return on your investment.
• Economy:  While treated pilings might initially be more expensive that traditional lumber, their longer lifespan and low maintenance will equate to much lower costs in the long run.  Additionally, treated pilings, poles, and posts are much cheaper than their alternatives, including concrete and vinyl, making them a wonderful happy medium and cost-effective choice.

Outdoor projects are among the most gratifying tasks to take on. A new fence, remodeled deck, and reinforced bulkhead can give years of entertainment, beauty, and privacy. The material of choice for many of these outdoor structures is the most natural of all: wood.

However, not all wood is the same, and while wood left natural and untreated might make you feel more ‘green’, it has a ton of downfalls, including being the perfect home to insects and fungal growth. So before you swipe your bank card, consider these significant advantages of using treated pilings, poles, and posts:

• Pest protection:  One of the biggest downfalls of outdoor (and some indoor) wooden projects is wood-boring insects. But wood that is treated is toxic to insects, making them avoid your finished project, and the areas around it. Plus, if you opt for new borate pressure-treated wood, you’ll also enjoy the added benefit of superior fungal prevention.
• Longevity (and its added green effect):  Because treated lumber is capable of resisting insects, pets, and fungal decay and suffering the damage caused by such pests, it enjoys an extended life span. This means that once you’ve nailed the final 2×4 into place, you’ll be able to enjoy it for decades to come. Because of this diminished need for reassessing, rebuilding, and/or remodeling finished wooden projects, you’ll put a lower strain on future wood resources and all of the fossil fuels that get that wood from forest to backyard project.

Thinks to keep in mind:

• With treated lumber, use galvanized or stainless steel fasteners. This is because the high concentration of copper in treated lumber can corrode stainless steel fasteners.
• Get treated lumber that has been dried for at last three weeks.

Treated pilings, poles, and posts play a pivotal role in many construction projects. Such treated lumber has been pressurized to make the wood impenetrable to things that would otherwise degrade its quality, such as pests, water, and fungal decay (rot). Today’s treated wood utilizes the most effective preservatives and gifts several great advantages to the user. Such benefits include:

• Longevity. Properly treated pilings, poles, and posts can resist damage by pests, water, and other ilk for decades. Check the preservative per cubic foot standard printed on wood to determine what type of resistance the lumber is set for. The highest treated lumber can even be submerged in sea water, one of the most detrimental elements to building materials, for long-term use.
• Economical. While treated wood might have a slightly higher upfront cost, it pays for itself over its extended lifespan. With its higher quality you only need to build once, thus saving you from having to reassess, rebuild, or remodel every few years.
• Low maintenance. Tired of pulling out the pressure washer? Treated pilings, poles, and posts aren’t susceptible to rot even when they are installed directly on/in the ground. Plus, depending on the type purchased, some of this type of wood is even treated with water resistant coatings to prevent warping.
• Eco-friendly. While not often touted as a green product, treated lumber does have several key environmental benefits. For instance, because it lasts longer, treated wood puts a lower strain on forest and fossil fuel supplies. Plus, because copper (almost always from a recycled source) is the primary chemical used to treat lumber, there’s near zero waste water discharge and air pollutants when treating lumber.

Wood pilings are used to provide support for large superstructures. Superstructures, which can include anything from retaining walls and large ranch fencing to piers and housing structures, need extra support in order to prevent them from falling or collapsing. Pilings provide the extra support needed to prevent structures from crumbling, falling, or collapsing.

Wood pilings, especially those that have been treated with chemicals, are often used in the Houston area for docks, retaining walls, and piers. Treated pilings in Houston are used where the wooden piling will be either partially or wholly immersed in water. The treated wood will be stronger and is less likely to warp as a direct result of being exposed to the water for prolonged periods of time.

We at Bayou City Lumber provide an extensive range of inventory on wood pilings that is not only high quality, but long lasting. Our sales associates will work with clients to make sure the lumber that is purchased will be able to withstand the type of environment it will be used in. Visit us at Bayou City Lumber to explore our current inventory of treated wood pilings and discuss with an experienced sales associate what the best use for the pilings might be for a current project.