FEBRUARY 3, 2016

Fire resistant lumber undergoes a special chemical process that makes the lumber capable of slowing down and (in some scenarios) completely stopping the spread of fire. Lumber that is marketed as fire resistant has to undergo testing to verify its resistant capabilities.

The following are just a few of popular projects that people use fire resistant lumber for:

1) Building codes requiring fire resistance: Fire prevention is a huge concern with construction projects and many local governments have passed a number of codes to reduce the spread of uncontrolled fires. Before you begin construction on a house or other structure, check with the building codes of your county, city, and state to see if fire resistant lumber is one of these fire safety requirements.

2) Where building close to electrical equipment: Even if local building codes don’t require it, consider using fire resistant lumber with projects with close exposure to electrical sparks. Electrical sparks, whether from tools, appliances, or larger equipment, are a leading cause of building fires. When working in areas or on projects with these items, such a tool shed, kitchen, or attached utility room, it’s best to use fire resistant lumber to circumvent a disaster.

3) When a project will be near a heat source: If you have a building project that will be near an extreme source of heat, such as a deck near an outdoor kiln, flooring under an oven, or structure next to a heater, best to use fire resistant lumber. That’s because even under the direction of the most cautious operators, accidents can occur and fire resistant lumber is the best way to stop fires.