Build Smarter This Summer with Treated Lumber

Building a new deck or fence? Treated lumber might just be your best friend. It's durable, cost-effective, and built to stand up to the element, making it one of the most popular choices for outdoor projects across Canada.

What Is Treated Lumber?

Treated lumber is wood that has been infused with preservatives to protect it from rot, decay, fungi, and insect damage. This process helps the wood last longer when exposed to moisture, soil, and weather, making it ideal for outdoor use.

There are a few different types of treatments, but the most common for residential use is pressure-treated lumber. This type of wood is placed in a pressurized tank where preservatives are forced deep into the fibres.

Other Types of Treated Lumber Include:

• Above-Ground Treated – For railings, framing, or boards that don’t touch the ground.
• Ground Contact Treated – For posts, support beams, or any wood in direct contact with soil or moisture.
• Brown Treated (e.g. MicroPro Sienna®) – Offers a natural, stained look while providing the same protection.

Why Use Treated Lumber for Decks and Fences?

1. Built for the Outdoors
Treated lumber is designed to handle moisture and outdoor conditions. It won’t break down as quickly as untreated wood when exposed to rain, snow, or sun.

2. Cost-Effective
Compared to naturally rot-resistant woods like cedar or composite decking materials, treated lumber is often more affordable while still offering long-lasting performance.

3. Easy to Work With
Treated lumber can be cut, drilled, nailed, and stained like regular wood. It’s a great option whether you're a seasoned contractor or a DIY enthusiast.

4. Strong and Versatile
Ideal for deck framing, fence posts, retaining walls, garden beds, and more. Treated lumber provides solid support and can be used in ground-contact or above-ground applications (depending on the treatment grade).

Uses for Treated Lumber Beyond Decks and Fences

Treated lumber is more than just a go-to for decks and fences. Its strength and durability make it perfect for all sorts of outdoor and structural projects:

• Raised Garden Beds
  Treated wood helps keep garden beds intact and protected from moisture and insects. Just be sure to choose wood approved for residential and gardening use.
• Play Structures & Sheds
  It’s a sturdy and long-lasting choice for swing sets, playhouses, sheds, and other backyard builds.
• Steps, Stair Stringers & Landings
  Treated wood works great for exterior stairs and landings, especially where they’re exposed to rain and snow.
• Pergolas & Outdoor Structures
  Great for building pergolas, trellises, gazebos, or privacy screens that need to endure the seasons.
• Ground Contact Supports
  Use it for fence posts, deck posts, mailbox supports, or anywhere wood touches the ground and needs to resist decay.

Types of Treated Lumber

When choosing treated wood, check the label or end tag. It will tell you the intended use and the retention level of preservatives.

• Above-Ground Treated Lumber
  Best for deck railings, fence panels, and trim. These pieces should not touch the ground.
• Ground Contact Treated Lumber
  Has a higher level of protection. Use it for fence posts, deck posts, and any wood that touches the ground or is exposed to standing water.
• Micropro Brown Treated Lumber | Windsor Plywood
  A newer generation of treated wood that uses a copper-based preservative and has a warm, brown tone instead of the traditional green hue. It’s a great choice for a more natural-looking finish.

Tips for Working with Treated Lumber

• Use corrosion-resistant fasteners like hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel to avoid staining and rust.
• Let the wood dry before staining or sealing. Treated lumber is often damp when purchased and needs time to dry out.
• Seal and maintain your deck or fence regularly to enhance its lifespan and keep it looking fresh.
• Cut ends should be sealed with a brush-on wood preservative to maintain protection.

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Need help picking the right lumber?

Our team is happy to help you choose the best material for your project and share tips to get it done right. Be sure to visit your local Windsor Plywood Store to view our full selection and different dimensions for many treated lumber options. Or you can visit Treated Lumber Outdoors | Windsor Plywood for more information.