How can I tell treated from untreated lumber?

11/1/2017 at 3:05:55 AM

Simple, go to one of the boards that you cannot see as easily or under, scratch it with a screw driver till you puncture wood a bit if it's yellow or brown it's not if it remains green it's pressure treated.

Without looking at it and it's grey 4 months in.

Then he's pulling your leg my friend.

Tell him I said so...

Pressure treated doesn't turn grey in 4 months.

It can darken but not in four months...

Or tell him to provide you with the receipt.

Mitch Lino

Reflexions

11/1/2017 at 12:57:15 PM

One of the biggest issues is when people or contractors are using treated wood and they cut into it or cut the end off it now needs to be treated on the cuts or it will rot.

Treated lumber does fade over time, but it takes time not 4 months

11/1/2017 at 6:36:14 PM

It may have been the boards on the top of the pile at the lumber yard they turn grey. I always change boards for customers. They don't cost that much.

11/2/2017 at 6:55:44 AM

Regardless whether the boards are treated or not, if you don't like them they should be changed. As a professional deck builder, the cost of changing a few boards is far less expensive than negative reviews. My clients retain a portion of the payment to be released upon their 100% satisfaction. This helps avoid any situation like this.

11/6/2017 at 6:51:14 AM

Are any of the stamps from the mill visible on the lumber? If they are, read the stamp.

Untreated lumber will say SPF-KD

Treated lumber will say SPF-KD-HT

Alternatively call in a professional. At first glance, a pro who works with this lumber on a daily basis would be able to identify it at first glance.

11/8/2017 at 6:27:16 PM

Doesn't sound like its treated to me. Sounds like the guy ran out of pressure treated and didnt want to pay a guy to go buy some more.