When it comes to decking or any timber household project, pine is a widely popular option. That’s why it is one of the most sustainable building materials available. This type of timber consists of various Pine or Pinus species, such as Pinus elliottii, Pinus radiata, and Pinus caribaea. Today most of the pine used in the country is sourced from the forests of Australia and New Zealand.

However, one type of pine that is extremely popular these days is treated pine! This wood has been widely used in several things, from house framing to building decks. So why do people prefer treated pine over other ordinary pine timber?

Treated pine is a cost-effective material that can replace other natural pests and weather-resistant hardwoods. This timber has many advantages compared to other hardwood and composite decking options. People like to build or buy treated pine decking instead of different materials.

Don’t know much about Treated Pine decking? No worries, keep reading!

Today in this post, we’ll tell you everything about treated pine decking. From what treated pine decking is and treatments to its appearance and pros and cons of treated pine decking, we’ve covered every detail.

Let’s start.

What is Treated Pine?

Pine is a sustainable, affordable, and fast-growing timber widely used for decking, fencing, pool framing, and many other things. Pine grows in many parts of the world, but it is sourced from its forests in Australia.

However, pine is raw wood, which is why it is not that durable and is prone to termites and rot. So, to make it more durable for outdoor use, chemical pine treatment has been done on it.

Different Pine Treatments Available For Decking

You may have heard of treated pine, but do you know that there are various treatments used for pine? Various chemicals are used today to create different types of treated pine for multiple purposes. It is done to make the pine rot-resistant.

Here are some of the common pine treatments:

• Water-borne Copper Chrome Arsenic [CCA]
• Copper Azole [CuAz]
• Light Organic Solvent Preservative [LOSP]
• Alkaline Copper Quaternary [ACQ]
• Oil-borne Creosote, Pigment Emulsified Creosote [PEC]

Apart from this, there are also other pine treatments available such as:

• Vascol Azure H1, H2, H3
• Protim Optimum ([LOSP) H3
• Tanalized Ecowood (TanE) H1, H2, H3, H4, H5
• Lifewood (CCA) H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6
• Protim (LOSP) H1, H2, H3
• NatureWood (ACQ) H1, H2, H3, H4, H5
• Tanalized C (CCA) H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6

In the above table, the ‘H’ denotes the different levels of chemical treatment used on the pine wood and what this can be used for. For example,

• H2: Provide protection against termites and can only be used indoors.
• H3: Provide protection against termites and rotting and can be used outdoors but above ground only.
• H4: This can be used outdoors for posts and garden edges.
• H5: This is for outdoor use, such as pergolas and decks.
• H6: this one is also for outdoor projects and can be in contact with salt water.

The process of pine chemical treatment is pretty much similar. First, the timber has been cut down to a specific size and length. After this, it is submerged into the chemical solution, and this is done by using a vacuum. After the treatment, it is drained off and ready to use for various purposes.

Treated Pine Appearance

So, what does a treated pine look like?

Treated pine looks golden white in colour. However, this can majorly depend on the chemicals used in the treatment process. The texture is somewhat grained, and its colour can vary on each piece of pine wood board. Remember that pine is a soft wood, which is why it is prone to knotholes. It is also susceptible to denting if it is not dried correctly.

Treated Pine Decking Durability

So what about the durability of the treated pine decking?

As we already mentioned, treated pine is pretty durable, and when it comes to its usage, it mainly depends on the chemical treatment. For example, H3-treated pine can be used outside but only above ground. On the other hand, you can use the H4-treated pine while having contact with the ground.

Common Uses of Treated Pine

Here are some of the ways to use treated pine:

• To support and frame structures like pergolas.
• To create Support beams.
• To build decks and pergolas.
• To create balustrades and fences.
• To build outdoor furniture.

Pros & Cons of Treated Pine

Even though treated pine is an inexpensive option, still it’s essential to know all its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the pros and cons of the treated pine decking material:

Advantages of Treated Pine

• One of the best things about treated pine wood is that it is lightweight but will still last many years. It means you don’t have to pay again and again for maintenance and don’t have to replace the wood frequently.
• Treated pine wood has excellent strength and resistance to insect/pest damage and fungal decay. It is also anti-mildew, termite resistance, anti-corrosion, and anti-mite. Various protective chemicals have been used to saturate the wood. This protective treatment makes the pine wood solid and durable, and it will last for many years.
• If you don’t like the appearance of the treated pine decking, you can always paint and colour them in your desired paint to get the best results. Paint it with the matching colour of your outdoor furniture to create a cohesive look.
• Compared to other hardwoods, the treated pine is more robust and withstands much more pressure or force.
• Pine wood is resistant to scratches, dents, and wear and tear.
• As we already mentioned, this type of pinewood is resistant to pests, termites, and water, requiring less care and maintenance than other types of wood.
• Whether you have a drilling accident or your kids damage the treated pine decking, you don’t have to spend much money on the repairs.
• Treated pine wood is natural, safe, and nature friendly. It lasts for many years, which means there is a low need for deforestation. So you can save trees by using pine wood.
• If you compare the prices of pressure-treated wood with other traditional woods, you’ll see that these are cheaper. So people who want to build a deck under budget can buy treated pine decking wood.

Disadvantages of Treated Pine

Pressure-treated wood has excellent advantages, but it has many drawbacks as well. Here are some of the disadvantages of wood:

• Because this wood is treated with chemicals during the treatment process, it carries some toxic materials. So, when you cut, trim or burn this wood, it will release toxic chemicals into the atmosphere. And these chemicals are not suitable for health.
• Treated pine wood is prone to deforming and cracking. It can also be easy to warp and shrink as it takes several months to dry completely after treatment.
• After some time, the chemical treatment is lost, the wood starts to fade, and finally, it becomes lighter and grey.
• This wood is treated with chemicals, which is why it contains toxins that can harm the human body and livestock.
• Due to the chemical treatment process, the treated pine wood is not recyclable.
• Most of the treated pine wood can only be used for outdoor purposes.

Treated Pine Decking Cost

Comparing the average prices of treated pine wood, hardwood, composite decking, and another decking, you’ll see that pine wood comes at more affordable prices. While comparing prices, you should always compare prices by square meters.

If you want to buy treated pine decking, get ready to pay around $150 – $300 per square meter. However, the overall price of the treated pine wood depends on several factors, including:

• Location and Geography:
• Design and features
• Elevation
• Council permits
• Type of Pine Wood.

How To Choose Treated Pine Decking

So, is treated pine decking a good option or not?

Treated pine is a cost-effective option that can last for many years. However, it also has many disadvantages.

So the answer to the above question mainly depends on individual choice. So, if you’re looking for decking material on a budget, treated pine is a great option but don’t use it around pools and bushfire-prone areas.

The best way to select the treated pine is to get quotes from various builders and later compare them. Finally, you can reach them all and buy treated pine decking according to your requirements.

Final Thoughts: Treated Pine Decking

So, this is all about the treated pine decking.

This wood can be used for many purposes, including building decks, posts, furniture, and stairs. It is affordable, long-lasting, and easy to maintain; treated pine decking is an excellent option for people looking for affordable wood options for outdoor projects.