Can Pressure Treated Wood Be Used For Picnic Tables

It is called pressure treated because manufacturers expose the wood to chemicals under high pressure conditions.

Can pressure treated wood be used for picnic tables.

As a result of this decision cca treated wood can no longer be used to construct residential structures such as playground equipment decks picnic tables landscaping features fences patios and walkways. Why is pressure treated wood thought to be harmful. It s the wood used to build playground equipment home decks picnic tables residential fencing and patios. Use a scrub brush to remove dirt algae mildew and degraded wood fibers.

However you must not use treated wood for chopping boards or preparing any foodstuff. Semi transparent stains left completely untreated ultraviolet rays from the sun will cause exposed wood to lose its natural color turn gray and begin displaying longitudinal cracks. Although you may like to make or buy a wooden picnic table all wood does not make good picnic tables. The chemicals protect the wood from rotting mold and termites.

I recently emailed the epa to ask if treated lumber can be used for picnic tables. First off oxl is only partly correct. There were conflicting reports on whether or not it was safe enough to use for decking material to be walked on especially by kids but what everyone agreed on was that picnic tables were a no no because if the food came in contact with the pt pressure treated. Best types of wood for picnic tables.

Pressure treated would used to have alot of arsenic not cyanide and was never very good. Clean the picnic table using a cleaner that has been recommended for use on treated wood. The best universal way to treat plywood for outdoor use is with spar urethane which will make the wood protected from water sunlight and temperature changes. For instance pinewood is a poor choice for a picnic table as it lacks durability and you can t clean spills easily from its surface.

The most commonly used chemicals in the pressure treatment of wood today contain non toxic substances making it safe for use on picnic tables. If in doubt just email the epa. Fortunately you can choose from an attractive array of stains clears and paints that will add years to the life of your picnic table. Treated wood is used for decks mailbox and light posts swing sets and playscapes picnic tables landscape ties underwater dock pilings oceanside boardwalks telephone utility poles and believe it or not residential building foundations in some parts of the country.