July 16, 2021

Can You Use Pressure Treated Wood Indoors? A Detailed Answer

Can you use pressure treated wood inside

Pressure treated wood is a common preservative used to keep wood in perfect condition for extended periods. If you plan to use pressure treated wood in your home, you should know how to dilute it.

Unfortunately, pressure-treated wood is not allowed in most homes because it can be infested with molds such as black mold and white mildew. These can grow on the treated wood, on the surface, or inside the structure.

Possible health risks of using pressure treated wood indoorsย 

Pressure-treated wood is dangerous to humans indoors and in other outdoor activities such as construction, building, and woodwork. As long as it lasts longer, it consists of hazardous substances such as arsenic.ย 

The formulas for pressure-treated wood are known as preservatives and help the lumber strong against the extremes of indoor use. It protects interior buildings from rot due to insect-resistant substances. However, children and the whole family are exposed to lumber, leading to chronic diseases and even death.ย 

A lack of knowledge leads one to burning the pressure-treated lumber, which is dangerous. If you escape the smoke, the ashes will affect you. Even when done with the wood and you want to dispose of it.ย 

Any human contact with the wood leads to illness. The ashes from the pressure-treated lumber are as dangerous as the raw chemicals of the wood. Pressure-treated wood is as good as poison, and it kills. You are at high risk of lung, bladder, and skin cancer if you are involved in injuries from the pressure-treated wood.ย 

Continuous breathing around pressure-treated wood causes permanent bronchial tubes, resulting in asthma and respiratory tract infection. The injury starts swelling until you start having difficulty in breathing. You may also vomit blood and have headaches, seizures, blackouts, and hair loss.ย 

When to use pressure-treated wood

Pressure-treated woodwork on direct contact between the wood and sources of moisture. These places are buried underground or in concrete with pores that wick water.ย 

The moisture has to reach the wood. Subfloors in the kitchen and bathrooms are pressure-treated since water is leakingโ€”the woodwork in places where contact with people, kids, and pets hardly occur.ย 

Use pressure-treated wood when you need longevity to the extent that you cannot use natural wood. There is a building code that dictates when to use pressure-treated wood. Use pressure-treated wood when there is excessive moisture.ย 

Outdoor projects may require painting pressure treated wood since exposed to natural elements that destroy outdoor furniture and buildings. Use the wood on retaining walls and beams with contact with the ground. Landscaping projects also attract the use of pressure-treated wood.ย 

When not to use pressure-treated wood

Why not use pressure treated wood indoors? Wood for indoor projects should be left natural, painted, and stained. You should not use pressure-treated wood in areas close to people and pets. The sawdust from pressure-treated wood irritates the eyes, skin, and nose.ย 

You have to run a selection of wood for indoor use. Some chemicals make up pressure-treated wood that makes applying the wood inside the house dangerous. Avoid using pressure-treated wood on playsets, raised beds in the garden, and decks.ย 

Houses maintain energy efficiency, and that is dangerous for pressure-treated wood. These include cutting boards since ingesting food containing pieces of treated wood causes diseases. You cannot use the treated wood on surfaces in contact with food.ย 

Pressure-treated wood should not be used when the lace is highly flammable since that presents a danger to the people and environment. Any fire that is bound to start from inside becomes an uncontrollable blaze.ย 

When the project is getting old, you cannot use pressure-treated wood. That prevents your body and skin from the shortcomings of the wood. Without protective clothing such as goggles, gloves, and a work suit, you cannot use pressure-treated lumber.ย ย ย 

Pressure-treated wood for indoors

Although pressure-treated wood is dangerous for indoor use, new types of pressure-treated wood are safe for indoor use. These are the same way you use untreated wood. Amongst the wood is borate wood, which is a mineral extract. It does not contain odor or color.ย 

Please do not use it on cutting boards; you must wear protective clothing. It works on areas exposed to moisture, including the bathroom and laundry roomโ€”pressure-treated woodwork on door frames and bases.ย 

Pay attention to the chemicals used to make the wood. Using pressure-treated wood on subfloors and walls covered with tiles is not toxic. As much as you must stay away from pressure-treated wood indoors, some areas require treated wood since it is exposed to rot and decay.ย 

You still get protection from moisture and insects. The label affixed to the end of the board informs you how dangerous the wood is and the contents. Pressure-treated wine is less toxic, and recycled pressure-treated wood is highly toxic. The wood should not be exposed to people and pets, and a protective coating seals the chemicals. That gives it additional protection and makes it safe.

Pressure-treated wood for outdoors

Pressure-treated wood is safe for outdoor use except for raised beds for plants. You have to choose your wood carefully so that it remains safe. Outdoor furniture faces natural elements such as insecticides and harsh weather conditions.ย 

Considering there are slim chances of having the wood contact people, the wood remains safe to use. You wear protective clothing such as masks and gloves when working on the wood.ย 

When preparing sitting places, do not treat the wood since that contaminates food that gets in contact with the treated wood. The treated wood is ideal for homeowners who wish to beautify and protect their backyards. The furniture becomes long-lasting, and you are allowed to seal the wood for longevity. The treated wood has to be surrounded by concrete or gravel for waterproofing.ย 

Can pressure treated wood be used as floor

Pressure-treated wood works as a floor on areas surrounded by moisture and termites. That blocks the mentioned substances from affecting the area. The treatments contain preservatives that protect your projects from contact with the ground.ย 

Joints and bottoms of structural floors require treated wood. When wood has moisture and contact with the ground, it has to be treated for fungal decay and insect attack. The temperature range is controlled as well as oxygen and wood fiber.ย 

There is deep penetration that takes place with treated wood, and that makes floors ideal. There are fewer chances of having food contact on the floor, and the treated wood is safe. These conditions have to be removed.ย 

Can pressure treated wood be used to build a shed

Pressure-treated wood builds a shed since the shed does not expose people and pets to toxic chemicals. The shed lasts for over fifteen years and is a budget method for users. It lasts long when exposed to direct sunlight, snow, and rain.ย 

The preservative injected inside the wood gives you a long-lasting surface. It protects the shed from natural elements that shorten its life without treatment. Seal and paint the shed, giving it more protection without harming it.ย 

Staining the shed to any color of your choice is allowed. It blends effortlessly. Pressure-treated wood withstands harsh storms and requires less maintenance. Repainting and re-staining are done once in a while.ย 

David D. Hughes

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