Guide to Pressure-Treated Lumber
If you are a homeowner or beginner construction worker, you might assume that all lumber is created equal. However, this is not the case. Certain types of lumber are best for specific projects, and treated lumber provides protection and unique benefits for both homeowners and contractors. We have created a guide to pressure-treated lumber to show you the differences and what it means for your project.
What is Pressure-Treated Lumber?
Most of our southern yellow pine lumber sold at Cardinal Home Center is pressure treated by the plant at Madison Wood. This treatment process means that each piece of lumber is treated with preservative and mold inhibitors to ensure the wood lasts longer. The company uses MicroPro technology to pressure treat its wood using micronized copper preservatives. This treatment improves corrosion resistance and provides better structural properties.
What makes Cardinal’s Lumber different?
We sell all ground contact
All of our treated lumber is manufactured for ground contact, meaning that it can be used both above ground or in contact with the ground. All lumber that is sold at the big box stores is not necessarily ground contact. This factor makes our lumber easier to use in building decking, beams, joists, posts, and more. Ground contact also extends to treated wood used in freshwater docks and floating docks. In these cases, the decking, joists, beams, cross bracing, and other applications are best when using ground contact lumber. It is important to note that ground contact lumber is typically not used with some above-ground decking and spindles and railing. Contact one of our salesmen for more information about how it can be used in your project.
Treated Lumber Timbers
We offer timbers in 4×4, 4×6, and 4×8, as well as some 25’ poles. For a complete list of what we offer, check out the Fencing and Lumber sections of our e-commerce site.
Less lead times for large orders
Buying a lot of lumber at one time but need it quick? Because of our proximity to the Madison Wood Preservers plant, we can shorten the lead times compared to other retailers, getting you what you need for your job quicker.
We offer a more extensive selection of grades and sizes
Cardinal Home Center can provide various lumber grades compared to our competitors. #1 graded lumber has fewer knots and is used for most general construction uses where moderately high design values are required. We also provide a #2 graded lumber, primarily for framing purposes. Our Madison store has 2x4s and 2x6s kiln dried after treatment (KDAT), available in regular lumber or tongue and groove.
Specialized decking with SelectDeck
Both our Madison and Crozet stores offer SelectDeck, a C-Grade product with a smooth texture, clean surface, and money-saving advantages. Kerfs have been added on the bottom side to reduce cuffing, and stabilizers slow the wood’s moisture intake and release, which causes checking and splinting. This decking easily competes with composite decking and provides a quality product for your back deck.
Custom treating services
Although Cardinal Home Center provides a wide variety of treated wood, there might be something specific you want for your next project. Our proximity to the Madison Wood Preservers treating plant allows us to have a quick turnaround time with special orders.
Post and fencing items
For your next large fencing project, we offer various treated fencing posts and boards, whether agricultural or residential. We provide traditional round posts, 2-hole and 3-hole posts, and more. All of our fence posts are treated to ensure they are long-lasting.
Greater quality control
Madison Wood Preservers buys wood only from mills that produce the best quality wood. Those mills are consistently evaluated to ensure you receive the best quality product. They also use a mold inhibitor on all products to protect the wood.
Delivery and bulk discounts
Need your lumber delivered to your home or job site? We have you covered! Our Madison and Crozet stores have an impressive fleet of delivery trucks that will get your products delivered to you. Also, ask one of our salesmen about bulk discounts for wood!
We hope our guide to pressure treated lumber has helped you with your future building projects! Cardinal Home Center’s lumber can be used for decks, dock piers (only .15 MCA products above the splash line), pergolas, fences, covered porches, and much more. Whatever your project may be, Count on Cardinal to deliver the pressure-treated lumber that you need. For more information, contact our Madison or Crozet stores, request a lumber quote, or visit our e-commerce site.
