What alternatives to CCA lumber are now available?
• Suggested replacements for CCA lumber include untreated, naturally decay-resistant woods which are sustainably harvested or reclaimed. Examples are redwood or cedar. • Other structural materials can be used including composite lumbers (a permanent melding of sawdust and recycled plastics such as polyethylene), concrete, metal, and plastic (but avoid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic). • Two commercially available outdoor treated lumber products that are alternatives to CCA are ACQ (ammoniacal copper quaternary) and CBA (copper boron azole). ACQ does not contain any EPA-listed compounds or any known or suspected carcinogens and testing has shown it to have low toxicity. It should be noted, however, that these alternatives tend to be more corrosive to metal fasteners than CCA. Hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel fasteners should be used with ACQ or CBA-treated wood. • Although ACQ, CBA and composite lumber are much less toxic than CCA lumber, they all have some environmental and/or
Related Questions
- In light of the change from "CCA" treated wood to "ACQ" treated lumber should there be a more protective screw used with the installation of Suntuf?
- Lumber treated with CCA has been available for many years. Does metal corrode in contact with CCA treated lumber?
- What alternatives to CCA lumber are now available?
