What Is Pressure Treated Wood — Meaning, Uses & Benefits
Pressure Treated Wood — Quick Answer
Pressure treated wood is lumber that is placed in a sealed chamber and infused with preservative chemicals under high pressure. The treatment drives the preservative deep into the wood fibers to help protect against rot, moisture, insects, and decay—making it a common choice for outdoor and ground-contact projects.
Pressure treated wood is one of the most widely used building materials for outdoor construction. You’ll find it in decks, fences, pergolas, retaining walls, and ground-contact structures across the country.
Its popularity comes from one key advantage: resistance to rot, moisture, insects, and decay.
Unlike regular lumber or plywood, pressure treated wood is chemically treated to survive harsh outdoor conditions for many years. But what exactly does “pressure treated” mean, and when should — or shouldn’t — you use it?
What Is Pressure Treated Wood?
Pressure treated wood is lumber infused with preservative chemicals under high pressure so the preservatives penetrate deep into the wood fibers. This helps protect the wood from moisture damage, fungal decay, termites and insects, and faster deterioration in outdoor or ground-contact environments.
Pressure treated wood is lumber that has been infused with preservative chemicals under high pressure. These chemicals penetrate deep into the wood fibers, protecting the material from:
- Moisture damage
- Fungal decay
- Termites and insects
- Ground contact deterioration
The treatment process forces preservatives into the wood, not just onto the surface, making it far more durable than untreated lumber.
It is commonly produced from softwood species such as pine, which naturally absorb treatment chemicals well.
How Pressure Treated Wood Is Made
Pressure treated wood is made by drying the lumber, removing air with a vacuum, injecting liquid preservatives, and then applying high pressure so the chemicals saturate the wood fibers. After treatment, the boards are dried again to stabilize before shipping.
- Kiln Drying: Removes excess moisture so preservatives absorb effectively.
- Vacuum Chamber: Air is removed from the wood cells.
- Preservative Injection: Liquid preservatives are introduced.
- High-Pressure Saturation: Chemicals are forced deep into the fibers.
- Final Drying: Wood stabilizes before shipping.
This process ensures protection throughout the board — not just on the surface.
Types of Pressure Treated Wood
Above-Ground Rated
Used for decks, railings, and framing not touching soil. Lower chemical retention.
Ground-Contact Rated
Used for posts and beams touching soil or concrete. Higher preservative concentration.
Marine or Heavy-Duty Rated
Used for docks and wet environments. Highest level of protection.
Always check the retention rating stamped on the wood before use.
Benefits of Pressure Treated Wood
- Long-Term Durability: Built to last outdoors.
- Insect Resistance: Protects against termites.
- Moisture Protection: Resists rot and decay.
- Cost-Effective: Cheaper than cedar or redwood.
- Widely Available: Easy to source.
Common Uses of Pressure Treated Wood
- Deck framing and joists
- Fence posts and rails
- Pergolas and gazebos
- Raised garden beds
- Outdoor stairs
- Playground structures
- Retaining walls
It is not recommended for furniture, cabinetry, or interior finishes.
Pressure Treated Wood vs Regular Lumber
| Feature | Pressure Treated | Untreated Lumber |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture resistance | High | Low |
| Rot protection | Yes | No |
| Insect resistance | Yes | No |
| Indoor use | Limited | Yes |
| Outdoor lifespan | Long | Short |
Bottom line: Pressure treated wood is built for exposure — untreated lumber is not.
Is Pressure Treated Wood Safe?
Modern pressure treated wood is generally safe for typical outdoor residential use, but you should handle it responsibly: wear gloves when cutting, wash hands after handling, and never burn it. For projects that touch food or living spaces, choose untreated, interior-grade materials instead.
Modern pressure treated wood no longer uses arsenic-based preservatives for residential use. Today’s treatments are safer and approved for decks, fencing, and landscaping.
- Wear gloves when cutting
- Wash hands after handling
- Do not burn pressure treated wood
Pressure Treated Wood vs Berta Store Materials
Pressure treated wood is excellent for outdoor framing but not suitable for cabinetry, shelving, or interior furniture.
- Berta Baltic Birch Plywood — cabinets, drawers, furniture
- Berta Prefinished Plywood — closets and kitchen interiors
- Berta Hinges & Drawer Slides — soft-close, full-extension hardware
Using the right material ensures safety, durability, and professional results.
Final Thoughts
Pressure treated wood is ideal for outdoor construction where moisture and insects are unavoidable.
For interior projects, Berta Baltic Birch Plywood, Prefinished Plywood, and quality cabinet hardware deliver cleaner finishes and long-term reliability.
The right wood for the right environment makes all the difference.
