Triton Lumber stocks dimensional lumber treated with CCA, CAC and MCA providing you the best choice for your waterfront dock or deck project. 

Most outdoor construction projects fall into one of four categories described here:

Above Ground

Lumber that is treated to the above ground grade is able to withstand rot or decay for projects that are exposed to the elements, but are not in contact with the ground. This lumber has the lightest treatment when making comparisons to other treatment options. Some examples of where this treatment would be used are deck boards, railings, trim and fascia.

Ground Contact 

Ground contact lumber is best for deterring pests, rot and decay from projects where the lumber will be in contact with the ground. Some examples of projects that may use this type of treated lumber include, but are not limited to; fencing and decking posts, retaining walls, and flower boxes

Saltwater Splash

Saltwater Splash is a treated lumber used in projects where the lumber is installed near a body of water and that water could splash onto the wood. This treatment is a bit stronger than the ground contact, due to the fact that water and moisture will lead to decay faster than lumber that is not subject to contact with high levels of moisture. This lumber would be used in projects such as piers or some boardwalks.

Saltwater Submersion

Salt Water Submersion is for lumber that will be constantly and completely submerged in water. This is one of the strongest treatments that you can get. Because the lumber will be continuously submerged in water, it needs to have the highest resistance to rot as possible, otherwise it could make your project unsafe for use in the long term. Piling is one of the more common types of marine pieces that are treated to this grade as they are used on projects like piers and bridges.

 

 

 Notes on Pressure TREATED LUMBER

Selecting the correct type and preservative retention for treated wood used in salt water or brackish water projects is very important. The exposure to salt water, either through immersion or splash, will dictate the required preservative system – Micronized Copper Azole (MCA) or Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) – and the required preservative protection level.

 

For example, decking and railing on docks or piers will need to be treated with MCA at a .23 pcf (Critical Structure) retention level. For piling, seawalls, bulkheads, cross bracing, and other applications where the treated wood can be exposed directly to salt water, CCA treated wood of various retentions is recommended. 

 

USER INFORMATION (CCA)

This wood has been preserved by pressure-treatment with an EPA registered pesticide containing inorganic arsenic to protect it from insect attack and decay. Wood treated with inorganic arsenic should be used only where such protection is important. 

 

Inorganic arsenic penetrates deeply into and remains in the pressure treated wood for a long time. However, some chemical may migrate from treated wood into surrounding soil over time and may also be dislodged from the wood surface upon contact with skin. Exposure to inorganic arsenic may present certain hazards. Therefore, the following precautions should be taken both when handling the treated wood and in determining where to use or dispose of the treated wood.

 

Additional information on Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) treated wood products is available on the EPA website.

 

USE SITE PRECAUTIONS

• All sawdust and construction debris should be cleaned up and disposed of after construction.

• Do not use treated wood under circumstances where the preservative may become a component of food or animal feed. Examples of such sites would be use of mulch from recycled arsenic-treated wood, cutting boards, counter tops, animal bedding, and structures or containers for storing animal feed or human food.

• Treated wood should not be used where it may come into direct or indirect contact with drinking water, except for uses involving incidental contact such as docks and bridges.

 

HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

• Dispose of treated wood by ordinary trash collection. Treated wood should not be burned in open fires or in stoves, fireplaces, or residential boilers because toxic chemicals may be produced as part of the smoke and ashes. Treated wood from commercial or industrial use (e.g., construction sites) may be burned only in commercial or industrial incinerators or boilers in accordance with state and Federal regulations.

• Avoid frequent or prolonged inhalation of sawdust from treated wood. When sawing, sanding and machining treated wood, wear a dust mask. Whenever possible, these operations should be performed outdoors to avoid indoor accumulations or airborne sawdust from treated wood.

• When power-sawing and machining, wear goggles to protect eyes from flying particles.

• Wear gloves when working with the wood. After working with the wood, and before eating, drinking, toileting, and use of tobacco products, wash exposed areas thoroughly.

• Because preservatives or sawdust may accumulate on clothes, they should be laundered before reuse. Wash work clothes separately from other household clothing.