Ground Contact (UC4A) treated wood should be used in the following end use applications:
Ground Level Decks and Walkways
- Treated wood when installed less than 6” above the ground.
- When treated wood is used in an application that does not permit air circulation or water drainage underneath the structure.
- When treated wood is used in an application where vegetation, leaf litter, or other debris will build up and remain in contact with the treated wood product.
Decks and Fresh Water Docks
- When treated wood is used in an above ground application where the treated wood component would be considered difficult to maintain, repair or replace and that component is critical to the performance and safety of the structure. This standard change will affect joists and beams used in above ground decks and fresh water docks, including floating docks.
- When treated wood is wetted on a frequent or recurring basis such as wind and wave action (such as fresh water docks and walkways) or watering systems, swimming pools and hot tubs.
Export Products - Exterior Use
- When treated wood is used in tropical climates.
LifeWood® Fasteners and Hardware Information
Carbon steel fasteners may be used for interior, above ground weather-protected applications such as sill plates, interior framing and interior trusses
For Interior or Exterior Applications
Use fasteners and hardware that are in compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and the building codes for their intended use. As with any good design and construction practices, NatureWood® treated wood should not be used in applications where trapped moisture or water can occur. Where design and/or actual conditions allow for constant, repetitive, or long periods of wet conditions, only stainless steel fasteners should be used.
Fasteners (and other metal products) for use with NatureWood® preserved wood products include:
Hot-Dip Galvanized*
Fastener and hardware manufacturers have suggested the minimum Hot Dip Galvanized requirements for use with treated wood should conform to the following ASTM Standards: ASTM-A153 (for Hot-Dip fastener products) and ASTM-A653 (Coating Designation G-185 for Hot-Dip connector and sheet products).
* Electroplated galvanized fastener and metal products are typically not accepted by the building codes for use in exterior applications, regardless of the type of wood used.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel fasteners and connectors are required for Permanent Wood Foundations below grade and are recommended for use with treated wood in other severe exterior applications such as swimming pools, salt water exposure, etc. Type 304 and 316 are the recommended grades to use.
Other Fasteners, Hardware or Any Metal Product as Recommended by the Manufacturer
There may be additional products (other than stainless steel or hot-dip galvanized) which are suitable for use with NatureWood® treated wood. Please consult with the individual fastener or hardware manufacturer for recommendations for use of their products with NatureWood® treated wood.
Aluminum Should Not Be Used in Direct Contact with NatureWood® Treated Wood
Spacer materials or other physical barriers are recommended to prevent direct contact of NatureWood® treated wood and aluminum products. When using NatureWood® preserved wood in close proximity to aluminum products, such as aluminum siding, flashing, furniture and door and window frames, a 1/4” minimum space must be allowed for between the NatureWood® and the aluminum products.
Another option is to use a polyethylene barrier, with a minimum thickness of 10 mils, between the NatureWood® preserved wood and the aluminum product to prevent direct contact of the wood and the aluminum. Polyethylene or nylon spacers can be used to maintain the 1/4” spacing.
Certain adhesives add extra holding power. Apply adhesives in accordance with manufacturer’s directions.
Important Information
The following precautions should be taken both when handling the preserved wood and in determining where to use and dispose of it. Many of these precautions also apply to untreated wood and other building materials. Guidelines for use, handling and disposing of treated wood products contains compliance information required by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control.
- Do not burn preserved wood.
- Wear NIOSH N95 dust mask and goggles when cutting or sanding wood.
- Wear gloves when working with wood.
- Some preservative may migrate from the treated wood into soil/water or may dislodge from the treated wood surface upon contact with skin. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly.
- All sawdust and construction debris should be cleaned up and disposed of after construction.
- Wash work clothes separately from other household clothing before reuse.
- Preserved 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 fresh water docks and bridges.
- Do not use preserved wood under circumstances where the preservative may become a component of food, animal feed, or beehives.
- Do not use preserved wood as mulch.
- Only preserved wood that is visibly clean and free of surface residue should be used.
- If the wood is to be used in an interior application and becomes wet during construction, it should be allowed to dry before being covered or enclosed.
- Disposal Recommendations: Preserved wood may be disposed of in landfills or burned in commercial or industrial incinerators or boilers in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- If you desire to apply a paint, stain, clear water repellent, or other finish to your preservative treated wood, we recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions and label of the finishing product. Before you start, we recommend you apply the finishing product to a small exposed test area before finishing the entire project to insure it provides the intended result before proceeding.
- Projects should be designed and installed in accordance with federal, state, and local building codes and ordinances governing construction in your area and in accordance with the National Design Specifications (NDS) and the Wood Handbook .
- Mold growth can and does occur on the surface of many products, including untreated and treated wood, during prolonged surface exposure to excessive moisture conditions. To remove mold from the treated wood surface, wood should be allowed to dry. Typically, mild soap and water can be used to remove remaining surface mold. For more information visit www.epa.gov
- Use fasteners and hardware that are in compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and the building codes for their intended use. When using aluminum products in conjunction with NatureWood® treated wood, refer to the Fastener and Hardware Information page for additional information.
- Use wood preservatives safely. Always read the label and product information before use.
