#2 Prime Cedar-Tone Ground Contact...2 in. x 12 ft.

Pressure-treated wood is used in a project.There is a difference between treated wood and cedar.

If you want to build an outdoor project with wood, you should use a wood that will last a long time.Pressure-treated wood and cedar are all-time favorites.You can get excellent results if you play to the strengths of both of them and use them on the same project.

Pressure-treated wood is more weather-proof than cedar when it comes to comparison.It is resistant to rot and insect attack and can be buried in soil for decades.It is possible to use pressure-treated wood for structural members.

Most pressure-treated wood isn't good looking.When the lumber is run through machines that perforate the surfaces, the treatment process begins.The holes in the lumber ensure that the treatment gets to the individual pieces.They detract from the natural appearance of the wood.

The air is removed from the chamber when the lumber is placed there.The pressure on the chemicals in the chamber causes them to enter the wood.The results are mixed as manufacturers try to include colored dyes to give pressure-treated lumber an organic appearance.

Pressure-treated wood is usually made from lower grade lumber that is prone to cracking and warping when exposed to the elements.If you want to give pressure-treated wood an extra measure of protection, you can finish it with a stain but give it a few months to dry out before you do.New treated lumber will not accept a finish until it dries completely.Lower grade lumber will shrink and expand with changes in humidity, so painting isn't recommended.

cedar comes into the picture here.cedar is the best choice for aesthetic reasons.Cedar is used in arbors and pergolas.It can be sanded to a smooth finish that makes it ideal for handrails, bench seats and children's play structures.

cedar repels most bugs due to its chemical properties.It can develop a fuzzy surface texture if it is not periodically refinished.It should be refinished every two to three years.If you plan on keeping your cedar's natural color, be aware that it can change in color when exposed to sunlight.It is important to keep the rich color of the natural wood by applying clear sealers with UV blockers.

Set cedar in concrete if it is in direct contact with the ground.It may last a while, but eventually it will rot.

For a long time, the treated-lumber industry was accused of using toxic chromated copper arsenic.In 2003 the industry voluntarily suspended the use of CCA for residential use.

Some form of copper, which isn't toxic, is still included in today's treated-wood preservatives.Some manufacturers don't use the incisions to get the chemicals into the wood.New high-pressure techniques drive the Preservative deep into the heart of the lumber.Adding water repellants to the Preservative will help keep the lumber dry.

No matter what pressure-treated lumber you decide to use, always wear a dust mask and eye protection when cutting it and wear gloves when handling it.

You can build an outdoor bar out of cedar wood with a refrigerator, bottle opener and towel hooks.

Bring nature into your outdoor entertaining area with a deck built around existing trees.