pressure treated T&G 1x3 porch flooring

[m beezo]

Here in St Louis traditionally I have used fir 1x3 tongue and groove porch flooring for front porches. Today I had a request for a porch that they would like to use a pressure treated porch T&G board on. I was able to find a dealer who can get it but it is not a stock item for here so I am unfamiliar with it.
Anyone using it or know about it? Will google it but always like to hear a pros thoughts....

[Ablesupe]

I used 5/4 x 3 pt'd on my own home in upstate SC. When I asked the local Bldrs. FirstSource if they had mahogany like I was used to using in Pa. I found out that they never heard of using Mahogany on anything but boats and furniture.I also found out that they really didn't care how I used to do it "up North". When in Rome -------. I used the 5/4. The mistake I made was not acclimating it for several weeks. It was quite wet and has shrunk a lot but other than my mistake it's been almost 7 years and I really have no complaints.

[millwork4u]

I would be afraid if the movement with treated wood

[calvert]

Beezo, Is the PT a southern pine version or doug. fir version as both are available.

What is the reason the HO wants PT and do they intend on painting it or leaving it in the "as purchased" appearance?

Seems to me that when I was researching this a few years ago the Southern Pine Council recommended utilizing a water repellent coating on the boards prior to installation. May be something you want to verify.

For my own sake I still like VG Douglas Fir with an epoxy sealer applied prior to painting. One property I own has an 80 year old fir porch that has only had about 10% of the boards replaced over the 30+ years I have owned it. Finding quality VG fir is getting to be more of an issue in the East anymore but I have come to the realization that anything is obtainable if you look long enough and are willing to pay.

[m beezo]

calvert,
I beleive the product that the lumber yard can get is the southern yellow pine that is pressure treated. I have not asked about PT fir.

I do need to look at some of the finishing products that has been written up in the last 5 or so years. I too seem to remember that the recommendation of applying some sort of water repellent coating but do not really remember if they are talking about a Thompsons type coating or something more than that.

I have almost always used VG Douglas Fir but I have a porch that I am very disappointed with in how the wood is holding up. I do know the family and see them at their house monthly and do know part of the problems with the porch. One is that the lady of the house is a huge plant fan so there are always plants on the porch that get watered and over watered and if they are in a hurry instead of watering each plant with a water can the hose just gets turned on and everything gets soaked. They have been told repeatedly by me that they need to elevate the containers off the floor but will not do it. They are needing some boards replaced in only 5 years or so and they keep up with the painting. But even where there are no plants they are seeing problems.

So when you say epoxy sealer what brand are you using and how are you applying. Sounds like you are making your own version of pressure treatment without the pressure. And are you doing all sides of the product then installing and then painting? Looking for how to info as to what is working for you.

[calvert]

Beezo, if you are using a pt material then there isn't a need to use an epoxy product to prevent rot but it could help with the long term adhesion of paint. If you would like to use an untreated wood product and provide your own treatment that would help prevent decay and add durability to the paint finish then this is one company that has several products to fill the need. Lots of info. to read through.

Smith & Co. Products
www.smithandcompany.org/products.html

[Bill Robinson]

Beezo, the pressure treated Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) is a good decking material

Check for the treatment level at your local supplier.

If they do not know the treatment levels I suggest you go to a yard that does.

While Douglass Fir is a great product there is a significant diff in the treating of these two woods.

The SYP will take the treatment throughout while the DF needs to be incised to gain a reasonable treatment.

Old DF decking is great if you can find it.

I have seen it serve for 30 years + on a southern exposure.

In one case we replaced it (old DF) cause that is what the owner wanted, the new would not take paint, too wet and the material began to decay within 6 months.

I am thinking the PT SYP is the way to go.

Do they have YellaWood up there?

[kfc510]

While Douglass Fir is a great product there is a significant diff in the treating of these two woods.

The SYP will take the treatment throughout while the DF needs to be incised to gain a reasonable treatment.

Even with incisions the preservative penetration into Doug Fir is iffy:

[m beezo]

Bill, their websites says no dealers around here.

[ThingOfBeauty]

I think there are some questions about safety with micronized copper, as used in Yellawood and Woolman's micro-CA-C formulas

This isn't new but: http://nanotech.lawbc.com/uploads/file/00068945.PDF

Per Wikipedia, the micronized formulas are not AWPA accepted, and lack third-party verifcaion; though they do have ICC ES reports so they meet code:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_pr...per_technology

Micronized formulas do appear to work well though: http://www.irg-wp.com/IRG42-Presenta...2011-30564.pdf

[Bill Robinson]

I am seeing it used on a regular basis here.
So far, so good.