FASTENER RECOMMENDATION - Use only hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel fasteners, connectors and hardware to help safeguard the structural integrity of projects built with treated wood. As a minimum requirement for use with treated wood, hot-dipped galvanized coated fasteners should conform to ASTM Standard A 153 and hot-dipped galvanized coated connectors should conform to ASTM Standard A 653 (Class G-185). In demanding applications, such as treated wood foundations and playground equipment, use of stainless steel fasteners and connectors should be utilized and may be required by building codes. Electroplated galvanized fasteners are not recognized as being corrosion resistant for exterior applications. Aluminum should not be used in direct contact with treated wood.

NAIL BARK SIDE UP - Always nail boards bark side up (annual rings arc upward) to reduce cupping. Nail thin boards to thicker boards to help maintain structural integrity.

DRILL PILOT HOLES - Especially when nailing near the edge or end of a board, it is a good idea to drill pilot holes for your fasteners.

BUTT BOARDS TIGHTLY - Butt decking boards together firmly. As drying occurs, shrinkage can be expected.

APPLY A WEATHER-RESISTANT FINISH - Any exposed wood, pressure treated or not, should be protected from the weather. Application of a finish coat of clear or semitransparent water-repellent stain will help to minimize warping, checking or splitting. Follow finish coat manufacturer's recommendations for application instructions and how often to apply.

PAINTS AND STAINS - Pressure-treated wood may be painted or stained to match any outdoor color scheme. High-quality latex-based paints and oil or latex stains are recommended. Make sure the wood is dry and free from surface deposits before applying any coating. Follow finish coat manufacturer's recommendations for application instructions and how often to apply.

Safety Information

• DO NOT BURN TREATED WOOD. Toxic materials may be produced as part of the smoke or ashes.
• Clean up scraps and sawdust after construction and dispose in accordance with federal, state and local regulations.
• Gloves should be worn to protect against splinters and abrasions.
• A dust mask should be worn when sawing, machining or sanding any wood to reduce the inhalation of wood dust. Whenever possible these operations should be performed outdoors to avoid indoor accumulations of airborne sawdust from treated wood.
• Appropriate eye protection should be worn to reduce the potential for eye injury from wood dust or particles and flying debris during machining and construction.
• After working with pressure-treated wood, thoroughly wash your hands and exposed areas with mild soap and water before eating, drinking or using tobacco products.
• Because preservatives or sawdust may accumulate on clothes, they should be laundered before reuse. Wash work clothes separately from other clothing or household items with which you may have contact.
• 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 fresh water docks and bridges.
• Do not use treated lumber residues, such as sawdust and shavings as mulch.
• Do not use in direct contact with aluminum.

Use Site Precautions

Examples of sites not suitable for pressure treated lumber are as follows:

• Structures for storage or handling animal feed, (grain, silage, etc.) such as silos, feed troughs or bunks.
• Use as kitchen countertops or cutting boards.
• Use in construction of those portions of beehives which may come into contact with the honey.
• Structures that would be in direct or indirect contact with drinking water, except for uses involving incidental contact such as residential fresh water docks and bridges. Treated lumber should not be used in salt-water immersion applications.

MSDS #33Q: ACQ Pressure Treated Wood and Lumber (96KB/6pgs)