Definition: Pressure-treated wood is lumber that undergoes a process that forces chemical preservatives into the wood. A vacuum and pressure are applied to force the preservatives into the wood. The preservatives help protect the wood from infestation by termites, other insects and decay.
Available for more than 60 years, pressure-treated wood was originally preserved with arsenic. It wasn't until 2002 that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was able to convince manufacturers to use a less-toxic preservative for pressure-treated wood. The answer was Alkaline Copper Quartenary (ACQ). While certainly less poisonous, ACQ created another problem: increased levels of corrosion.
Also Known As: Pressure-treated lumber
Examples:
Jack wanted to use pressure-treated wood to build a deck, since he lived in an area that was prone to termite damage.
