Shop Pressure-Treated Dimensional Lumber

When building in the challenging climate of Greater Boston, Massachusetts, and the surrounding New England region, you need materials that are proven to endure. Arlington Coal and Lumber Company (Arlcoal.com) is your local building supply and home improvement store committed to providing professionals and homeowners with exceptional, weather-resistant pressure-treated wood. Whether you are constructing a sturdy foundation with treated framing lumber and boards (treated framing lumber and boards), setting reliable supports with treated posts (treated posts), or laying down beautiful treated decking (treated decking), our inventory of treated dimensional lumber (treated dimensional lumber) is unmatched.

Furthermore, we offer a vast array of specialized products for your railings and stairs, including high-quality stringers and balusters (stringers and balusters), standalone balusters (balusters), and strong stringers (stringers). Need a quick covering? We also supply treated plywood (treated plywood) and lattice (lattice). Stop by your local lumberyard like Sudbury Lumber Company or Chelmsford Lumber Company, or contact us to get started on your next project.

What Is Treated Dimensional Lumber and Boards? Treated dimensional lumber is wood that has been infused with chemical preservatives to protect it from rot, decay, and insect attack. The treating process extends the life of the wood, making it ideal for outdoor and ground-contact applications. Dimensional lumber is classified by its size, such as a 2-in by 4-in (2"x4") or a 4-in by 6-in (4"x6"). This makes pressure-treated wood a crucial material for building projects in areas exposed to moisture, like decks, fences, and outdoor structures across Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

When you purchase a 2-in by 4-in (2"x4") piece of lumber, the actual size is slightly smaller, typically 1.5-in by 3.5-in (1.5"x3.5"). The initial size, 2-in by 4-in, is the nominal or rough-cut dimension before drying and planing. Our team at Arlcoal.com ensures you always receive materials that meet building code standards, and we can help you with material estimates that account for these exact dimensions. Modern pressure-treated wood uses environmentally advanced preservatives. While older wood used chromated copper arsenate (CCA), current options available at your one-stop shop include:

• ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary): A water-based preservative that is highly effective against decay and insects.
  
  
• CA (Copper Azole): Another copper-based system that offers excellent protection and is often favored for residential projects.
  
  

How long will treated wood last outside? With proper installation and maintenance, pressure-treated wood can last for several decades outside - typically 25 to 50 years or even longer, depending on the environment and the level of chemical treatment. The treatment level, indicated by retention ratings (e.g., 0.40 pounds per cubic foot), determines the wood's resistance to decay. Because of our commitment to quality, the local building supplies we provide at Arlington Coal and Lumber Company are specifically selected for the demanding weather of the New England region, giving you peace of mind for your outdoor projects.

Will treated wood rot in the ground? While all wood will eventually degrade, treated wood is specifically engineered to resist rot, even when in direct contact with the ground. To ensure maximum longevity when burying posts or lumber, you must use wood rated for ground contact (GC).

Choosing the correct treatment level is essential:

• Above-Ground Use: Suitable for wood that is six inches or more above the ground and is subject to easy drainage (e.g., deck railings, balusters).
  
  
• Ground-Contact Use (GC): Required for any wood placed in or touching the soil, in freshwater, or wood that is difficult to replace or repair (e.g., deck posts, fence posts, stringers resting on concrete).
  
  

For structural posts and supports, make sure to ask the experts at your nearest local lumber store - such as Burlington Lumber Company or Wilmington Builders Supply - to ensure you are using the correct pressure-treated wood for ground contact applications.

For the best results, use fasteners and connectors specifically rated for use with pressure-treated wood (e.g., hot-dip galvanized or stainless steel). This prevents premature corrosion caused by the copper compounds in the preservative. Additionally, while the preservatives prevent rot, applying a water-repellent finish or stain every few years can help minimize surface cracking and warping. Wait about six months after installation before applying any sealant or paint to allow the wood to fully dry and absorb the coating properly.

We are your best partner in bringing your dream project to life by providing best material estimates with our friendly locations close to you from Arlington Coal and Lumber Company, Burlington Lumber Company, Wilmington Builders Supply, Sudbury Lumber Company, Chelmsford Lumber Company, and Hudson Lumber Company.