Shop Treated Decking

Looking for a durable and low-maintenance material for your next outdoor project? Arlington Coal and Lumber Company is your trusted source for top-quality Treated Decking and Lumber. We proudly serve homeowners and professionals throughout Greater Boston and New Hampshire, offering an extensive selection of materials to help you bring your vision to life - and make it last. 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.

Why choose treated decking from Arlcoal.com? Treated decking products, often called treated lumber or pressure-treated wood, start as standard pieces of wood (typically Southern Yellow Pine due to its superior ability to absorb chemicals). They are then infused with chemical preservatives to protect them from environmental threats. The process involves placing the wood in a large cylinder, applying a vacuum to remove air and moisture, and then forcing a liquid preservative solution deep into the wood's cellular structure using high pressure. This results in a material that is highly resistant to decay. The most common and effective modern treatments are copper-based, including:

• Micronized Copper Azole (MCA)
  
  
• Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ)
  
  
• Copper Azole (CA)
  
  

These treatments create a powerful biocidal barrier against the wood’s natural enemies, significantly extending its usable lifespan, especially in challenging outdoor environments:

• The infused preservatives make the wood toxic to the fungi and microorganisms responsible for rot and decay.
  
  
• The chemicals effectively deter wood-boring insects, such as termites and carpenter ants, protecting a structure's integrity.
  
  
• Treated lumber lasts significantly longer than untreated wood in outdoor applications - often decades - providing a long-term, structurally sound solution.
  
  
• While the initial cost is slightly higher than untreated wood, its extended lifespan and reduced maintenance make it a more economical choice over the life of the project.
  
  
• It can be cut, nailed, and installed with standard tools, just like regular wood, and can be easily stained or painted to match any aesthetic.
  
  

Ideal Projects for Treated Decking:

• Decking Substructure: This is where treated lumber is essential. It's used for the most vulnerable parts of a deck: the posts, beams, joists, and stair stringers. Using treated wood here ensures the foundation remains structurally sound for decades, even if you opt for a different material (like composite) for the surface boards.
  
  
• Ground Contact Applications: It is critical for any wood in direct contact with soil or fresh water, which requires a higher chemical retention level (e.g., UC4A or higher). This includes fence posts and support posts set in concrete.
  
  
• Fences: Essential for fence posts that are buried and for bottom rails close to the damp ground, preventing premature failure at the base.
  
  
• Retaining Walls: Used for wood retaining walls, as the lumber is constantly exposed to moisture from the soil it holds back.
  
  
• Outdoor Structures: Excellent for the framing of gazebos, pergolas, sheds, picnic tables, and outdoor playsets where durability against weather is paramount.
  
  
• Raised Garden Beds: Modern, copper-based treatments are considered safe for building raised vegetable garden beds, though some clients prefer to line the interior for extra peace of mind.
  
  

Start your next outdoor project right with the local experts at Arlington Coal and Lumber! As an authorized dealer for the quality Treated Decking and Lumber, we maintain a massive inventory of various grades and dimensions perfect for everything from structural deck framing to essential landscaping timbers across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. We understand that selecting the right material - especially for ground contact - is critical. Stop wasting time at big-box stores. Partner with Arlington Coal and Lumber Co for reliable supply, competitive pricing, and the personalized, expert guidance you need to choose the durable, high-quality treated wood that will truly last. You can also browse our wide selection of top-quality pressure treated products including: dimensional lumber, treated framing, treated posts, plywood and lattice, treated plywood, stringers and balusters, balusters, stringers, and many more. Shop our inventory online or request a quote now!