{"id":367,"date":"2021-02-08T04:16:50","date_gmt":"2021-02-08T04:16:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/?p=367"},"modified":"2022-09-26T11:55:55","modified_gmt":"2022-09-26T11:55:55","slug":"can-you-build-a-deck-with-untreated-wood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/can-you-build-a-deck-with-untreated-wood","title":{"rendered":"Can You Build A Deck With Untreated Wood?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We previously mentioned how you can build a deck on top of a drain or manhole and we mentioned again and again how it is essential that you use treated wood if you are using timber. There are so many wood types that you can consider when it comes to building a deck or a shade, but not all of them are exactly wallet-<\/em>friendly.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wood price increases quite a bit after it\u2019s treated. So a common alternative people often find themselves considering is using untreated wood. But can you build a deck with untreated wood? Is it a good idea or is it a disaster waiting to happen?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, you can <\/em><\/strong><\/em>use untreated wood to build a deck, but not without preparing it first. You can\u2019t, of course, pressure treat it yourself, but you will need to seal; the wood and stain\/paint it to ensure the wood is ready to take on the harsh external weather. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I Build A Deck With Untreated Wood?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Wood<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The problem with the untreated wood outside is that it will perform its function as it should for a while, but if you continue using it without according the same as per the use and environment, you will end up rotting the wood, inviting termites to your home, or worse, decrease the overall integrity of your structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In turn, this will lead to you having to incur extra costs when repairing the damage or even mitigating risks. It is essential that you are quick to treat the untreated wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building a deck with non-pressure treated wood requires sealing and waterproofing \u2013 especially if you\u2019re using the same outside. It is important that you consider what you are going to use the wood for and what it might be exposed to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some issues that you are likely to face with untreated wood include;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water Damage<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is perhaps the biggest problem you\u2019ll have to face. If your deck is going to be exposed to water from rain or simply from your sprinkler system, you will have to make sure it is water<\/strong>proof<\/strong>. As soon as the timber starts getting exposed to water, you will not just find that the wood starts rotting, chances are that mold will also start growing and eating up the rest of the timber as well \u2013 even if it isn\u2019t exposed to water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The<\/strong> best way to protect non-pressure treated wood from water damage is to seal <\/strong>it <\/strong>using a good seal.<\/strong> Depending on where you live, sealers for wood will vary. However, here is a list of some of the most recommended outdoor wood sealers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n