Does concrete react with treated lumber?

Wood in direct contact with concrete, and the dampness often found there, will rapidly decay. To avoid this, use pressure-treated lumber. This indicates that the wood contains a quarter of a pound of preservative per cubic foot, which is sufficient for use against exposed concrete, outdoors as well as in.

Why is treated lumber used for a sill plate?

Sill Plate is a tough, versatile pressure-treated lumber. Like borate-treated lumber, it’s guaranteed to stop termites and prevent decay, plus it’s compatible with carbon steel (black iron) fasteners.

Do you need pressure treated wood against concrete?

Pressure-treated wood is required whenever you attach framing lumber or furring strips directly to concrete or other exterior masonry walls below grade. Note that this requirement is only for exterior walls, as these may wick moisture onto the lumber.

Does concrete affect pressure treated wood?

Simply setting the posts in concrete does create a condition that will accelerate rot in the bottom of the posts. With pressure-treated posts, the rot will be slow. This allows any moisture that gets between the concrete and the bottom of the post to percolate through the gravel and away from the bottom of the post.

How long will pressure treated wood last in cement?

A treated 4×4 will last 20 to 25 years in the ground if the conditions in the soil and climate are favorable. That number could increase to 40 to 75 years if you install the treated 4×4 in a cement ring rather than the soil. There are a few factors that influence how long the 4×4 can last in the ground.

What should I put between wood and concrete?

Anyplace where wood meets the ground or concrete, the lumber must be pressure treated. For additional moisture protection, a gasket or strip of closed-cell foam can be installed between the concrete foundation and the sill plate.

Does a bottom plate need to be pressure-treated?

Both wood and concrete wick water well because they are porous materials. Pressure-treated bottom plates deal with the symptoms of the problem when a capillary break between wood and concrete deals with the cause. No direct contact, no need for pressure-treated bottom plates.

How long will a treated 4×4 last in the ground?

What goes between concrete and sill plate?

Air seal between the sill plate and the sub-floor with caulk, foam, or an equivalent material. Install a foam gasket beneath sill plates that are sitting on concrete or masonry and adjacent to conditioned space to both air seal and serve as a capillary break between the concrete and the sill plate.

What do you put between a sill plate and concrete?

Apply a bead of caulk along the inside perimeter where the sill plate meets the concrete slab, if desired for additional air-sealing. You can also caulk between the top of the sill plate and the exterior sheathing.

Can you use pressure treated lumber for bottom plate?

One option is to use pressure-treated 2×4 lumber made for damp areas as a bottom plate, in conjunction with properly coated fasteners, such as hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel, in contact with treated lumber. This will protect the bottom plate from moisture damage that can compromise the integrity of the wall.

Can you use pressure treated base board for untreated wood?

If untreated wood is used for the bottom board, the high moisture level will promote rapid decay. The obvious way to incorporate a pressure treated base board is to use one in lieu of a regular untreated board for the bottom member of the wall.

Can you use pressure treated wood for posts?

Use pressure treated wood in any situation where there’s direct contact between the wood and anything that could supply moisture. This means posts in contact or buried underground obviously, but it also includes any lumber touching concrete or masonry since it’s porous and wicks water like a sponge.

Does pressure treated wood last longer without rotting?

Pressure treated wood does last longer without rotting and resists insect damage, but it’s not right for every purpose either. Not sure whether you need pressure treated wood or should avoid it for a particular use?