Treated Wood for Parks, Outdoor Spaces and Hiking Trails

Chemically treated wood from sustainable resources (FSC, PEFC or equivalent certified) is popular to be used in parks, outdoor spaces and hiking trails. This is due to its durability, slip resistance and resilient nature which is easy on the feet.

Commonly available wood species are Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) from North America, radiata pine from New Zealand or Australia. Treatment types can be CCA, ACQ, MCA, LOSP and OPX. Depending on the treatment the end product is warrantied against rot and termite for 30 or 50 years. It is to be noted that CCA treatment, with its arsenic content is now banned for residential use in some countries. ACQ treatment is corrosive in nature and only the highest grade of steel (316) should be used for fixing. The use of MCA treatment is now the trend.

For specification of treated wood it is essential to note the grading, moisture content and treatment level and consistency. The grading will not only affect the appearance, it will also affect the structural integrity of the wood. A low moisture content of around 12% will inhibit the movement of the wood. Insufficent level of treatment and inconsistency will affect the life span of the wood due to its reduced resistance against rot and termite.