Say no to treated wood.

Click on picture to watch video…and see below for the original inspiration behind the video
Great News!!!
Treated wood is now safe to use and is not known to “have toxicity issues or to leach into soils.”!!
Actually this change occurred in the early 2000’s “when the method for manufacturing pressure treated wood changed and CCA (chromated copper arsenate) was no longer permitted. They now use ACQ (Alkaline Cooper Quat (Quarternary ammonia)).”

This information is provided by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. You can read the article here titled “Is pressure treated wood safe to use in a the construction of compost containers in the yard?”

But Wait. If treated wood is now good then why is it so bad?

The first thing to consider is …How does copper mining affect the environment?”
Answer: It’s horrible for the environment. Check out this article titled How Does Copper Mining Affect the Environment?

The second thing to consider is…Can you recycle treated wood?
Answer: NO.

First of all there is no way to differentiate new “safer” treated wood from older, harmful wood…therefore recycling facilities cannot accept any treated wood. Plus there is no way, currently, of extracting the copper from the wood itself.

Second, you cannot burn treated wood.

In fact, in 2021 California banned the disposal of treated wood. Check out this article titled State Ban on Disposing Treated Wood Hammers Home-Improvement Business

Third, treated wood is made from southern yellow pine which comes from, you guessed it, the south.
If you live in the Pine Tree State why would you import pine? It’s not like Georgia is importing peaches…at least I hope not.

So what are the alternatives?
The Lumbery has been working hard to provide quality, comparable, affordable alternatives to treated wood. This year we are starting with decking by introducing Eastern (AKA Tamarack/Hackmatack/Juniper) and Japanese Larch to go along with our White Cedar. All grown in Maine and sustainably harvested. Over time we are hoping to supply Mainers with a wide variety of alternative framing options as well. Currently we do stock treated wood but at this time it is a necessary evil.
Options and Pricing.

Product Linear foot pricing Square foot pricing
Northern White Cedar 5/4×6 decking $3.75 $8.18
Eastern Larch/Tamarack 5/4×6 decking $2.75 $6.00
Japanese Larch 5/4×6 decking $2.10 $4.58
Treated Lumber 5/4×6 decking $1.60 $3.49
Pricing for treated lumber is subject to change since it is sold on the commodities market.

Don’t forget about hemlock as well. Hemlock is great for garden beds, fences, framing and trail work…and is super affordable.

Our supply of Japanese Larch is currently limited. Advance orders for this product are highly recommended.
Our supply of Eastern Larch/Tamarack will be arriving in April. Be sure to place your order in advance.

Rough boards are also available. These are great for trails and bridges.

Learn more about Larch on our devoted webpage. Eastern Larch and Japanese Larch are of the same family and carry the same traits…but different hues.

At this point in time treated wood is less expensive than the alternatives but the price that we all are paying in the long run is much greater.

To contact a representative or to place an order please email us mainewood@lumbery-me.com

And be on the lookout for an upcoming newsletter about Cypress.

Sincerely,