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Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA):
Alternatives to Pressure-Treated Wood
CCA Table of Contents
Comparison to Pressure-Treated Wood
| Material | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composites | Solid material made of wood fibers and recycled grocery bags and/or recycled milk jugs | -doesn't warp, split, chip, or rot -variety of colors to choose from -never needs sealing or staining -requires little maintenance -free of knots -resists moisture |
-more expensive -aesthetics -not rated for structural use (wood is required for structural supports and sub-frames) -susceptible to mildew, mold, and stains -color fades in sunlight |
| Virgin vinyl | Hollow building material, a molecularly bonded blend of 100% virgin, hi-polymer resin. (Some are made with UV inhibitors to prevent damage from sunlight and/or impact modifiers for greater strength.) | -doesn't warp, split, chip, or rot -variety of colors to choose from -never needs sealing or staining |
-more expensive -aesthetics -not rated for structural use (wood is required for structural supports and sub-frames) |
| Redwood | Includes Cedar and Cypress | -resistant to decay and insects -aesthetics -dimensional stability -never needs sealing or staining -easier to saw and nail |
-expensive -surfaces are soft (susceptible to denting and scratching) -susceptible to moisture |
| Exotic hardwood | Includes Mahogany and a variety of Ironwoods (Ipe), also known as Pau Lope | -durable -resistant to decay and insects -never needs sealing or staining -aesthetics -virtually knot free -impervious to water |
-more expensive -difficult workability (requires predrilling for fasteners) -environmental concerns (i.e., depleting supplies) |
| High Density Polyethylene (HDPE | Thermoplastic | -weather resistant -can be cut or drilled cleanly -no grain to split or chip -no need to pre-drill lumber -suitable for agriculture uses -good low temperature impact resistance -excellent chemical resistance |
-susceptible to stress cracking -has lower stiffness compared to polypropylene -high mould shrinkage -poor UV resistance -not rated for structural use (wood is required for structural supports and sub-frames) |
| Rubber lumber | Composed of 50% plastic and 50% old tires | -durable -impervious to water -resistant to insects -resistant to UV rays -variety of colors -uses recycled materials |
-color isn't guaranteed to last -not rated for structural use (wood is required for structural supports and sub-frames |
| Tropical hardwood from sustainably managed forests | Natural tropical hardwoods originating from sustainable, managed forests, managed by the Forest Stewardship Council | -strength -durable, resistant to moisture -no changes in work practices or equipment -lifecycle costs less than treated poles |
-initially more expensive. -supply not locally grown |