There are several reasons why you might need to resize pressure treated wood. Whether you are building a deck, fence, or any other outdoor structure, it’s common to encounter situations where the wood needs to be cut or trimmed to fit specific dimensions. However, since pressure treated wood is often used in applications where durability matters, it’s crucial to ensure that the resizing process doesn’t compromise its quality.
Factors to Consider
When it comes to resizing pressure treated wood, there are a few important factors to consider:
- Size and Thickness: The initial size and thickness of the wood will impact how much it can be resized without impacting its structural integrity. Generally, pressure treated wood can be safely trimmed or cut to smaller dimensions. However, if you need to resize it significantly, there are limitations.
- Treatment Penetration: The depth of the chemical treatment in the wood also affects how much it can be resized. Since the chemicals penetrate the wood under pressure, cutting too much material might expose untreated wood, reducing its resistance to decay and insects.
- Cut Edges: When resizing pressure treated wood, it’s essential to consider the exposed edges. These cut edges are more susceptible to decay and insect damage since they don’t possess the same level of protection provided by the chemical treatment. Treating the exposed cut edges with an appropriate wood preservative is recommended.
Resizing Techniques
There are a few resizing techniques that can be used for pressure treated wood:
- Cutting with a Saw: For straightforward cuts, such as trimming or cutting to length, using a saw is generally sufficient. Use a high-quality circular saw or a miter saw with a blade specifically designed for cutting pressure treated wood. Ensure you have proper safety precautions in place, such as wearing protective eyewear and gloves.
- Rip Cutting: If you need to resize the width of pressure treated wood, rip cutting with a table saw is a common technique. Remember to adjust the blade depth to match the thickness of the wood, and again, take appropriate safety precautions.
- Planing or Sanding: If you only require a small adjustment in thickness, planing or sanding the wood can be an effective option. However, as planing or sanding removes layers of wood, it’s crucial to be mindful of the treatment penetration depth mentioned earlier.
It is possible to resize pressure treated wood without diminishing its quality, as long as certain considerations are taken into account. Understanding the treatment process and limitations of pressure treated wood is crucial to ensure that resizing doesn’t compromise its durability. By using appropriate tools and techniques, such as cutting with a saw, rip cutting, or planing/sanding, you can resize pressure treated wood to fit your specific project needs while maintaining its structural integrity.