Exterior Wood Inc.

The latest addition to the family of Wolmanized® wood products, Natural Select™ wood is treated with a patented copper-based preservative and an organic fungicide. Proven for more than a decade and across four continents, Natural Select™ wood can be used in nearly all of the same applications as CCA-treated lumber including decks, playsets, retaining walls, fences, picnic tables, planter boxes, walkways, sill plate and structural members. An exception is saltwater applications, where use of Natural Select™ wood is not presently recommended.

Copper is the active ingredient in Natural Select™ wood, protecting against termites and most fungal decay. Protection against copper-tolerant fungi is provided by an organic azole (Preventol A8 from Bayer Chemicals) which has also been used as a fungicide for fruits, peanuts, and other crops.

The formulation renders wood useless as a food source for termites and fungi while keeping the wood attractive, clean and odorless.

As with CCA, the copper azole preservative is pushed into the wood under pressure. It bonds with the wood in a reaction called fixation and is leach resistant. However, some chemical may migrate from preserved wood into surrounding soil over time and may also be dislodged from the wood surface upon contact with skin. On typical 2" material, 90-95% fixation occurs immediately. Fixation of the remaining preservative is time and temperature dependent.

The preservative in Natural Select™ wood is not a restricted use pesticide and does not meet the definition of hazardous waste. As a result, fewer environmental restrictions apply to handling the wood.

All-purpose Construction Lumber (APCL) is lumber pressure treated with copper azole, a Wolmanized product. It is incised and cedar-toned prior to treatment, providing for appropriate chemical penetration and an attractive color. For those applications where the wood will be exposed, such as the understructure of a deck, APCL looks great! It combines the natural beauty of real wood with a next-generation, patented new preservative and a lifetime limited warranty against termites and fungal decay.

This is the wood used and recommended by Hometime's Dean Johnson, ideal for decks, landscape projects, bridges, and a host of other projects.

Please visit our
All-Purpose Construction Lumber PTW
web page for more information.

Outdoor Wood® is selected for its appearence from the highest quality dimensional lumber, stained with a rich cedar-tone and pressure treated with copper azole for a lifetime of enjoyable decking use.

Please visit our
Outdoor Wood ®
web page for more information.

Wolmanized Outdoor Wood (copper azole) recieves the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval (September 2005)

Click here for more information

Specifications

Maintenance:

When dry on its surface, Natural Select™ wood can be stained like ordinary wood and, once dry internally, can be painted. For protection against moisture damage, regular application of a topical water repellent is recommended. Periodic cleaning can revive the color of the wood.

Recommended hardware:

The minimal corrosivity of Wolmanized® Natural Select™ wood is similar to that of traditional treated wood. Hot-dipped galvanized fasteners (meeting ASTM A 153) and connectors (ASTM A 653 Class G185 sheet), or better, are recommended for protection against the effects of moisture often present where treated wood is used. For Permanent Wood Foundations, use 304 or 316 stainless steel. Aluminum should not be used in direct contact with this wood.

While galvanized fasteners are preferable, the use of non-galvanized nails of sizes and types approved by the Model Code is acceptable when attaching joists, studs, or other framing to Natural Select™ sill plate, provided the wood will remain dry in service, protected from weather and water. Under similar conditions, the use of standard galvanized strapping or mild steel anchor bolts 1/2" diameter and larger is also acceptable for fastening Natural Select™ wood to foundations.

Handling precautions:

At the present time there are no EPA-approved precautions similar to the Consumer Safety Information Sheet for CCA. We recommend following the same guidelines as CCA, which are essentially the same guidelines that should be followed for handling untreated wood. For example: wear a dust mask to control inhalation of sawdust: do not use treated wood under circumstances where the preservative may become a component of food or animal feed (note: in raised bed gardens this may be accomplished by placing an impervious liner such as heavy polyethylene between the treated wood and the soil); wear gloves when working with wood; wear goggles to protect eyes from flying particles; and wash after working with wood and before eating, drinking, toileting, or using tobacco products. For other precautions, see the website.

Disposal:

Natural Select™ wood waste, such as scraps, broken boards, and sawdust, can be disposed of with ordinary trash collection. Neither the wood nor the preservative residues are considered hazardous wastes. If a particular landfill has restrictions against CCA-treated wood, it may accept Natural Select™ wood. Treated sawdust and shavings are not recommended for composting, mulching, or animal bedding, and the wood should not be burned except in approved commercial incinerators.

Codes and standards:

This wood meets requirements of model building codes for many applications, and code evaluation reports have been issued. See NES National Evaluation Report No. 669 for allowable values and/or conditions of use. Such reports are subject to re-examination, revisions, and possible closing of file. The preservative treatment is listed in the standards of the American Wood-Preservers' Association for above-ground and ground contact applications (Use Categories UC1, UC2, UC3A, UC3B, UC4A, UC4B, and UC4C). Internationally, it is approved by government and trade agencies throughout Europe and Austrailia, New Zealand, and Japan.