Pressure-treated lumber is wood infused with chemicals to make it resistant to rot, fungi, insects, and other potential damage. This treatment makes the wood suitable for outdoor use, exposed to the elements, without quickly deteriorating. However, the treatment process can leave the lumber with a rough, uneven surface that may require sanding before finishing or using it for projects. So, can you sand pressure-treated wood?
Overview of Pressure-Treated Wood
Pressure-treated wood, sometimes preserved or impregnated wood, goes through pressure treatment. During this process, the wood is placed in a sealed chamber or retort and hydraulic presses push a chemical preservative deep into the wood under high pressure.
The preservative chemicals used include:
- Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) – a mix of chromium, copper, and arsenic
- Alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) – a mix of copper and quaternary ammonium
- Copper azole – a mix of copper and tebuconazole
These chemicals protect the wood by making it toxic for fungi, insects, and marine borers. They also help resist weathering and decay from moisture.
Some common applications for pressure-treated lumber include:
- Decks
- Patios
- Fences
- Gazebos
- Retaining walls
- Pier and dock pilings
- Playground equipment
While great for outdoor durability, the pressure treatment process can leave the wood with an uneven, rough surface with ridges, marks, or even visible salt crystals on the surface from the chemicals. This is why sanding may be required.
Is Sanding Recommended?
Most manufacturers and industry experts warn against excessive sanding of pressure-treated lumber for a few reasons:
Removes Protective Chemicals
Sanding too aggressively can remove some of the protective chemicals infused into the outermost layers of the wood. This could reduce the rot-resistance and longevity of the lumber.
Can Be Hazardous
The chemicals used to treat the wood can be toxic, especially chromium and arsenic. Sanding creates fine dust particles that could be harmful if inhaled. Appropriate safety precautions are needed.
Leads to Uneven Absorption
The variation in surface texture from sanding can cause stains and paints to absorb unevenly, resulting in a blotchy, inconsistent appearance. The rougher areas soak up more finish.
Not Always Needed
In many cases, the surface imperfections are minor enough that sanding is unnecessary for functionality and can be left as-is. If finishing, prep can be limited to just light cleaning.
So in summary, sanding pressure-treated lumber is generally not recommended, or should only be done lightly, for the reasons above. Despite this, some scenarios exist where more aggressive sanding makes sense or is unavoidable.
When to Sand Pressure-Treated Wood
Here are some situations where sanding pressure-treated lumber can be appropriate:
Smoothing Rough Areas
If the wood has ridges, marks, or large surface imperfections that will make it uncomfortable to use or walk on, limited sanding can smooth these spots while not removing too much of the treatment chemicals.
Prepping for Paint or Stain
Most manufacturers advise against using paint or solid stains on pressure-treated wood because it doesn’t absorb well. However, if you plan to apply these finishes, the surface must be smoother for proper adhesion. Lightly sanding opens the pores.
Improving Appearance
Sometimes the surface imperfections on pressure-treated wood simply look unappealing or amateurish. Sanding can create a more polished, professional aesthetic. This is especially true for decorative projects.
Removing Splinters
Rough areas, edges, and splinters are common on pressure-treated lumber. Light sanding can take these down and create a more comfortable surface for sitting, walking, etc.
So in scenarios like these, sanding makes sense and may be unavoidable. The key is to do it lightly and focus only on the most pronounced imperfections in the wood grain.
Best Practices for Sanding Pressure-Treated Wood
If you determine sanding is needed on your pressure-treated lumber, follow these best practices to get the best results:
Allow It to Dry Out First
Pressure-treated wood is often still wet when purchased. Let it dry out for at least 3-6 months before sanding. This allows the chemicals to diffuse evenly throughout the wood. Wet wood can also clog sandpaper.
Wear Protective Equipment
Use goggles, gloves, long sleeves, and an N95 respirator mask to prevent inhaling harmful dust. Work outside if possible.
Hand Sand Instead of Power Sand
Power sanders like belt sanders or orbital sanders remove material too aggressively. Hand sanding lets you control the pressure and focus only on rough spots.
Use Coarser Sandpaper
Only use heavy 40-60 grit sandpaper, not fine paper. This prevents removing too much preservative from the surface.
Sand Lighter with the Wood Grain
Use light pressure in the direction of the grain. Take care not to scratch or gouge the wood.
Clean Up After Sanding
Use a shop vac and damp cloth to remove all sawdust, which may contain chemicals. Safely dispose of rags and filter masks.
Apply Conditioner if Staining
To help prevent blotchy, uneven stain absorption, use a wood conditioner before applying any stains or finishes.
What About Sealing After Sanding?
After sanding pressure-treated lumber, you may wonder if you should apply a protective sealant over the wood. This comes down to a few factors:
Will It Be Painted or Stained?
If you plan to paint or use a solid, opaque wood stain, then applying a clear sealant first is unnecessary and may cause adhesion problems with the topcoat finish.
Has the Wood Dried Enough?
Sealants won’t penetrate properly if the underlying wood hasn’t dried adequately after pressure treatment. At least 6 months of drying is recommended.
Is the Wood Being Used Outdoors?
A layer of exterior sealer for outdoor projects can provide additional protection from moisture and sun damage. For indoor use, it’s generally not needed.
What Type of Sealant?
Penetrating sealants like oils work better than surface sealants like polyurethane. The wood needs to absorb the sealant rather than pool on the surface. Always test for compatibility.
So whether or not to seal pressure-treated wood after sanding depends on the situation. It can provide added protection in some cases but risks bonding issues with other finishes in some applications. Always test first.
Alternative Finishes to Sanding
Rather than sanding pressure-treated lumber and risking the drawbacks, here are some alternative finishing options to get a smoother surface:
Use It As-Is
Leaving the wood unfinished often provides enough texture and grip for deck boards, fences, etc. The surface imperfections matter less in many structural applications.
Apply an Oil Stain
Oil-based stains containing linseed, tung, or penetrating oils absorb well without needing sanding first. They highlight the wood grain while providing light protection.
Use a Clear Wood Preservative
Clear water-repellent wood preservatives can protect outdoor projects from moisture and sun damage without altering the surface texture.
Choose Other Building Materials
Use alternative materials like composite decking, PVC trim, or high-quality sanded plywood for surfaces requiring smoother finishes.
Cover It Up
Cover sanded areas with outdoor carpeting, pads, or cushions for patio decking or seating to create a smooth feel underfoot.
So those are some ways to get around the need to sand pressure-treated lumber if the surface quality is a concern.
Safety Tips for Working with Pressure-Treated Wood
Since pressure-treated lumber contains potentially hazardous chemicals, keep these safety guidelines in mind whenever handling, cutting, or sanding it:
- Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area
- Wear an N95 respirator mask to avoid inhaling dust
- Wear goggles and gloves when handling and cutting
- Clean up sawdust with a HEPA vacuum
- Wash hands and exposed skin after working with the wood
- Wear long sleeves and pants to minimize skin contact
- Dispose of PPE and dust debris properly
- Never burn pressure-treated wood due to toxic smoke/ash
- Take extra precautions when children may be exposed
Following these precautions and the sanding best practices listed earlier will help minimize risks from the chemicals used to treat the wood.
While limited, careful sanding is possible in certain situations, alternative finishing options are often better for working with pressure-treated lumber whenever feasible. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of sanding this treated wood leads to the wisest decisions.
Conclusion
Sanding pressure-treated lumber is generally not advised, except when the wood has significant surface imperfections or will be finished with paint/stain. The chemicals used to pressure-treat the wood can present hazards if inhaled as dust when sanding.
When sanding is necessary, take precautions like:
- Allowing the wood to dry first fully
- Wearing proper safety gear
- Hand sanding instead of power sanding
- Using coarse 40-60 grit sandpaper
- Sanding lightly with the grain
- Cleaning up dust thoroughly after
Apply finishes like stains carefully because absorption can be uneven on sanded pressure-treated boards. Using wood conditioners or sealants first can help.
Alternatives like leaving the wood unfinished, using penetrating oil stains, covering with carpets/pads or using alternative decking materials can often avoid the need to sand.
While limited sanding has its place for smoothing roughness or prepping for paint, take caution with this approach on pressure-treated lumber. The health hazards mean sanding should be minimized or done with ample safety measures in place. Thoroughly research best practices for your specific application before beginning work.
