DIY Dictionary: What Is Green Treated? - The Family Handyman

Home » What Is Green Treated Wood » DIY Dictionary: What Is Green Treated? - The Family Handyman

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By Spike Carlsen

Family Handyman's Editorial Process

Updated on Sep. 27, 2024

What does ‘green treated’ refer to? Green treated refers to wood that’s had preservatives forced into it under pressure to help protect it against…

green treated pressure treated wood lumber
Family Handyman

What is Green Treated?

“Green treated” (aka pressure-treated) refers to wood that’s had preservatives forced into it, under pressure, to help protect it against decay and insect attacks. Today, the most commonly used preservative is ACQ—Alkaline Copper Quaternary. The copper in the solution is the chemical that imparts the green color; as the wood dries and reacts to sunlight, the color fades to gray.

Brown or “cedar tone” treated lumber may be either ACQ lumber treated with a brown stain or lumber treated using CA (Copper Azole).

The most important thing to know when purchasing any pressure-treated lumber is that they’re treated to various degrees of chemical retention levels. Common ratings include “ground contact,” “above ground” and “below-ground contact”; make sure to purchase the right material for the job. Steer clear of lumber and landscape timbers stamped or tagged “treated to refusal”; it’s a vague term and guarantees no specific level of treatment.

Author Spike Carlsen Spike Carlsen worked as a carpenter for 15 years before becoming an editor at Family Handyman magazine, a position he held for another 15 years. He's written seven books, including A Splintered History of Wood, Woodworking FAQ and The Backyard Homestead Book of Building Projects. In his free time he enjoys biking, playing guitar, woodworking and at... Read More Spike Carlsen Family Handyman Logo

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