treatIng MaKes greener

TREES ARE NATURE’S sustainable building blocks. “Preservatives ensure that wood lasts long enough for the new harvest to grow and mature,” says Western Wood Preservers Institute executive director Dallin Brooks. (Photos by Arxada)

Sustainable, natural, beautiful wood with preservative staying power

It May have been said before, but it bears repeating. Wood is an ideal building material.

For thousands of years, societies have built their infrastructures, their homes, their livelihoods with wood. Today is no different. Just look around the areas in which we live and it’s easy to spot wood building components–engineered wood in mid-rise and commercial applications, poles and piling supporting utility lines and docks, and lumber enhancing backyards across the country.

“Wood is the ideal choice for a number of reasons,” says Eric Lummus, Arxada’s director of commercial operations. “It is harvested from managed forest lands that are continually replanted. It is easy to work with whether you’re a contractor or a DIYer. It is enhanced with preservatives that help it last. It is easily maintained. And, finally, it is still affordable and readily available for purchase.”

Sustainable Wood.

Wood is nature’s sustainable building block that comes from an abundant natural resource that is easily and quickly replenished. It has excellent workability in all aspects of construction and, when preserved and used properly, can be designed to create outdoor living spaces that bring indoor comforts to the outside.

Wood is a sustainable product that is responsibly sourced from managed forest lands. Trees used in the building industry come from forests grown as crops—much like cotton or soy is grown. They are harvested. The land is left to rest for a few months then replanted at the rate of approximately 400 trees per acre. The forest is maintained and cared for 30+ years before it is harvested again. Parcels of managed forest lands are in different stages of growth so that not all the forest is harvested at one time. During the growing process, the privately-owned forest land is home to wildlife and often used by birdwatchers and hikers. Between sawmills and product manufacturers, every part of harvested trees is used for poles, piling and dimensional lumber, pulp for paper mills, animal bedding, and mulch for gardens.

Preferable Wood.

Wood is as relevant as ever in today’s construction environment and is still relied upon as the building material that offers functional beauty. Wood’s design flexibility, strength and natural beauty allow it to be used for a wide range of construction from buildings to backyard projects.

“Wood is not just for the enhance-

ment of outdoor living,” says Brian Delbrueck, Arxada’s head of business development, wood specialties. “More and more engineered wood is being used in the construction of the world’s infrastructure. With wood’s characteristics, it is an excellent choice for midrise housing construction as well as for arenas and office complexes.”

Whether it’s for a simple weekend project or a major construction project, wood is easy to use and adaptable to be modified on the job site. Wood can be stained to match existing construction or changed to suit current trends. It is easily sourced and will never be out of stock or discontinued. It can be used year-round and is easily maintained and repaired.

Treated wood is the ideal building material for backyard projects. Because of its ease of use, do-it-yourselfers are able to use simple tools to complete weekend projects like decks, picnic tables, raised bed planters, retaining walls and more.

For more complicated projects, contractors and builders also choose treated wood because of its strength properties, affordability, and because it is easy to work with and maintain.

Enhanced Wood.

“The wood protection industry focuses on ensuring the wood used in construction lasts long enough for a new crop of trees to grow to maturation,” explains Dallin Brooks, executive director of the Western Wood Preservers Institute. “Preservatives offer protection that shield wood from its natural enemies.”

In order to extend the life of wood, it is treated with preservatives that do not impede its natural beauty. During the treatment process, wood is infused with preservative that helps it last longer in any application. One example, Arxada’s Wolman E copper azole preservative has been selected for decades to enhance the performance of wood, making it resistant to termite attack and fungal decay.

“Other products, such as anti-sapstains and FrameGuard preservative, can be sprayed onto wood to protect it from mold, moisture, termites and decay,” explains Brian. “While anti-sapstain products are specially designed to shield lumber during the milling process, FrameGuard preservative protects wood used in the construction of structures.”

Brian says that the protection possibilities for wood do not end with simple construction. Other products can be added to mass timber during the glueline process. “These particular products have been used globally to protect CLT, glulam, and other engineered wood products for years.”

Affordable Wood.

The cost of treated wood is significantly less than other choices. Upkeep cost is minimal and could include cleaning and brightening, water repellent, and paint or stain.

Preserving wood for a backyard project or for a mid-rise building enhances the value of the project. It offers owners peace of mind in the knowledge that their project will last.

Treated Wood.

Treated wood is a naturally beautiful building material that is easy to use and manipulate by contractors and doit-yourselfers alike. Once a residential project is built, the homeowner can enjoy an enhanced quality of outdoor living for years with minimal future maintenance. Likewise, structures built with engineered wood are both strong and beautiful and ready for immediate occupancy. To learn more, visit www. wolmanizedwood.com/home/education-center/whywood.

– Belinda Remley is a marketing communications professional with Arxada (www. arxada.com), preservative manufacturer behind Wolmanized Outdoor Wood.

PRESERVED WOOD is ideal for many outdoor applications—pergolas, decks, raised bed gardens, fences and more.