FAQ

PRESSURE TREATED LUMBER

GROUND CONTACT Q&A

Q: ARE TREATED LUMBER STANDARDS CHANGING?

A: Yes, customers must use Ground Contact treated lumber when installing in the following

situations & applications where treated lumber is:

• Difficult to maintain, repair or replace, and is

• Critical to the performance and safety of the entire system/construction

o Deck joists, beams and ledger boards fit this description

• Less than six inches from the ground

• At risk for poor air circulation

• Has poor or no water drainage below the structure

• Likely to have prolonged contact with vegetation or leaf litter

• Used in tropical climates

Q: WHY IS THIS CHANGE HAPPENING?

A: There have been instances where Above Ground treated lumber products have been

incorrectly used in Ground Contact applications. Ground Contact treated lumber has the right

amount of rot & insect infestation protection for the vast majority of applications. The Home

Depot customers can be assured that the Ground Contact treated lumber they purchase can be

used in both Above Ground and Ground Contact applications.

Q: HOW WILL I TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN

GROUND CONTACT VS. ABOVE GROUND?

A: Individual pieces of pressure treated lumber will reference Ground Contact on the end tag.

See sample below:

ESR-2240

Treated: 5/4x6x10’ PREMIUM WS

Actual: 1-IN x 5.5-IN x 8-FT

BUILDING CODE COMPLIANT - LIFETIME LIMITED WARRANTY

PRESSURE

TREATED USING

MICRONIZED

COPPER AZOLE COMPOUNDS

APPROVED USE - GROUND CONTACT

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PRESSURE TREATED LUMBER GROUND CONTACT Q&A Q: ARE TREATED LUMBER STANDARDS CHANGING? A: Yes, customers must use Ground Contact treated lumber when installing in the following situations & applications where treated lumber is: • Difficult to maintain, repair or replace, and is • Critical to the performance and safety of the entire system/construction o Deck joists, beams and ledger boards fit this description • Less than six inches from the ground • At risk for poor air circulation • Has poor or no wate