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p r i d e o f t h e p a c i f i c S e r i e S c U r V e d G L a S S L e a N t o M o d e L • G r e e N h o U S e i N S t r U c t i o N S
Pressure Treated Wood
WHAT IS NEW ABOUT PRESSURE TREATED WOOD?
As of January 2005, the chemicals used in pressure treated wood have been changed . Previous
wood was treated with arsenic . however due to the potential long term health hazards this has
been discontinued . new pressure treated wood is treated with copper .
The copper in the ‘new’ wood will be cOrrOSIvE TO ALumINum as well as other metals.
What are ‘Greenhouse Friendly’ solutions to the new pressure treated wood?
1
If you are using the new pressure treated wood, you must place a barrier between the wood
and your aluminum frame . Popular barriers include 10 mil thick plastic sheeting, steel
weather flashing, a rubber or foam weather membrane, or a row of weather resistant non-
treated wood such as cedar or hemlock .
2
other weather resistant non-treated woods are popular alternatives to pressure treated wood .
These contain no harmful chemicals and will outlast pressure treated wood . Cedar timbers
are a popular choice for greenhouse foundations .
3
Concrete foundations have always been suitable foundation alternatives for greenhouses .
They can vary from poured concrete slabs, poured concrete perimeter walls to concrete block
walls . Although these are usually more costly than wood alternatives, they have the benefit
of lasting a lifetime . As they are usually considered a permanent foundation, it is important
to check with your building codes to determine what you are able to build .
If you have any questions about using the ‘new’ pressure treated wood in conjunction with our
aluminum greenhouses, please contact our office at 1-888-391-4433 .
