Understanding Wood Treatment: Pressure-Treated vs. Non-Treated Lumber

WHEN YOU’RE BEGINNING ANY CONSTRUCTION OR WOODWORKING PROJECT, CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATERIALS IS CRUCIAL TO THE LONGEVITY AND SUCCESS OF YOUR WORK. oNE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISIONS YOU’LL MAKE IS WHETHER TO USE PRESSURE-TREATED OR NON-TREATED LUMBER. eACH TYPE HAS ITS OWN ADVANTAGES, AND UNDERSTANDING THESE CAN HELP YOU SELECT THE BEST OPTION FOR YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS.

wHAT IS PRESSURE-TREATED LUMBER?

Pressure-treated lumber is wood that has been infused with chemical preservatives to protect it from rot, decay, and insect damage. This treatment process involves placing the wood in a pressurized chamber where preservatives are forced deep into the fibers of the wood. The result is a material that is highly resistant to the elements and ideal for use in outdoor and high-moisture environments.

Advantages of Pressure-Treated Lumber:

• Durability: The treatment process makes the wood resistant to rot, fungi, and insects, significantly extending its lifespan, especially when exposed to harsh weather conditions

• Versatility: Pressure-treated wood can be used in a wide range of applications, from decking and fencing to outdoor furniture and garden beds

• Cost-Effective: Although slightly more expensive than non-treated lumber, its longevity and reduced need for maintenance make it a cost-effective choice for outdoor projects

When to use Pressure-Treated Lumber:

Pressure-treated lumber is your go-to material for any project where the wood will be in contact with the ground, exposed to moisture, or subject to insect attack. Common uses include:

• Decks and Patios: Ensuring that your deck stands up to years of weather exposure

• Fences and Pergolas: Providing long-lasting support structures in your yard

• Retaining Walls and Garden Beds: Protecting wood that is in constant contact with soil and moisture

What is non-Treated Lumber?

Non-treated lumber, often referred to as “untreated” or “natural” wood, is wood that has not been infused with any chemical preservatives. This type of lumber is typically used in indoor projects or in environments where the wood will not be exposed to moisture or insects.

Advantages of Non-Treated Lumber:

Natural Aesthetic: Non-treated wood maintains its natural appearance and can be easily stained or painted to match any design aesthetic

Indoor Use: Ideal for indoor applications where the wood is not exposed to the elements, such as furniture, cabinetry, and interior walls

Chemical-Free: For projects where environmental or health concerns are a priority, non-treated wood offers a chemical-free alternative

When to use non-treated lumber:

Non-treated lumber is best suited for indoor projects or situations where the wood will remain dry and away from insect-prone areas. Ideal uses include:

Interior Walls and Flooring: Providing a natural and warm look for home interiors

Furniture and Cabinetry: Crafting beautiful, custom pieces that highlight the wood’s natural beauty

Shelving and Storing: Building sturdy and attractive storage solutions for indoor spaces

Making the right choice

When deciding between pressure-treated and non-treated lumber, consider the environment in which the wood will be used and the specific demands of your project. If your project involves outdoor exposure, moisture, or ground contact, pressure-treated lumber is the clear choice for its durability and resistance to decay. For indoor projects or when a natural look is desired, non-treated lumber is often the better option.

At The Carruth Company, we carry a wide selection of both pressure-treated and non-treated lumber, ensuring that you have the right materials for every project. Trust us with your next project and let our knowledgeable staff guide you in picking the best lumber for what you need.

The Ultimate Guide to trex Decking Boards

Elevate Your Outdoor Living Experience with trex Decking Boards

At The Carruth Company, we believe that your outdoor living space should be a place where you can unwind, entertain, and create lasting memories. This blog will explore the many reasons why Trex decking boards are a game-changer if you’re looking to enhance your outdoor living experience.

Durability

Trex decking boards are designed to withstand the harshest weather conditions, making it the perfect choice for your deck. Unlike traditional pressure treated decking, Trex decking is resistant to rotting, warping, and insect damage.

Low Maintenance

One of the biggest selling points of Trex decking board is its low maintenance requirements. No more staining or painting, because Trex decking boards are built to resist fading and mold, making it the easiest option for those who want to enjoy more time enjoying their deck and less time maintaining their deck.

Versatile Designs

Trex decking of all brands come in a variety of different colors, textures, and finishes. Whether you prefer the natural look of wood or a more modern appearance, there’s a Trex decking option for everyone.

Safe

Trex decking is engineered with safety in mind. These boards are slip-resistant, even when it’s wet, providing a safe and secure surface for you, your family, and your guests. Trex decking boards also do not splinter, reducing the risk of injury associated with pressure treated decking material.

Conclusion

Making the wise investment in Trex decking boards isn’t just a choice for today, but it’s a decision that will pay dividends for years to come. Come into The Carruth Company to explore our range of different Trex decking options and take your outdoor living space to new heights. Make the smart choice today and invest in Trex decking boards.

Choosing the Right Doors & Windows for Your Home

The doors and windows play a key role in enhancing the safety and overall aesthetic of your home. While your house shouldn’t fall apart after a few decades, your doors and windows encounter many storms throughout the year that can take its toll. Knowing when to upgrade your doors and windows can depend on several factors.

Signs to Look For

Visible Damage: This is one that is the easiest to look out for. When your doors and windows start to show signs of deterioration, such as peeling, cracking, warping, or water damage, that is a good indicator that you might need to consider replacing your doors and windows.

Trouble Opening and Closing: Doors and windows that have trouble opening and closing can be frustrating, but it can also put you in danger in an emergency. The cause of this could range from hardware issues to problems with the frame and should be a sign that it’s time to replace your doors and windows.

Increased Maintenance: If you notice you’re having to constantly perform maintenance on your doors and windows, it may be time for a replacement. Not only will this save you time, but it will also save you money in the long run and requires less upkeep.

Aging: If your doors and windows are approaching the end of their lifespan and are no longer under warranty, you might consider looking for replacements.

Value of Your Home: If you’re planning to sell your home soon, you might consider replacing your doors and windows in your home. New and upgraded doors and windows can significantly increase the value of your home and make your home more appealing to potential buyers.

Choosing the Right Doors

Door Styles: From classic panel doors to modern sliding doors, it’s important to pick the style that aligns with your personal taste.

Materials: Have an idea of what type of material you want your doors to have. From fiberglass to fir to steel, our door experts can help you weigh the pros and cons of all the options we offer.

Secure: Prioritize your safety by picking doors with sturdy frames and impact-resistant glass. Being mindful of this will help ensure the safety of you and your family.

Choosing the Right Windows

Window Styles: Go with a window style that suits the architectural style of your room. Our most popular option is single-hung, but we can also get you double-hung, casement, and sliding glass.

Materials: Our two most popular window material options include wood and vinyl. They both have their different strengths that could be your deciding factor.

Glazing Options: It’s important to know the many different glazing options, such as Low-E coatings and gas-filled chambers. These can save energy by enhancing insulation and reducing heat transfer.

Choosing the right doors and windows is pivotal to making your dream home come to life. By considering options such as styles, materials, security features, and energy efficiency, you can make an informed decision that increases the aesthetic and overall functionality of your home. Come to our office or call us at 770-779-8988 and let our team of experts help you pick the perfect choice.

Wild Hog Railing

As an official retailer of Wild Hog Railing, we are excited to offer you a new railing system that will give you the modern design you’ve been looking for. Our customers love Wild Hog Railing because of its open design that allows unobstructed views.

Types of Wild Hog Railing

We currently keep the standard 6 Gauge Hog Panel in stock in 3x6, 3x8, and 5x6 sizes. We also keep hog tracks in stock in 6’ and 8’, which gives the panels a more “professional” look. Wild Hog currently offers five different lines of their Wild Hog Panel, which includes Raw Tahoe Hog Panel, Black Tahoe Hog Panel, Smoky Mountain Hog Panel, and U.S.S Hog Panel. We don’t typically stock these but we can typically order them and have them delivered to our warehouse within a few days.

Benefits of Wild Hog Railing

Modern Aesthetics: Wild Hog Railing adds a modern touch to any space and can provide an immediate upgrade to your living space.

Durability: Wild Hog Railing is made with galvanized steel and then powder coated, so it’s built to last. The durability allows you to use it indoors or outdoors.

Low Maintenance: Unlike regular fencing, Wild Hog doesn’t take much upkeep to look brand new. An occasional cleaning to remove dirt and other debris should be all you need.

Customizable: We carry a variety of different Wild Hog Panel sizes, so you can custom fit as needed. Each panel can be trimmed down, helping you accomplish whatever project you decide to take on.

Best Places to Use Wild Hog Railing

Decking: This is the most common place that Wild Hog is used for. The railing provides safety without obstructing anything, giving you the perfect view.

Stairs: Wild Hog can be used by both indoor and outdoor staircases, providing a beautiful modern touch to your staircase.

Balconies: For your home or business with a balcony, Wild Hog gives you a solution that enhances the appearance of your balcony while still providing all the safety you need.

Commercial Space: From rooftop bars to a modernized office complex, Wild Hog can be used to create a modern and stylish atmosphere in any commercial space.

As Paulding County’s only official retailer of Wild Hog Railing, we are excited to bring you a railing solution that blends modern aesthetics with durability to last for years. Take your deck, staircase, balcony, commercial space, or anything else in between to the next level with Wild Hog Railing.

A Homeowner’s Guide to Plywood

When it comes to construction, choosing the right size and grade of sheet material is crucial for your project to succeed. In this guide, we’ll dive into different sizes (3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4) and different grades (BC, CDX, Birch, OSB, Subfloor).

Plywood Sizes

3/8 Inch: This plywood is ideal for most lightweight projects, such as furniture backs and shelving. Its ability to flex also makes it the best option to use for curved surfaces.

1/2 Inch: With its balance of weight and strength, this plywood is the most versatile option we offer. It’s commonly used for cabinet construction and other small DIY projects that you take on.

5/8 Inch: This plywood is best known for its structural integrity and the support it provides. It’s typically used for roof and wall sheathing.

3/4 Inch: This is the thickest option we carry. It’s great for tables, furniture and other “heavy-duty” applications.

Plywood Grades

BC: This plywood is versatile with a smooth surface on one side (Grade B) and a rough surface on the other (Grade C). It’s mainly used in visible projects, like cabinets, with the rough side typically hidden.

CDX: This plywood is the cheaper option and it’s made from two of the lowest grades (Grade C and D). The “X” stands for exposure, which means this plywood can handle a little moisture. However, it should be covered if it’s constantly exposed.

Birch: Birch plywood is our most expensive option. It has a smooth and attractive experience, which makes it ideal for cabinetry and other decorative projects. We only keep 3/4 inch Birch in stock at our warehouse.

OSB: Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is a type of plywood that is made from layers of wood strands and bonded together with resin. We typically only keep 7/16 inch in stock at 8 foot, 9 foot, and 10 foot pieces. OSB is usually used for roof and wall sheathing due to its strength and durability.

Subfloor: Subfloor plays a key role in keeping a stable, even surface. We keep 3/4 inch in stock, so you can be assured you’re getting the most durability for your subfloor.

What and When to Use

Heavy-Duty Construction: You typically want to use 5/8 or 3/4 inch CDX, as it will provide the most durability and be able to withstand some exposure.

Decorative Projects: Birch plywood is the best option for any decorative project. It’s mainly used for cabinetry because of how aesthetically pleasing it is to the eye.

Budget-Friendly Option: OSB is typically our option that serves as a cheaper alternative to roof and wall sheathing due to its ability to provide consistent strength throughout.