Trends in wood treatment

Builders and homeowners have a number of choices when it comes to surface decking and railing components. Regardless of the style, whether it’s wood, plastic, composite or exotic timber options, it is increasingly important for the deck understructure — the support timbers and dimensional lumber underneath the deck — to match the colors of the decking and railings. And with the continued popularity toward producing colors and patterns that more closely replicate natural wood, including exotic hardwoods and brown tones, the demand for color-infused timbers and dimensional lumber to support this market will surely grow. Building material dealers also recognize that the color of their wood matters. Since the introduction of pigmented pressure-treated wood, retailers have noticed that their customers are purchasing more treated lumber than ever before.



A few years ago, only a handful of treating companies were adding color to the treatment process. Today there are over 25 manufacturers offering pigment-infused lumber products. Pressure-treated wood with brown tones is now being sold in over 300 building supply home centers and lumber dealers in the United States, and over 200 in Canada. The most popular markets have been in the Western and Midwestern United States. Preserved timber with micronized color technology is also now available in Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and the demand and growth for these products is increasing yearly.



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