Types of Pressure Treated Wood Selecting which type of treated lumber you use for a project ultimately depends on its ultimate purpose. If you’re planning on painting or staining your treated lumber, it is important that the wood be dry enough to accept a coating. Because the treating solution consists mostly of water, the treated lumber will need some time to dry. During the pressure treating process, the wood preservatives are forced deep into the wood.

Pressure treating is a preservative process that helps wood withstand the elements and wards off termites, microorganisms and fungal decay. First, it’s important to understand exactly what treated wood is and why it’s used.

You have lots of options when it comes to finding the right pressure treated lumber.