Good thinking geico.

 

Thanks for all the replies, except for yours spudwrench.

I'll figure something out. I don't even go out there that much........

 

I am a framing contractor for 20 yrs and every house I build has at least one deck on it. The older treated wood (CCA) was and is designed for ground contact. that means it is treated for insects (arsenic) and rot(copper sulfate). It will tollerate water very well but must dryout occasionaly. The wood is classified in pounds per board foot of absorbition. most treated decking and framing woods are .20 and bulkheading is at least .40 and higher. Who ever told you treated wood is not warrented for rot is full of &*^%. The newer wood, ACQ , which went into production Jan 1 of this year, and is the same color green, has replaced all CCA which has been outlawed. Time will tell how the ACQ holds up because it is to new of a product. It already has a problem with fasteners and hangers producing electrolisis with wet wood due to high copper levels in the wood and zinc in the hangers and nails. I just want to figure out a way to wire the hangers up to my deck lights to run them

 

I just gotta say it I used Trex Deck........ Sorry

 

The TREX wasn't in the budget at the time plus the sales guy said he didn't like it and recommended we not get it. Does it still only come in white? I'd replace my deck boards if it came in green......

 

I used Sunwood treated. Brown. Specifically for decks. Not for use at or below grade. Then I stained it including the ends, before assembly. Then a second coat of stain. That was in 1991. Restained the top in 1997. Might have to do it again next year. But there is NO splintering, rot, other bad stuff.

 

here is the likn for trex colors---

http://www.trex.com/universal/product_info/colors.asp

here is a much better material that I use, I believe it is a little cheaper also---
http://www.evergrain.com/

 

Maybe the salesman didn't like TREX because you wouldn't need a new one in 5 years . I built mine out of TREX and love it. The little ones can play on it all the time and never, ever worry about splinters. No treating every year or so either. That being said I do think your treated lumber should have lasted longer. Yes you can attempt tp sand it down. The treatment is not just on the outside. Good Luck. BTW I know what you mean about the budget, but man I really love my TREX deck