Boland Maloney specializes in replacement windows, replacement doors, decking, and lumber in Louisville, KY

Real Wood Lumber

A Guide to the Handling and use of Hoover's Kiln Dried After Treatment Treated Lumber

Wood is a natural material; it gains or loses moisture to maintain equilibrium with the surrounding environment. We treated woods' moisture content is above the fiber saturation point and dimensions are at their maximum. As wood dries below the fiber saturation point, the dimensions shrink. Installed wet, treated lumber will dry unequally. The outside surfaces of the lumber, especially those exposed to the direct sunlight will dry before the inner volume of the material. When shrinking around this larger volume occurs, stresses can develop that result in checks, splits, warp, cup, or twists. Kiln drying after treatment - KDAT - controls the rate of drying so that these adverse conditions are minimized.

Kiln Dried After Treatment (KDAT) Advantages

Cleaner.

KDAT lumber and plywood is wrapped in waterproof covers to keep it clean and dry from the treating plant to the retail yard. This minimizes the chance for mold and mildew, and clean dry wood is easier to handle and install.

More Attractive.

Since KDAT lumber is carefully kiln dried after treatment, exposure the sun, rain, or snow is less likely to cause splitting or cupping of deck boards.

Stronger.

Wood strength and stiffness is a function of moisture control, i.e., dry wood is stronger than wet wood. Treated wood that is KDAT can be installed near its original design strength value.

Lighter Weight.

Free water has been removed from KDAT lumber. This results in treated wood and plywood that is lighter and easier to handle than wood that is still wet from treatment.

Reduced Shrinkage.

When wood gets wet it expands and contracts as it dries. With KDAT, the wood is stabilized through the drying process and future movement is held to a minimum. On the job site KDAT wood can be installed without worrying about significant shrinkage. For treated wood that is destined for manufacturing process, KDAT is necessary so wood dimensions can be accurately predicted, and equipment can be properly setup. Dry wood will machine cleanly and reduce wear on machinery.

Can Be Finished or Sealed Promptly.

Manufacturers of coatings do not recommend the use of their products with wet treated wood. By the time wet treated wood has attained the proper moisture content to accept penetration of the coatings, stresses that result in checks, splits, warp, cup and twist can occur.

Handling & Installing Treated Wood

A GUIDE TO THE HANDLING AND INSTALLATION OF KDAT TREATED WOOD

Kiln Dried after Treatment or DKAT pressure treated lumber, has certain advantages that will help to preserve the “new look” of your deck or other construction project. KDAT provides better nail holding power, less shrinkage and fewer checks after installation, and enables you to apply a stain or sealer soon after construction is complete.

A few simple precautions must be taken with KDAT lumber to insure you get the best possbile result from outdoor construction project.

KDAT lumber is re-dried after treatment to a moisture content of 19% or less. As it sits on our yard, or at a construction site, it will begin to equalize with the environment it is exposed to, and may pick up moisture from humidity or rain. Some pieces may pick more than others, so when the material is dropped off at the construction site, and prior to installation, it should be stored in a covered area and if possible, the boards should be separated. This will allow air to circulate around the boards and cause them to acclimate to their surroundings. Every piece will dry at a different rate, but after a few days the boards moisture content will equalize. This equalization helps to prevent shrinkage after the material is installed. Deck boards should be spaced approximately 1/8” apart, or the width of an 8 penny nail and with the growth rings up.

The use of deck screw is strongly recommended. The use of pneumatic nailers is strongly discouraged. Guns can overdrive nails into wood greatly reducing the nails holding power. To minimize splitting, pre-drill the screw holes when two boards are butted up end to end.

Ventilation is a critical factor to consider when building a wood deck. If a deck is boxed in, there is no place for the buildup of heat or moisture to escape. Extreme heat or moisture can lead to excessive and uneven shrinking or swelling of deck boards. Lattice panels may be used as an option to provide ventilation. If a deck is boxed in, louvered vents between joist is mandatory. Decks that are less than two feet above ground should have black six mil poly covering the ground under the deck, with gravel sprinkled on it to hold it down. This wil effectively seal off moisture from the ground.

As soon as the deck construction is finished and the exposed decking and railing is dry to the touch, a stain or sealer made specifically for outdoor wood should be applied. Use a finish that has a UV inhibitor as well as a water-repellent. This should be done as soon as possible to reduce checks or small splits, cupping, and raised grain. Try to pick a day to apply the coating with a couple of dry days in the forecast. KDAT lumber will absorb a lot of stain, so a second application may be needed. If water does not bead up on the decking, apply another coat. Be sure to follow the finish manufacturer’s instructions for application.

Taking these simple precautions can help you get the best result for your construction project. A little extra time will insure that you benefit from all of the advantages that KDAT treat lumber offers.

HOOVER TREATED WOOD PRODUCTS, INC. – 154 WIRE ROAD NW, THOMSON, GA.

1800-TEC-WOOD

Contact our Decking Specialist

Please call us at (502) 426-6121, or use the form below to contact Boland Maloney.

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Boland Maloney : 4010 Collins Lane : Louisville, KY 40245
Phone: (502) 426-6121

Store Hours: Mon - Fri: 7:30 am to 5:00 pm | Sat & Sun: Closed