Тrеаtеd Wооd vѕ. Untrеаtеd Wооd: Κеу Dіffеrеnсеѕ Ехрlаіnеd

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Pressure Treated Wood Vs. Untreated Wood

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published August 27, 2024

Pressure-treated and untreated wood are the two widely used types of wood. Pressure-treated wood is used for outdoor furniture and untreated wood is used for making indoor furniture. The primary difference between treated and untreated wood is in its manufacturing. Let’s look into them in detail.

What is Pressure Treated Wood

Pressure-treated wood undergoes a special process. Chemicals are added to the wood and placed in a pressure chamber. This method drives the chemicals deep into the wood.

The chemical process makes the wood resistant to rotting and insect damage. Pressure-treated wood is used for outdoor woodwork. This includes decks, fences and garden beds.

Since this wood meets the safety levels, it can be used for ground or above-the-ground buildings. It is highly durable and lasts longer than other wood.

Benefits of Treated Wood

Here is why treated wood can be a great choice:   

  • Durable: This type of wood lasts longer as it can avoid bugs, decay and rot.  
  • Weather resistance: Pressure treated wood is water and UV-resistant. 
  • Cost: This wood’s value is high due to its durability. 
  • Low maintenance: Wood is a natural product and requires little or no maintenance. 

Applications of Treated Woods

Treated wood is generally preferred for the project where there is a high risk of decay, moisture or pests. This wood is popular for its strength. Some of the popular applications include: 

  • Outdoor Use: Best for fences and decks as it can resist sun rays and heavy rain. As it can avoid moisture, you can also use it to make garden beds. 
  • Playgrounds: Treated wood is good for wood swings and slides. Since these areas are constantly under the sun, treated wood lasts longer.


What is Untreated Wood

Untreated wood is wood in its natural form. This wood preserves the actual feel and the natural color variations.

You can use it to craft indoor furnitures, cabinets or decorative items. This is because wood can be easily cut and shaped into the desired form. It can also be used outdoors but under shade.

Untreated wood is also used for buildings or projects that need a strong wood type. This is because untreated wood will not crack or break. This is one of the major differences between pressure-treated wood and regular wood.

Benefits of Untreated woods

Untreated woods are natural woods and have some good advantages.    

  • Easy to adjust: These woods are easier to cut, shape and paint. They are the best option for room decor. 
  • Less costly: When it comes to treated wood vs. untreated wood, untreated wood is a budget-friendly option. 
  • Natural look: This type of wood has the wood's natural feel and variety. You can use it for home construction as you like.   
  • Useful: This wood can be used for various interior decor projects. You can choose it for building furniture and kitchen cabinets.

Applications of Untreated woods

Untreated wood is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It can be used outdoors where there is no contact with sunlight or moisture. Some of the applications of untreated wood include: 

  • Projects and crafts: Untreated wood is best for projects like building models for homes or crafts. This is because of its smooth cutting and shaping properties. 
  • Decorative items: Untreated wood is used for picture frames, wall frames and other wall-hanging items. 
  • Covered Outdoors: It is used in areas that are not directly under extreme weather, such as balconies. 
  • Inside of homes: Untreated wood is best used for room furniture because of its natural beauty.

Things to Consider Before Choosing the Right Wood Type

You must opt for a wood that is not only strong and durable but also caters to all your needs. Here are some important points to think about before choosing pressure-treated wood vs regular one: 

  • Long Lifespan: If you are looking for a long-life span, choose treated wood. The treated woods have a long life because of chemical coatings. The pressure and chemicals in the treated wood prevent it from rotting. You can opt this wood for making garden beds or playground structures. 
  • Use: Treated wood can be used outside as it can handle sun and rain without getting ruined. You can use it for fencing, backyard decks and outdoor furniture. Since untreated wood is safe in its natural form, it is best used indoors. It suits projects like wall crafts, bookshelves and other indoor furniture.  
  • Safety: When it comes to safety, choosing untreated wood is a smart choice. It is safer for home furniture, especially when kids are around.  
  • Costs: The pressure treated lumber is costlier than untreated wood. As additional steps are involved in the process of manufacturing treated wood. Untreated wood is cheaper at first, but later, it might need more repairs, which can add up to the cost. 
  • Natural look: The pressured lumber does not have a natural look. Untreated woods keep their natural look and are often used for indoor furnishing.