Assembling your new deck can be a fun summer project. But if you’re like most people, you want to get it finished as quickly as possible. One way to speed up the drying process is by using pressure-treated wood. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to speed up drying of pressure treated wood. Let’s get started.
Summary: If you have pressure treated wood that needs to dry quickly, there are a few things you can do to speed up the process. First, make sure that the wood is completely dry before treating it with a sealer or paint. Second, use a fan to help circulate the air around the wood. Finally, keep the wood in a warm and dark place so it can dry more quickly.
What Is Pressure Treated Wood?
Pressure-treated wood is lumber that has been treated with a preservative to protect it from rot, insects, and decay. The most common type of pressure-treated wood is southern yellow pine. The preservative used to treat southern yellow pine is chromate copper arsenate (CCA).
CCA combines three chemicals: chromium, copper, and arsenic. These chemicals work together to create a barrier against rot, insects, and decay. When the wood is first treated, the CCA is in a liquid form. The wood is then placed in a pressure chamber where the CCA is forced into the wood. This process is called pressure impregnation.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering using pressure-treated wood for your next project. First, it’s important to know that the chemicals used in the treatment process can harm humans and animals if ingested. That’s why it’s important to wear gloves and a dust mask when working with pressure-treated wood. Second, you should avoid using pressure-treated wood for any projects that will directly contact with food or water. This is because the chemicals in the wood can leach into these substances and potentially contaminate them.
Third, pressure-treated wood should not be used for projects that require a high level of finish or aesthetic appeal. This is because the chemicals in the wood can cause staining and discoloration.
Why You Speed Up Drying of Pressure Treated Wood?
There are a few reasons you might want to speed up drying pressure-treated wood. One reason is that it can help reduce the warping that can occur as the wood dries. Warping can occur when the outer layers of the wood dry at a different rate than the inner layers, causing the wood to twist or bend. By speeding up the drying process, you can help reduce the amount of warping.
Another reason to speed up the drying of pressure-treated wood is to help prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can grow on wet wood, and pressure-treated wood is often quite wet when it is first installed. By speeding up the drying process, you can help to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Finally, pressure-treated wood is often used in outdoor applications, exposing it to the elements. Again, speeding up the drying process can help prevent the wood from rotting or being damaged by the weather.
Methods of How to Speed Up Drying of Pressure Treated Wood
Pressure-treated wood is typically dried using one of two methods: air drying or kiln drying. Air drying is the most common method and involves simply allowing the wood to air dry. Kiln drying is a more rapid method and involves using heat to speed up the drying process.
Air Drying:
Air drying is the most common method of drying pressure-treated wood. To air dry your pressure-treated lumber, stack the lumber in a well-ventilated area and allow it to air dry. The amount of time it will take for the lumber to air dry will depend on several factors, including the thickness of the lumber, the ambient temperature and humidity, and the amount of airflow. Generally, it will take pressure-treated lumber about two weeks to air dry.
Kiln Drying:
Kiln drying is a more rapid method of drying pressure-treated lumber. Kiln drying involves using heat to speed up the evaporation of water from the lumber. Kiln drying is typically done in a controlled environment, such as a kiln, where the temperature and humidity can be carefully monitored.
If you are trying to speed up the drying of pressure-treated wood, the best method is kiln drying. Kiln drying is faster than air drying and can help reduce the amount of warping. Kiln drying can also help prevent mold and mildew growth and can help prevent the wood from rotting or being damaged by the weather.
Step by Step How to Speed Up Drying of Pressure Treated Wood
1. Start by Stacking the Lumber in a Well-ventilated Area.
The first step is to stack the lumber in a well-ventilated area. This will help to ensure that the lumber dries evenly and prevents warping. Stacking the lumber in a well-ventilated area will also help prevent mold and mildew growth. Next, use a level surface, such as a concrete patio or driveway, to stack the lumber. If you are stacking the lumber on grass, make sure to use a tarp or other ground cover to protect the grass.
2. Allow the Lumber to Air Dry.
Once the lumber is stacked, allow it to air dry. The amount of time it will take for the lumber to air dry will depend on the type of wood, the thickness of the lumber, and weather conditions. Softwoods such as cedar and redwood can air dry in as little as two weeks, while hardwoods can take several months. If you are stacking the lumber in a dry location out of direct sunlight, the drying process will be quicker.
To speed up the drying process, you can place a fan near the lumber stack to circulate air around the wood. Just be sure that the fan is not blowing directly on the lumber, as this can cause the wood to warp. You can also place a dehumidifier near the stack to remove moisture from the air, which will also help the lumber dry faster. Once the lumber is dry, it will be lighter in color and weight and ready to use for your project.
3. Move the Lumber to a Kiln.
Kiln drying is a more rapid method of drying pressure-treated lumber. Kiln drying involves using heat to speed up the evaporation of water from the wood. Heated air circulates the lumber in a chamber, which speeds up the rate at which water evaporates from the lumber. Kiln-dried lumber is typically used for construction projects where the lumber will be exposed to high moisture levels, such as decks and docks. The lumber is also used for projects where a faster turnaround time is needed, such as furniture making.
To dry kiln lumber, you will need to purchase a kiln. There are both small and large kilns available for purchase. The size of the kiln will depend on the amount of lumber you need to dry. Once you have your kiln, set it up according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to vent the kiln properly to avoid fire hazards. Next, place the lumber in the kiln, and turn on the heat. The temperature inside the kiln will need to be between 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit.
The lumber must stay in the kiln for 30-60 minutes per board foot. After the lumber has been in the kiln for the appropriate amount of time, turn off the heat and allow the lumber to cool inside the kiln. Once the lumber has cooled, it can be removed from the kiln and used for your project.
4. Use a Heat Gun to Speed Up Drying.
If you don’t have a kiln or access to one, you can use a heat gun on a lower setting to speed up the drying process. This is also a good option if you’re in a hurry and can’t wait for the clay to dry naturally. Place the piece on a heat-resistant surface and hold the heat gun about 6 inches away from the clay. Move it around so that the heat is evenly distributed. Check on the clay periodically to make sure it’s not drying too quickly or getting too hot.
5. Allow the Lumber to Season.
Once the lumber is dry, it will need to season before it can be used. Seasoning is the process of slowly drying the lumber to help it become more stable. This can be accomplished by stacking the lumber in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. The lumber should be covered on top and sides to protect it from the elements, but the bottom should be left open to allow air to circulate. Seasoning can take several months, depending on the thickness of the lumber.
6. Enjoy Your Freshly Dried Pressure Treated Lumber.
Once the lumber has dried and seasoned, it is ready to use for your project. Pressure-treated lumber is a great option for many different types of projects, including decks, fences, play structures, and more. Be sure to follow all local building codes when using pressure-treated lumber in your project.
7 Tips to Speed Up Drying of Pressure Treated Wood
1. Apply a coat of sealant to the wood when it is dry.
2. Use fans and/or dehumidifiers to reduce humidity in the area around the wood.
3. Place pressure-treated wood in direct sunlight for faster drying times.
4. Space the boards apart from one another, allowing air circulation between them to speed up drying time
5. Sand any rough spots on the surface of the wood before coating with sealant or paint
6. Choose an oil-based finish that will help prevent moisture absorption into your pressure-treated lumber
7. Allow sufficient time for the sealant to dry completely
8. Install a plastic conduit over the wires. Make sure it is securely fastened and that there are no gaps in which water can enter
Few Things to Consider to Speed Up Drying of Pressure Treated Wood:
1. Ensure Proper Ventilation
Good air circulation is essential for the pressure-treated wood to dry quickly and properly. Open windows or doors in the room where the wood is located to increase airflow but be sure it is protected from the elements.
2. Keep It in a Warm, Dry Place
Pressure-treated wood should be kept in an area that is not exposed to rain or excessive moisture. If possible, store the wood indoors until it is completely dried out.
3. Use Fans to Increase Air Flow
Electric fans can help speed up the drying process by circulating the air around the wood. Place the fan at a distance so that the air is directed towards the wood but not blowing directly onto it.
4. Choose Open Grain Woods
Open-grain woods, such as cedar, pine, and redwood, are ideal for pressure-treated wood because they will absorb water quickly and help the drying process.
5. Consider a Dehumidifier
Using a dehumidifier where the wood is being stored can help reduce humidity levels and speed up the drying time of pressure-treated wood. This is especially beneficial for outdoor applications where moisture may be more prevalent.
Conclusion
This article has covered the process of how to speed up drying of pressure treated wood. By following these simple steps to speed up the drying of pressure-treated wood, you can save time and money while ensuring that your project is completed to the highest standards. We hope you found this information helpful and informative. Have any questions? Please leave them in the comments below.
