How to identify old pressure treated lumber?
 

I am in the process of demolishing an old chicken coop. All of the
wood has by now fully greyed, and none of it appears to have greenish
tinge to it. Some of it was clearly hardwood (judging by the smell
when cut, and by a red color inside, probably red oak) but some was
pine. There were no apparent green colors inside the wood, but I still
would like to be sure. BTW I am aware of the "send a swab to the lab
for Arsenic testing" option. I am hoping there are easier ways of
telling.

How to identify old pressure treated lumber?
 

"Andrew Williams" wrote in message
news:180920061315571600%andrewSPAMALOT@williamsmus ic.com...
I am in the process of demolishing an old chicken coop. All of the
wood has by now fully greyed, and none of it appears to have greenish
tinge to it. Some of it was clearly hardwood (judging by the smell
when cut, and by a red color inside, probably red oak) but some was
pine. There were no apparent green colors inside the wood, but I still
would like to be sure. BTW I am aware of the "send a swab to the lab
for Arsenic testing" option. I am hoping there are easier ways of
telling.

Burn a small peice of it, if there are any chemicals left in it you should
see some odd color flames.

How to identify old pressure treated lumber?
 

Andrew Williams wrote:

BTW I am aware of the "send a swab to the lab for Arsenic testing" option.

You can also buy simple DIY test kits. Much cheaper.

How to identify old pressure treated lumber?
 

If you clean or sand the surface to remove all of the dirt and stains it
should be much easier to identify. Don't inhale the sanding dust. Wear a
mask while cleaning it. A pressure washer is an easy way to do this.

--
Charley


"Andrew Williams" wrote in message
news:180920061315571600%andrewSPAMALOT@williamsmus ic.com...
I am in the process of demolishing an old chicken coop. All of the
wood has by now fully greyed, and none of it appears to have greenish
tinge to it. Some of it was clearly hardwood (judging by the smell
when cut, and by a red color inside, probably red oak) but some was
pine. There were no apparent green colors inside the wood, but I still
would like to be sure. BTW I am aware of the "send a swab to the lab
for Arsenic testing" option. I am hoping there are easier ways of
telling.

the advice above could be deadly. you should never burn wood that could be pressure treated because of the danger from arsenic and other chemicals. do a google search on how serious this is!