Yes, you can use treated wood for furniture, but it is generally only recommended for outdoor furniture.
Understanding Treated Wood for Furniture
The suitability of using treated wood for furniture depends heavily on whether the furniture will be placed indoors or outdoors. Based on expert information, pressure treated wood for outdoor furniture is safe. The treatment process helps the wood resist rot, decay, and insects, making it ideal for outdoor environments where these elements are a concern.
However, using treated wood for furniture intended for indoor use is not advised.
Why Avoid Treated Wood Indoors?
According to information available, using pressure treated wood indoors is not safe as it can result in chemical exposure inside your prefab accessory dwelling units. The chemicals used in the pressure treatment process, designed to protect the wood outdoors, can potentially off-gas or leach indoors, posing health risks.
Furthermore, this type of wood wears down inside the house pretty easily. Indoor conditions, lacking the harsh weather that treated wood is designed to withstand, may not align with the structural characteristics and durability profile of treated lumber, leading to premature wear or an undesirable aesthetic over time.
Summary: Treated Wood Suitability
Here's a quick look at where treated wood is best suited for furniture:
| Location | Suitability for Furniture | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor | Recommended | Safe; resists rot, decay, and insects. |
| Indoor | Not Recommended | Not safe (chemical exposure risk); wears down easily indoors. |
Best Practices for Using Treated Wood Outdoors
If you are building outdoor furniture with pressure-treated wood, consider these points:
- Ventilation: Ensure the outdoor area is well-ventilated.
- Finishing: Apply a sealant or stain to further protect the wood and potentially reduce any minimal surface chemical residue.
- Handling: Wear gloves and a dust mask when cutting or sanding treated wood to avoid inhaling particles.
- Disposal: Dispose of treated wood scraps properly according to local regulations.
In summary, while treated wood is a practical and durable material for outdoor furniture, its chemical composition and characteristics make it unsuitable and potentially unsafe for indoor furniture applications.
