Hey everyone! I have a bit of a unique situation and would love your input. I found some old wooden shelves from a warehouse built back in the 1960s, with additional shelves added in the 80s and 90s. I'm thinking about reclaiming this wood to make some tables and benches for indoor use. The catch is, nobody is sure if it's treated wood or not, and I have my doubts based on its condition. A lot of it shows age and decay, which makes me think it might not be treated. My grandfather was quite frugal and likely opted for cheaper materials.
The warehouse is in a dry desert area in north Mexico, and while the wood is mostly dry, there are signs of rot and even some termite damage. I noticed that older, softer wood pieces can easily splinter when I try to remove nails. The newer shelves seem to hold up better, but they also have decay spots near leaks. Overall, the building is mold-free, except for a few moldy corners.
I'm particularly curious about whether treated wood could become brittle or rot over time if kept in a dry environment. Also, if it was treated decades ago, would those chemicals still be present? And finally, if it turns out that some of this wood was treated, would it be safe for indoor use if I sand, seal, and paint it? Looking forward to your insights!
2 Answers
It sounds like the wood you're dealing with is probably not treated, especially since most of the pieces are smaller than typical framing lumber. Pressure-treated wood usually only comes in the larger sizes like 2x4 or 4x4. If you cut off a piece at a low angle and don’t see any green tint, that's a good sign it wasn't treated. You might be in the clear!
You're right to be cautious. Treated wood from those days often had arsenic in it, which is something you definitely want to avoid for any indoor projects, especially near food. If the wood wasn't in contact with the ground, there's a good chance it was never treated. But keep in mind, any wood in or near ground contact, like beams, could have been treated with hazardous materials. It's wise to be extra careful!
Thanks for the info! I've been looking closely at those support beams, and you're right – the railroad ties were likely treated with creosote, which is definitely a no-go for indoor stuff.
Great point! I’ve also found that boards which are half an inch wide, like yours, typically aren’t pressure-treated. So it seems like you’re on the right track with your assessment!