I just finished building a table for my Big Green Egg that's going to stay outside and uncovered, but I used pressure treated wood. A friend mentioned that this type of wood could be harmful when in contact with food. The table's owner doesn't plan on placing food directly on the surface, but I'm keen to know what I can do to seal it and avoid any issues. I've come across some suggestions like mineral oil, beeswax, and polyurethane sealants. Are these effective for keeping food safe around pressure treated wood, and can they withstand outdoor conditions? Thanks for any advice!
3 Answers
Honestly, none of the finishes you mentioned are ideal for outdoor use. Since the table isn't a prep area for food, you might not need to worry too much. If you want to be cautious, you could use a non-food-safe sealer like urethane spar varnish once the wood has dried out, which could take at least a season or more.
Modern pressure treated wood isn't toxic like the older versions, but you still want to keep it away from food and any surfaces you handle while cooking. Unfortunately, new PT wood is pretty wet and needs a few months to dry out before you can finish it properly. Once it's dry, consider sealing it with a good exterior polyurethane or spar varnish. Just a tip for next time: PT wood can warp quite a bit outside as it dries, so it might be worth exploring other options for outdoor furniture.
It's probably fine! Just avoid using it as a cutting board, and a brief contact with food, like a hamburger bun, should be okay. Just use common sense, and you should be good!
Are you suggesting I seal it just for longevity or to make it safer for food?