I recently built a pergola using pressure treated (PT) lumber just days after it was delivered. I anchored it into my cement backyard and constructed it within two days. I noticed some swaying, but I hadn't added any knee braces yet. Then my uncle told me I should have let the wood dry for a few weeks first, or it might split where I used screws. Did I put in all that hard work for nothing? Am I in trouble?
3 Answers
It's usually safe to build with PT wood right away, just avoid painting or staining it until it’s dried for a bit.
Don’t worry too much about it splitting! I’ve built with PT wood before, and it usually holds up even when it's somewhat wet. If you’re concerned, you could always predrill your holes to prevent any cracking when you screw them in. Just make sure to brace it well, and it should be fine!
Honestly, pressure treated lumber from a store typically isn't fresh out of the kiln and probably sat around for a while before it got to you. It's pretty common for it to be moist but it shouldn’t cause major issues if used properly. It might not sit well with fine woodworking, but for something like a pergola, you're likely okay! Just be cautious with staining until it’s had a chance to dry a bit.
Thanks for the reassurance! I remember it feeling okay when it arrived.
Yeah, they usually keep it in big stacks that can be pretty damp, but I've used wet lumber without any major problems before.
That sounds promising! Glad to hear you didn't have issues before.