Conflicting ideas on building a basic pressure treated deck in cold weather. One says “don’t do”, the wood will not dry properly with ice and snow sitting on it until spring, the other says “it dosen’t matter”, which happens to be my opinion in the matter. Any cold weather deck builder comments appreciated. What effect will laying a deck in cold weather have, if any, on the wood?
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Production manager Ian Schwandt explains how financial tools such as QuickBooks or Buildertrend can help companies track project costs for a healthy outcome.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
Drying is not a concern at this point. No rotting would occurr with ice on top because it's too cold for the fungus to do anything. Any concerns like that would be null below freezin. My biggest concern would be worry for frost under the foundation or the concret freezing. One solution is to lay out your footers, dig them and put in your posts (either concrete piers or PT posts) and they will be there when you get the time to finish framing. Or, you can dig below the frost line when ever you ready to do the whole thing and use a precast concrete block on 6" of compacted stone, put your posts on the block and back fill. There are two important factors: You need to back fill immediately after digging the hole so as not to let the base of the hold get below freezing and you also need to make sure that your concrete (if poured) doesn't freeze.
Again, I don't think there is any concern necessary about the wood and freezing temps.
treated lumber is soaking wet when you get it so I dont see the concern for drying, to validate the warranty on your treated wood all cut ends and bore holes must be treated with a suitable brush on preservative,such as wolmanized end cut solution. and I dont think that would work to well in freezing temps,but other than that I dont see the big deal
just my 2 cents