MicroShades
MicroShades® is the natural wood-colored version of ProWood® Micro, Universal's next generation of pressure-treated lumber. MicroShades products resist fading—as evidenced by their unique no-fade warranty—and offer a more consistent color than competing pressure-treated wood dyes.
The ProWood Difference
MicroShades fences, decks, railings, and lattice look better for longer than competing products. The unique ProWood pigment system is not a topical finish or stain that can be rubbed off; rather, it's an in-color solution that penetrates the wood better than staining and allows the wood's natural characteristics to remain visible. We are so confident in ProWood's lasting performance that we offer the wood fence industry's only warranty against fading.
Corrosion-Resistant
ProWood with MicroShades has been treated with a waterborne wood preservative system containing copper and biocides that protect against termite attack and fungal decay. Because the copper is micronized, it is less corrosive than other treatment systems, which means that MicroShades can be placed in direct contact with aluminum building products and does not require expensive nails or stainless steel fasteners. Its corrosion rates on metal products are similar to both CCA-treated wood and untreated wood.
Environmentally Preferred
MicroShades incorporates the first and only wood preservative to be recognized as an Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP). Defined by the U.S. EPA and certified by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), EPP certification recognizes the preservative’s reduced impact on human health and the environment as compared to other preservatives used in pressure-treated wood. The copper in the preservative becomes biologically inactive and therefore has no eco-toxic or other environmental impact. The use of ProWood Micro reduces energy use by roughly 80% and greenhouse gas emissions by 20,000+ tons.
In addition, ProWood is certified as an NAHB Green-Approved Product by the National Association of Home Builders and as a low-chemical-emissions Greenguard product for use in schools, offices, and other sensitive environments.
The ProWood exterior wood preservation system is EPA-approved at the appropriate retention level for above-ground, ground-contact and fresh-water applications for southern yellow pine, red pine, ponderosa pine and South American pine varieties.
