How Do I Know If My Treated Wood Is Properly Treated For My Intended End Use?
First, you will want to look for a lumber end tag. Each piece of Universal Forest Products’ treated wood contains a tag with information regarding the preservative used, the appropriate end use (i.e. above ground or ground contact), the quality standard and safe handling information.
In some cases, building code regulations mandate the use of treated wood that meets certain standards. The International Code Council (ICC) develops model building codes for use nationwide. ProWood Micro and ProWood Micro CA have been evaluated by the ICC-ES to be code compliant with the details listed under the ESR-1980 Report (pdf - 480 KB) and the ESR-2240 Report. In the case of treated wood the ICC relies primarily on the American Wood-Preservers' Assoc. (AWPA) to determine appropriate standards of treatment for specific preservatives in specific end uses. They also offer their own ICC Evaluation Service as a way to determine if a product is suitable. Quality control measures are laid out to ensure the treated wood that is produced meets the quality standards. In addition to in-house quality checking, manufacturers are also required to subscribe to an independent inspection agency who verifies for customers that the wood was treated in accordance with the applicable standards. Manufacturers who are in good standing with the 3rd party inspection agency will carry that agency's quality mark on the lumber end tag.
For an independent viewpoint on how to tell if your wood is properly treated, view the USDA's Forest Products Laboratory TechLine on new wood treatments (pdf - 232 KB) .