Where should SafeLumber be used? For maximum benefit, SafeLumber should be used for all indoor framing lumber. A large part of the benefit for pest control and fire safety can be achieved by using SafeLumber for the studs, sills, plates, headers and other parts of the wall system.

What is the cost of SafeLumber? SafeLumber prices are about the same, or a bit lower, than other pressure treated wood products. As compared to untreated wood products, SafeLumber will add about $1000 to the cost of a typical home if used for the interior and exterior wall framing system. Using SafeLumber for the entire wood frame of a typical home will add $3000 to $6000 depending on the type of exterior sheathing used.

Where should SafeLumber not be used? There are wood treatments, such as Wolmanized Outdoor Wood, that will withstand exposed outdoor applications (such as wood decks) longer than SafeLumber or other borate treatments. SafeLumber should not be used in direct ground contact in an outdoor application.

Can SafeLumber be used for outdoor decks? SafeLumber is not warranted for outdoor deck applications. However, there are sometimes applications where an owner does not wish to use the stronger outdoor chemicals and/or wants the fire protection value of SafeLumber. In this event, SafeLumber should be protected with a quality deck paint and water seal product and this coating renewed over the years as necessary. Any components that will be in ground contact (such as posts) must use a protective boot to isolate the borate treatment from ground contact. If protected in this manner, SafeLumber will provide many years of service in outdoor applications but should not be expected to offer the service life of treatments designed for outdoor applications.

Can SafeLumber be used for barns and fences? SafeLumber is a good product for barn use and is not harmful to farm animals that may chew on the wood. SafeLumber may be used for fence rails where it is desired to protect animals that may chew on treated wood. In a fence rail application, SafeLumber should be protected with paint and the paint renewed as necessary. If SafeLumber is used for fence posts, the in-ground portion of the posts must use a protective boot to isolate the borate treatment from ground contact. The protective boot should extent six inches above ground level and the post protected with paint above ground.

What happens with SafeLumber in a fire? As with any wood product, SafeLumber will burn in a fire. However, SafeLumber is slower to ignite and burns slower, with less smoke production, than untreated wood. The borate treatment does not add harmful chemicals to the smoke or fire residue.

Will SafeLumber harm my family or pets? SafeLumber will not harm people or pets through direct contact or by off-gas releases. It is no more toxic than untreated lumber for people, mammals, reptiles, birds, and house plants. The borate chemical used to treat SafeLumber has about the same toxicity as ordinary table salt.

What if my pets are insects? If your pets are insects or spiders, they should not be allowed direct contact with SafeLumber.