New 8" x 16" creosote timbers for piers

[Dallas2build]

I know this has been touched on briefly, but never these exact circustances so I have to ask.  I have access to brand new 8" x 16" x 16' creosote treated bridge timbers.  They are free and I can get as many as I need for my cabin project.

I will be building pier and beam foundation on a sloping grade and I'm considering using them for my piers.  The shortest piers being about 16" and the tallests will need to stand about 5' above grade.  I thought about using these creosote timbers for my piers, but am concrened about the smell getting inside the cabin.  Does anyone have any thoughts or experience with this?

Again they are brand new and free, but that doesn't mean I'm determined to use them if it will stink up the cabin.  I just like the idea of using these huge, solid, termite resistant timbers that should last and be solid for a very long time.

Thank you in advance for your feedback.

[MountainDon]

Hmmm.

With a properly built cabin the smell should not penetrate the interior, except maybe on a warm/hot sunny day with the windows open.   



I do remember the smell of the RR bridge we used to walk across the river on when I was a kid. Of course we spent a lot of time under the bridge crawling along the timbers under the tracks.

[Dallas2build]

With a properly built cabin the smell should not penetrate the interior, except maybe on a warm/hot sunny day with the windows open.   

I too worry about a hot summer day with the windows open.  The other concern I had was the smell permiating the flooring.  I plan to use 23/32" T&G OSB and will have 3/4" maple flooring on top of that. (got a sweet deal on an old basketball court that was replaced, sweet as in haul it off for it)  I will be putting 30# felt between the subfloor and hardwood.  I really shouldn't have any smell getting through, especially if I ventilate the crawl space shoudl I?   

Don thank you for your feedback.  I've spent many of hour looking over your build.  Mine will be similar in many ways logistically.  For instance I am in a location that I can haul a backhoe, bobcat, tractor etc... but to have a cement truck up there would cost me both arms and a leg.  So I am looking for a solution for my piers that will be extremely strong (I prefer overkill), termite resistant, rot resistant and be able to handle the elevation I need for the tallest piers.  Those huge timbers seem perfect, especially considering the price.  Got any other ideals outside of concrete block or sono tubes?

[MountainDon]

After a quick google and read one thing I noted is that creosote is not approved for any residential purposes. There are those who will say that is because the other wood treatment guys spent more money buying the government. I don't agree with that. It would seem that the biggest concern with creosote is direct skin contact with the treated wood. There are also water pollution concerns that seem to be greater than the concerns surrounding ACQ treated wood.    Lots of caveats about keeping it away from farm animals too.

Some information stated that creosote treated wood can be sealed. I think the info mentioned urethanes, shellacs and epoxies. Seems to me that would be more bother and expense than it would be worth.

My gut feeling is that even with the material being free I don't think I'd want my house sitting on it. Maybe ACQ treated to in the ground rating would be better?

[Dallas2build]

Thanks for the help Don.  You are right and I was getting a little blinded by the price and the massive size of the beams.   I love to over do it and that seemed like a massive foundation base that would never give way.  I value your opinion as I have noted after hours reading old post you are very thorough. 

I plan to start building this year so I think I will go ahead and start a thread in the owner builders forum.  That way I can lay out my plans, my circumstances and get some good well informed advice while I am still in the planning phase.

Thank you again for your help.

[glenn kangiser]

I agree with Don.  I have a few in old retaining walls that are exposed near the uphill patio area, but they are always shaded and I will cover them with plastic then boards to the lower inside area.  The ones that are exposed in the garden and outside weep creosote in the sun so I am moving them out a few at a time.  The ones that get sun will have some smell.