Treated Beams

[Bobcat Thompson]

Hey there, Bobcat here, just finishing my foundation this weekend; just curious as to if I have to use pressure-treated lumber for my beams, or if I could get away with untreated lumber.

Thanks y'all!


By the way, check out our cabin progress while your at it!

http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=7429.0

[John Raabe]

Treated lumber should be used whenever it is in direct contact with moisture carrying materials such as soil, rock or concrete. Beams are usually not required to be treated if they have good airflow around them and are not too close to the soil. In most cases this is defined as 6" or 8". For good access under the house you should have a minimum of 12" below the beams and 16" below the joists. This will give the beams plenty of breathing room and they will not normally be treated.

If you are in an area that has special problems with termites this may require rethinking.

[Bobcat Thompson]

  Thanks for the quick response we are about to head out and start making the beams! it sounds like we will have more than enough clearance!!