The Advantages of CCA-Treated Plywood and Why You Have to Have It

When remodeling or restoring a pontoon boat, you face some decisions. Much like the foundation of a house, the type of material you use for the base of the deck of your pontoon boat is the foundation of your entire pontoon boat. Although there are a variety of treated plywood products to choose from on the market, the smart buy is CCA-treated plywood that is available in our online store.

CCA-treated wood is infused with chemicals that preserve and protect the material from rot from water or decay due to organic infiltration. The infused copper prevents fungal decay and the chemical acts as a powerful pesticide that discourages and kills insect attackers. Because these chemicals are infused in the wood in pressurized chambers, CCA-treated wood and types of wood like it are sometimes referred to as " pressure-treated " woods.

CCA-treated plywood is manufactured from common woods that undergo a special chemical process. In this process, wood is loaded into large sealed chambers. A vacuum is created in the chamber, which sucks the air out the wood cells. A mixture consisting of copper, chromium, and other chemicals is added to the chamber under pressure, which binds the chemicals to the wood. This pressure alters the chemical composition of the wood, effectively sealing and preserving it, while the chromium portion of the mixture helps in binding the copper and other chemicals throughout. Another vacuum is then added, which removes excess liquid. Finally, the wood is put through a kiln where the intense heat evaporates the water from the mixture, leaving behind the chemical preservers infused into the wood. The entire process leaves the resultant CCA-treated wood with a slight green tint, but otherwise it retains its basic appearance and properties.

CCA-treated wood has been in use for over 70 years. It made its debut in India in 1933 and was later adapted and approved for use in the United States in the early 1950s. American scientists were amazed at the ability of CCA-treated plywood to withstand insects and weather conditions; CCA-treated wooden stakes planted in outdoor fields in the late 1930s still exist with little sign of decay or wear. A scientist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture expects the stakes to last another hundred years. Among nautical enthusiasts, CCA-treated wood as a marine application is still the construction material of choice.

CCA-treated plywood offers many specific advantages for restoring pontoon boats and for marine use in general. Other types of specially treated woods use compounds that destroy marine carpeting, rubber, and other metal hardware used on pontoon boats, but CCA-treated plywood uses more effective preservatives that do not react to these materials in adverse ways. CCA-treated wood is highly resistant to termites, algae, fungi and other forms of organic marine life. It is so resistant to organic life and the elements that it does not require the application of any additional wood treatments or coatings. Adding water repellent is unnecessary and redundant because CCA-treated wood is naturally water-resistant. CCA-treated wood is comparably strong for its weight. Indeed, it is so strong and resistant to the elements that most manufacturers offer lifetime warranties against warping and rotting.

CCA-treated wood is especially advantageous for pontoon remodelers or restorers because it is an easy type of wood with which to work. Even though it is treated with a variety of preservative chemicals, CCA wood maintains the general, pleasing look of natural wood. In addition, the wood is easy to work with and does not require any special tools for the amateur or professional carpenter.

You should be aware that CCA-treated plywood does contain some compounds that require special respect and some effort on your part in its use and handling. When used as recommended, CCA-treated wood is harmless to people, plants, and animals. You should never use it where it would come in contact with food or sources of drinking water. Where there is CCA-treated sawdust wear protective equipment, such as safety goggles and air masks, when cutting or sanding the wood. Wear long sleeves and pants to make sure that you keep the irritating sawdust off of your skin. You should also dispose of CCA wood properly and should never burn it. You should avoid turning CCA-treated plywood into mulch and should leave the disposal of CCA wood to the experts. Some landfills are equipped to properly dispose of CCA-treated wood, but you will want to check around your area to see what facility can properly deal with your plywood residue. Although it requires special handling and preparation, you shouldn't hesitate to purchase CCA-treated plywood for restoring or remodeling your pontoon boat. CCA-treated wood is tough, durable, beautiful, resistant to the elements, and a clear choice for marine applications.