Which is the better choice?

[havighurst]

I want to build a tall deck chair from 2x4s. Would it be better to use pressure treated lumber and finish with deck stain or from regular 2x4s and finish by priming and outdoor paint? FYI: I live in Michigan.

I appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks

[capncarl]

With everyone now being in the organic mode they would probably have a stroke if someone suggested pressure treated. Good luck finding enough quality 2x4s to build one with. Framing 2x4s treated with something like Thompsons Water seal will probably hold up as well to the elements as pressure treated.

[poolhound]

Other than for foundation support for a shed or similar that will be in contact or close to the ground in a permanent structure I would not use pressure treated. As Carl stated use a good finish and it will hold up pretty well.

[havighurst]

Thanks for the responses. It is sure easier to find untreated 2x4s. Fiinding them straight is another story.

[BadeMillsap]

Well I built these from Treated and Cedar ... seems fine to me and still holding up well ... over a year now ... I'm not that freaky about treated lumber ... See the link below

http://www.sawdustzone.org/forum/discussions/finished-projects/60818-quick-spring-project-first-pocket-hole-effort

[cwsmith]

I'll echo the first two responders.... go with quality 2 x 4's and then stain and water seal. You may have to deal with them every year or two unless you get them indoors or cover them in the winter months though. I'd stay away from pressure treated lumber, especially if anyone may sit on them with bare arms and legs, because of the chemicals.

On the quality side of things, I think they use the worst quality possible for pressure treating. I just bought three PT 2 x 4's and a dozen regular grade 2 x 4's at my local Lowes'. The un-treated 2 x 4's were slightly less than $3 apiece and were far better quality. The PT stuff was wet and fairly rough looking.... I'd have to dry them out considerably before I could sand them to any satisfaction. The premium grade 2 x 4's were about a dollar more, but I'm using them for studs, not a project such as yours.

I went to the local Home Depot first, but there PT stock was deplorable... uneven and cracked and most were nowhere near consistent, with gouges, missing edges, and in some cases even showing missing knots. I wouldn't use any of them for even a utility deck.

I you do decide on PT lumber for your chair, make sure you use compatible hardware, as the stuff can be very corrosive.

I'm located here in the greater Binghamton, NY area (home of the new Little League World Champions - Main-Endwell), so stock in your area may well be different.

Good luck with your project,

CWS

[LinuxRandal]

To throw out another option, why not consider cedar 2x4's?

[capncarl]

I see a lot of outside furniture for sale now made from the plastic woods. It's expensive but should last a long time.

[havighurst]

Cedar and the newer plastic woods might be an option, but it might be better to build a "prototype" from 2x4s and tweak the design if necessary. I have some 4/4 cedar that I have had for years, but would need to find a quality supplier cedar locally for 2x4s. My local big box stores are too hit or miss on quality.

[tfischer]

Wow, didn't realize there was so much hate on PT lumber. It's super common around these parts. My biggest gripe about it is it isn't the most attractive stuff around.

I've found Thompson's Water Seal to be junk. It's basically liquid wax and will last a few months at best. If you don't want to use PT I'd use Cedar or some other outdoor-grade wood... standard lumber will last a few years at best even with the most attentive of re-sealings every year.