Carpentry and Woodworking - Using non-pressured treated 2 x 4's

What happens if I don't use pressure treated 2x4's on my skateboard halfpipe project?

I came up short on 8 pressure treated 2x4's!!! (Miscalculated) :( I do however have an extra 8 that aren't. DOH! Is there anything I can do with the non-pressure treated ones other than returning them? :D I understand the concept of using pressure treated 2x4's as they are going to touch the ground, but what happens if I use the non-pressure treated ones? I am also going to put the skateboard halfpipe on top of 6 mil if that makes any difference.

The interest in these projects rarely outlive the wood, PT or not. Unless this is a professioanl boarding park, it is unlikely you will have a problem. If it is a park, when things begin to rot out, replace them.

Thanks a bunch :) Non-PT it is :thumbup: It'll be in my backyard and I could always replace them if they rot out. I'd just prefer not having to do that. Hopefully it lasts longer than expected. I'm thinking the thrill of skating on it won't last very long as most "toys" don't last long with kids nowadays. Oh well. Fun project anyway.

You might want to paint or waterproof the 'white' wood to help it last longer.

Surely you aren't going thru all this effort/expense for it to only have short term use :eek: :D

Good idea. Paint/waterproof it with... ? Any specifics?

Yeah, you know me...I just do things to get a good work out cutting and drilling in the hot hot heat. If the kid doesn't last long skating on that thing...guess who WILL? :D

I always have paints/stains laying around so I'd probably use whatever was handy unless it is something that shows. Since you don't have a lot of wood to coat I'd consider what other use I'd have for the coating - if I had to go out and buy it.

Well...I have black flat interior paint handy. :D

?? Will that do? The basic of it is just to "coat" it with something, right?

I'd be hesitant to use an interior paint outside. I assume you live in a mild climate so maybe you could get away with it. Interior paint wshould protect it ok providing it doesn't pop off the wood when it weathers.

Uh...I'll look for something else. :D My dad might have a can of some exterior paint or something. Thanks marksr. :)

Yeah...just extreme heat here. Haven't had much rain, but who knows...maybe next year.

What happens if I don't use pressure treated 2x4's on my skateboard halfpipe project?

I came up short on 8 pressure treated 2x4's!!! (Miscalculated) :( I do however have an extra 8 that aren't. DOH! Is there anything I can do with the non-pressure treated ones other than returning them? :D I understand the concept of using pressure treated 2x4's as they are going to touch the ground, but what happens if I use the non-pressure treated ones? I am also going to put the skateboard halfpipe on top of 6 mil if that makes any difference.

This deck wont last forever will it. Is it inside or outside? Your going to thrash it anyway? So if its temporary, what does it matter. Do you live in a zone that is conducive to termites? Our code in CA is that if the structure is more than 10 feet away from an exterior wall, it is not necessary to use P/T. Call your city or county building dept and ask. Give details. Happy shredding OB