PSA: Checked out the new hardware store on Elm and saw something off with their pressure treated lumber

I was picking up some 2x4s for a deck job yesterday and noticed the whole stack of PT wood felt damp, like really damp. I asked the guy at the counter when their last shipment came in and he said it was just two days ago. But when I pulled a few boards, I saw some already had that white mold starting in the grain. Maybe it's just me, but I'd be careful buying from there until they sort their storage. Has anyone else run into this at other spots lately?

3 comments

3 Comments

john_lopez3d ago

Remember when the worst thing about pressure treated wood was just the splinters? Now we have to play lumber detective. I once bought a board so damp I swear I saw a mushroom growing on the drive home.

kimblack3d ago

Yeah that white mold is a bad sign, means it was probably stored wet somewhere before it even got to them.

owens.laura3d ago

My last deck project got delayed a whole month because of moldy lumber from a big box store. I had to return three full bundles of boards that looked exactly like that, all damp with white spots. It's such a frustrating waste of time and gas. Solidarity on having to check every single piece now.