Pressure treated for wall studs

[Richard Flores]

Can a load bearing wall have pressure treated studs or are the only allowed to be used for bottom plates.

[Wayne Carlisle]

I don't see any problem with it. PT wood is just regular wood that has been treated.

That is an interesting question though!

[Richard Flores]

Thanks for the quick reply. A typical homeowner that claims he was a contractor said that you can't use it. I had never heard of it, so I guess I am going to have to look at my Code book..

[Wayne Carlisle]

As long as the PT lumber is grade stamped....I don't see a problem.

From the 2006 IRC


SECTION R602
WOOD WALL FRAMING

R602.1 Identification. Load-bearing dimension lumber for
studs, plates and headers shall be identified by a grade mark of
a lumber grading or inspection agency that has been approved
by an accreditation body that complies withDOCPS 20. In lieu
of a grade mark, a certification of inspection issued by a lumber
grading or inspection agency meeting the requirements of this
section shall be accepted.

R602.1.1 End-jointed lumber. Approved end-jointed lumber
identified by a grade mark conforming to Section
R602.1 may be used interchangeably with solid-sawn members
of the same species and grade.

R602.1.2 Structural glued laminated timbers. Glued
laminated timbers shall be manufactured and identified as
required in AITC A190.1 and ASTM D 3737.


R602.2 Grade. Studs shall be a minimum No. 3, standard or
stud grade lumber.

Exception: Bearing studs not supporting floors and
nonbearing studs may be utility grade lumber, provided the
studs are spaced in accordance with Table R602.3(5).

[Richard Flores]

Thanks..That is exactly what I was looking for... :)

[chris mcintyre]

It may not be a code issue but IMO it is not a good idea for a couple of reasons.
1) Treated lumber shrinks as it dries and not at the same rate. You can cut the ends of the decking boards in a straight line and 6 months later they will vary in length a 1/2" or more.
2) If you use PT studs you would have make sure everyone was using the right fasteners for sheathing, wall ties, siding, drywall, trim, cabinets, etc...

[Elliot Franson]

With the known shrinkage and warpage issues in CCA and other pressure-treated dimensional lumber, it would be unwise, in my opinion to use this for wall studs. Just my opinion.