Thread: Pressure treated for wall studs

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

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

That is an interesting question though!

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..

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).

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

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...

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.