Pressure-Treated Lumber

[Janet Leahy]

I have a customer that asked me about engraving wooden signs that will be outside/exposed to the elements all year round.

Not knowing much about this, I asked my supervisor in our wood shop, and he mentioned that "pressure-treated" wood would probably work, but we don't know how well it would engrave (because of chemicals, etc.).

Has anyone had experience with this? This particular customer is pretty important so we want to get it right. Thanks

[Angus Hines]

I don't know how well it engraves. But my thought is that the 'treatment' doesn't penetrate all the way through the wood it's only good for a depth of a 1/4" or so then your back to untreated wood.

I would try that "TRAX DECK" stuff and see how that works. Possibly color fill also.

[Doug Griffith]

If it is a bad to burn pressure treated wood due to toxic fumes (CCA or arsenic) then it must also be bad to laser engrave it. Even CNC routing will release fine particulates into the air. I do not recommend it.

Also, many synthetic lumbers such as Trex Deck is composed of recycled plastics from land fills among other things. I'd bet there's PVC in there which we all know is a bad thing to laser.

[Jack Harper]

Janet,

Look into IPE wood, aka Brazilian Iron Wood. This wood lasts longer than any other, sealed or unsealed and lasers beautifully and deeply. This is the same wood used by the navy for all their wood docks. It can also be found on the famous pier 9 in San Fransisco. One word of caution though, seal the wood only with approved sealers for that wood. Most sealers will peel right off or flake. Your local distributer will be able to direct to the correct sealer for this wood.

[Angus Hines]

Good point Doug didn't even think about what plastic they stick in that Trex stuff.

As for pressure treated I burn it all the time outside keeps the mosquitoes away.

If it is a bad to burn pressure treated wood due to toxic fumes (CCA or arsenic) then it must also be bad to laser engrave it. Even CNC routing will release fine particulates into the air. I do not recommend it.

Also, many synthetic lumbers such as Trex Deck is composed of recycled plastics from land fills among other things. I'd bet there's PVC in there which we all know is a bad thing to laser.

[Mike Null]

Cedar and redwood work just fine and are easy to engrave.

[Larry Bratton]

Also, if your going to paint it, the composite Extira would work. However, most of it I use is CNC routed.

[Janet Leahy]

Thank you everyone for your input - seemings how I don't know much about this stuff.

I'll run your suggestions by our wood shop supervisor

thanks again