Click here for a Printable Version of this page

> Technical Information > Specifications

ACQ Preserve®

• Treated with ACQ®, an environmentally advanced copper and quat preservative system that is arsenic- and chromium-free
  
  
• Provides long-term protection from rot, decay, and termites without the use of any EPA-listed hazardous chemicals

ACQ Preserve® Plus®

• We Feature the environmentally advanced, arsenic- and chromium-free preservative protection of ACQ®, combined with built-in water repellent protection



• Ideal for outdoor building projects where appearance is important and protection from the effects of weathering is a priority

The Development of ACQ Preservative

ACQ pressure treated lumber is ideal for decks, fencing, and all kinds of outdoor building needs. ACQ was developed to provide long term protection against rot, decay and termite damage in above ground, ground contact, and fresh water applications. Unlike ordinary pressure treated wood (CCA), ACQ contains no arsenic, chromium, or other EPA-listed hazardous chemicals. ACQ was developed in response to a growing concern about the chemicals used in pressure treated lumber and their impact on the environment.

ACQ and the Environment

ACQ contains no arsenic, chromium or other EPA listed hazardous chemicals. It also contains no known carcinogens.

Consequently, ACQ can often be used where ordinary CCA pressure treated wood may be restricted. ACQ also requires no special disposal. Scraps and sawdust can be disposed of by ordinary trash collection - no hassle and no environmental worries.

The makers of ACQ pressure treated wood use timber from fast- growing plantation grown species such as the Southern Yellow Pine. These woods are a renewable resource, and most come from commercial forests. Because ACQ Preserve is treated to last, it conserves these resources for years to come.

In addition, 100% of the copper in ACQ preserve comes from recycled sources.

Appearance

ACQ is a strong, durable wood which weathers to a warm, brown color, not gray like other pressure treated wood. It has a beautiful finish that can be painted, stained or left to weather naturally. It is both lighter and stronger than plastic alternatives.

Cost

ACQ is less expensive than cedar, redwood or plastic alternatives and about 10% more expensive than CCA treated lumber. ACQ also offers a wider selection of treated wood species. The performance of ACQ is even backed by a Lifetime Limited Warranty for most residential and agricultural applications.

The ACQ Preservative System

ACQ contains copper and quat components that work together to protect lumber from a wide range of rot and decay. Quats are fungicides that attack decay organisms. The quat in ACQ preserve is also used in swimming pool chemicals, shampoos, hospital mop washes and a variety of other human contact applications. The copper/quat formulations take advantage of the biological effectiveness of copper, combined with a low-toxicity quaternary co-biocide in an alkaline carrier that aids in achieving a high degree of penetration and permanence in a wide variety of softwood species.

Demonstrated Effectiveness

ACQ's quality control is ensured by 3rd party, independent inspection agencies and it carries a Lifetime Limited Warranty. The effectiveness of ACQ preservatives has been thoroughly demonstrated through a variety of testing methods conducted by CSI scientists and independent laboratories. Such tests include laboratory soil block, soil bed exposure and field stake tests.

At all levels of testing, ACQ has shown performance similar to wood treated with other preserves such as CCA and ACZA. Therefore, the service life of ACQ will be similar to these "benchmarks," ranging from 30 to 40 years or more.