I received the following inquiry: “Is there any other product that we can use other than the Borate to treat the wood? Im not having a pricing issue or anything. The GC just called and said that Borate can get rather messy and if there is something else that we could use he would welcome it.”
Though I’m not sure what “rather messy” means, what’s the best alternative? Other comments?
Borate is known as SBX/DOT (Sodium Borate) or Zinc Borate preservative materials. Alternatives include ACQ-C (Alkaline Copper Quat Type C), ACQ-D Carbonate (Alkaline Copper Quat Type D, Carbonate formulation), CA-B/ CA-C (Copper Azole Types B and C), CA-C (Azole biocide).
Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) has been used successfully for a number of decades for pressure treating wood. But I believe is no longer used due to EPA regulations.
Simpson has a really good FAQ about treated lumber products, and how the chemicals used cause bi-metallic corrosion, so the fasteners used with treated lumber need to be very specific.
Here is the link: http://www.strongtie.com/productuse/ptwoodfaqs.html
I understand borate is inappropriate when subject to rain or free water.
We don’t deal with it in my region, but borate is used in treatment to deter termites. If that is not an issue for your project, you can certainly use CCA.
Correction: ACQ