reuse PT Beams?

[mdr]

Building a new deck. Ripped out the old deck, which was set on 4x6 PT beams. The original PT beams are probably 25 y.o. and in good condition.

Given that prior generations of PT treatment, CCA, are considered better than today's less toxic ACQ treatments, would it make sense to reuse the beams?

Not concerned about expense, just safety and longevity.

 

[kaymccampbell]

So long as they are straight, solid and above grade, I'd soak them with Cuprinol and put down the new deck. If there's the slightest possibility that they've been compromised, then chuck em.

 

[Farmall450]

As a fellow GJ'er says, "f it, run it".

At the end of the day, they're just holding up your deck -- and like you said, probably better chemically than new ones.

 

[mmb617]

I do believe that the pressure treatment from years ago was better than what we have today. I had a deck that I built in 1987 then tore up in 2012. The framing was in excellent shape and I reused it. So far no problems.

As further proof the treatment from back in the day was better is the fact that I replaced some stockade fence that was more than 25 years old with chain link. When I pulled the old PT posts almost all of them were in decent condition and that's after being in the ground all that time.

 

[yeldogt]

If it's the old green stuff -- keep as much as you can. Stuff lasts forever ... guys at the beach never throw the old stuff out.

 

[mdr]

thanks all, i appreciate your perspective.

 

[ItsNemo]

I'd recommend throwing some of that joist waterproofing tape over them to help keep the water out of any old screw/nail holes if you do end up keeping them.

 

[engineer2]

I reused old deck 4x6's for my shed foundation. No problems yet.

 

[yeldogt]

I'd recommend throwing some of that joist waterproofing tape over them to help keep the water out of any old screw/nail holes if you do end up keeping them.

I question the use of that stuff ... it strikes me as another one of those products searching for a problem .. and then creating one.

In all my years I have never seen that joint have a problem in any deck I have built -- or demolished. It seem to me that it will do just the reverse. Stop the lower board from drying.

It's also going to hold water paint the deck board as well?