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Can pressure-treated lumber be used inside of a dwelling as framing material?

RainMan141 | Posted in Building Code Questions on

…such as where basement partitions on bottom plates of a wall or where concrete meets lumber, and what type of barrier is required between lumber and concrete?

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Replies

  1. Expert Member
    ARMANDO COBO | | #1

    Sure. However, if you moisture proof and use good moisture mitigation details and practices you would not need all that treated lumber.
    What barriers to use? Use a 10 mil. Moisture barrier and stone layer under concrete; A capillary break between the concrete wall and the footing; a good wall waterproofing, and a good drainage system in the basement and on ground level. All those techniques combined will prevent moisture from coming inside. I'm attaching a great paper by Building Science Corp.

  2. gusfhb | | #2

    It is required by code hereabouts

  3. Expert Member
    ARMANDO COBO | | #3

    The 2009 IRC code allows bottom plates of regular lumber as long as the concrete wall or slab is separated by an impervious moiture barrier. The issue could different if a local code mandates it or if you don't want to figh a building dept. or inspector.

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