Giving presentation in 2 weeks. Need advice.

On January 10, I will be presenting the new non-arsenical pressure-treated lumber to our customers at Home Depot of Fayetteville. (If you want to come, there will be two shows, one at 2pm and the other at 5pm. The store is on Skibo Road in Fayetteville. P-mail me at xpr3@earthlink.net if you need directions.)

Here's the advice: If you were going to be in the audience, what would you like to know about the wood?

Among the things I know I will discuss:

* The reasons for the switchover
* A little about the safety of the old wood (and about the controversy surrounding it--some sources say to be more than a little worried about it, others say the leachate contains very minimal levels of arsenic)
* How wood is pressure-treated and how the pressure treatment works in the wood
* The current non-arsenical pressure treatment chemicals--borates, copper azole and alkaline copper quaternary--and their uses
* The different levels of ACQ treatment
* Using metal products with ACQ wood

I would want to know how it compares to arsenic treated wood when used for a deck, planter box, or fence. I would want to know the difference in price, life of product, how it needs to treated, what procucts to use on it, and if it can be used the same way as the previous product.

I would want to know a little about the risks of the arsenic product. but most will switch if they don't have to give up much.

By the way, I've been aware of the dangers for years and do not use the arsenic or pressure treated wood.

and keep it simple. Trades people don't shop there.

If it's a product switch-over, the customer doesn't have any choice.

If there is a choice, the customer wants to know:

• how is it going to save money
  
• how is it going to be easy to use
  
• how is it going to look the best
  
• how is it going to last
  
• what fasteners (ie. nails) should he* use
  
• what stains/lacquers should he use
  
• how to prevent splintering, warping and fading
  

* The indefinite article assumes male or female. If you don't like English, post in another language.

whats in it for them? Why and how will they profit?

But I do like the suggestions you made

a problem with conventional galvanized nails, screws, etc? If so, what do I use & will it cost more or less?

What else is different about working with the new treated wood?
And is it safer to work with?
Do I still have to wear a dust filtering mask?

Burning seems to be only way known in rural areas. :crazy: