Question about the new pressure treated wood at the big box stores

Last week I was building a small planter box for the side yard. I picked up some of the new 'ground contact' treated 2x4s from the local Home Depot. They felt a bit lighter than the old stuff. I built the box, filled it with dirt, and watered it. Three days later, I noticed the wood was already starting to twist and cup, bad. I checked the stamp and it said it was treated with a new formula, something called 'EL2'. I called the store and the guy in lumber said, 'Yeah, that's the new standard, it's not as wet when you buy it.' But it's clearly not as stable either. Has anyone else had issues with this new treated lumber warping almost right away on outdoor projects?

2 comments

2 Comments

robert_campbell1mo ago

Sounds like they treated it with a wish and a prayer instead of actual chemicals. My old deck boards looked straighter after ten years than that new stuff.

aaron_gonzalez1mo ago

Lol, my last deck project looked like I built it after three beers.