Should I use pressure treated wood in a basement?

Question

Home inspector once told me my basement has a slightly high moisture reading.

No mold, dampness or musty smell.

I am building an entertainment built-in out of lumber and MDF.

Should I use pressure treated lumber where the wood will sit in contact with the concrete floor/foundation? The rest will be standard 2x4 lumber.

I would absolutely not use any material susceptible to rot (such as plain ordinary construction lumber) — StayOnTarget, Feb 27 '18 at 23:37

score 3 · Answer 1 · answered Mar 11 '18 at 06:32

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Most building codes require PT wood that will be in contact with basement concrete floors. So the bottom plate of a 2x4 wall and code requires the use of fasteners (galvanized) approved for use with PT wood.

answered Mar 11 '18 at 06:32

Randy Schober

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score 2 · Accepted Answer · 2018-02-28T00:10:02.997

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If you'are trying to save money you could use regular lumber with sill seal, then the wood will not come in contact with the concrete. https://preview.tinyurl.com/yc5zzslh The URL takes you to a preview first and then provides a new link.

edited Feb 28 '18 at 00:10

answered Feb 26 '18 at 02:45

A strip of plastic sheeting would probably work also. You may want to caulk the holes of whatever (galvanized or stainless) fasteners used to attach to the slab. – StayOnTarget Feb 27 '18 at 23:37
A little late for the OP, I'm sure, but here I go - your house (ANY structure) that has any potential for cracking foundation/leaking roof/bad exterior paint job/etc has a potential for water infiltration. In both of the houses (90yrs and 100yrs old) where I have demo'd walls in the basement I have found at least one sill plate that was rotted out. In one of them the sill plate (from a 1980s reno) was completely composted to dirt as a result of persistent water leaking. – rajan Jul 15 '21 at 03:41

score 2 · Answer 3 · answered Feb 27 '18 at 18:47

Yes you should use naturally durable (Redwood, cedar), or preservative-treated wood (AWPA U1 and M4) for sills or sleepers on a concrete or masonry slab that is in direct contact with the earth if you want to do it by the book (IBC 2304.11.2.4) and its also a wise idea.

Should I use pressure treated wood in a basement?

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