Understanding the End Tag

Look for a lumber end tag. Each piece of ProWood lumber has a tag containing information regarding the preservative used, the appropriate end use (i.e. above-ground or ground contact), the quality standard and safe handling instructions. To learn more, visit our Understanding the End Tag page.

ProWood lumber attaches end tags to ensure that our customers know key information about the product. The tags can include information about available warranties, whether or not the product is for direct ground contact or strictly above-ground applications and, where applicable, details for acceptance by local building codes. Many of the tags on ProWood products also have detailed information on the safe handling of ProWood, the same information contained in the warranties.

ProWood treated wood is very safe when used as directed in the appropriate applications. The preservative injected reacts with the wood to form an insoluble complex that won't evaporate or vaporize. ProWood is clean, odorless, non-staining, and safe to work with and handle. Its built-in protection is non-irritating for dermal contact with children, adults, animals and plants. We have carefully and exhaustively studied the minute amounts of preservative released during a ProWood structure's serviceable lifetime. The conclusion is clear: ProWood is also safe, long-term, for the environment and for contact with people and pets. In our opinion, ProWood MCA treated wood — as with any wood product — should not be used where household pets would be likely to chew or ingest the wood. The process used to treat ProWood is the first to gain Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP) as certified by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS). Scientific Certification Systems is a third-party certification services and standards development company. According to the EPA, to be EPP certified means that the product has a reduced impact on human health and the environment when compared to other products that serve the same purpose.

For a long time, CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate) was the primary wood preservative. CCA-treated wood protects against all major forms of destructive attack and is effective for many years. More recently, preservative manufacturers switched to ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary). ACQ is also effective for decades, reducing demands on forest resources. Another common preservative is a solution containing natural, environmentally safe mineral salts called borates. Borate lumber has a powerful barrier against termites — even the extremely destructive Formosan termite. The new generation of pressure-treated wood uses micronized copper as a preservative. This method enables ProWood to stand up against termite damage and fungal decay.

Lumber's greatest enemy is biological attack — destruction by termites, fungi and marine borers — as well as damage from rain, sun and wind. Thanks to over 50 years of research, ProWood can stand up to every threat for decades of use.