When pressure treated wood is manufactured, it is embedded with preservatives that are forced deep into the pores of the wood during the manufacturing process. This makes the wood more resistant to rot and fungus, as well as creating a chemical barrier that is termite-resistant. It has been shown that slowing the natural decay process this way produces stronger, longer-lasting wood that is valuable for use in the construction of homes, sheds, and decks. In fact, many areas of the United States have regulations requiring the use of pressure treated wood in areas where the wood comes into contact with or is otherwise close to the soil.

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When people hear the words “termite-resistant wood,” they may believe they are safe from termites. But this is not the case. When it comes to these building materials, understanding that “termite resistant” and “termite proof” are two completely different concepts is essential to avoiding overly optimistic expectations.

Be on the lookout for anyone who attempts to pass off lumber as termite proof. There are, however, techniques for making the wood less appealing to insects. There are also woods that are naturally less appealing in appearance.

Wood that has been pressure-treated having been infused with chemical preservatives in order to help protect the material against rotting and insects. The timber used for this purpose is commonly found on exterior basement walls, decks, fence posts, and other outdoor structures that come into direct contact with the ground.

The fact that this material is a type of termite-resistant wood should not be taken for granted; however, it is not completely impenetrable. Termites can cause significant damage to pressure-treated wood. This typically occurs when the wood becomes damp and begins to decay, or when the wood is being constructed.

As you can see, there are currently no known types of termite-resistant wood. Cedar, on the other hand, is widely regarded as a naturally durable and termite-resistant wood species. According to an article in AgResearch Magazine, a publication of the United States Department of Agriculture, studies have shown that termites consume cedar, though it may not be their first choice of food source.

In other words, while cedar is a somewhat resistant wood to termites, it is by no means a termite-repellent wood. Aside from that, it is a notoriously expensive building material.

There is no short answer to this question. The long answer is no, not really. Even pressure-treated wood and naturally durable woods are susceptible to termite damage and infestations, and this is true even for pressure-treated wood. This is due to the fact that termites can easily tunnel through treated wood in order to reach untreated wood or other cellulose-containing substances in a house.

People make the mistake of believing that if their deck is made of treated wood, they won’t have to be as concerned about the wood coming into contact with the soil. Isn’t it protected from termites, after all? Pressure-treated wood is considered to be “termite-resistant” in the United States, according to building codes in the country. The difference is that it does not say “termite-proof,” and that is the distinction. While pressure-treated wood may appear to be protected for a period of time, if it remains damp for an extended period of time and begins to rot, termites can begin to feed on it.