Southern Forest Products Association - SFPA

Southern Forest Products Association - SFPA The Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA) represents Southern Pine products and services around

06/17/2026

An untreated southern pine deck exposed to outdoor conditions can show structural problems within 3-5 years in high-decay zones.

By year 10, failure becomes a real concern.

That same deck built with pressure-treated southern pine typically performs reliably for 30, 40, even 50+ years.

The proof is in the pressure: there are decks from the 1980s and 1990s still hosting family gatherings today!

And regarding cost, the economics are clear over a 40-year period. Untreated wood costs less initially but needs replacement every 5-10 years, while pressure-treated southern pine typically costs more upfront but lasts a lifetime.

When you factor in replacement, labor, disposal, and environmental impact, choosing treated wood actually saves you money in the long run while providing superior reliability. ✅

06/16/2026

Marine environments present some of the most challenging conditions wood can face. 💦

Saltwater is aggressive. Moisture is constant. Marine borers tunnel into wood and destroy it from the inside. Not to mention UV exposure, thermal cycling, and physical wear.

Environments like this is where pressure-treated southern pine demonstrates its value. When properly specified for the correct marine zone (e.g., central Atlantic vs. the Gulf), treated southern pine handles the full assault of saltwater environments.

Docks, piers, bulkheads, and pilings remain sound for decades, with many treated marine structures built in the 1980s still performing as expected today. That’s the pressure-treated difference.

Find our full pressure-treated southern pine guide here: https://buff.ly/AMplkmp

06/11/2026

Did you know that every preservative used to treat southern pine in the United States is EPA-registered and meets rigorous safety standards before use?

Every piece of treated lumber also bears a quality mark from an accredited third-party inspection agency, such as the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau (SPIB), Timber Products Inspection, or others.

This mark certifies that the lumber meets AWPA standards for preservative retention and pe*******on. It's an independent verification that ensures you're getting exactly what you specified.

When properly treated, handled, and installed using basic precautions like wearing gloves, pressure-treated southern pine is safe for residential decks, family play areas, and gardens.

Trust the science. Trust the standards. Trust the verification.

Trash cans and firewood piles don't have to be eyesores in your backyard. Build a pressure-treated southern pine storage...
06/10/2026

Trash cans and firewood piles don't have to be eyesores in your backyard. Build a pressure-treated southern pine storage unit this spring to organize your space before entertaining season starts. 🪵

These structures are straightforward to build—rest assured, you don't need advanced carpentry skills.

More importantly, pressure-treated southern pine handles outdoor conditions without deteriorating. You're not going to be rebuilding this storage unit in five years!

Download our storage building guide here: https://buff.ly/9bdatUj

Spring is the perfect time to build an outdoor playhouse! Kids love having their own space to play, build forts, and use...
06/04/2026

Spring is the perfect time to build an outdoor playhouse! Kids love having their own space to play, build forts, and use their imagination, while parents get peace of mind knowing their kids are outside and active.

The SFPA’s American Gothic Playhouse DIY project guide includes 35 square feet of interior space plus a two-foot wide front porch. It’s one of those DIY investments that keeps paying dividends through childhood and beyond.

Find it here: https://buff.ly/nlnyPR1

06/02/2026

The single most common specification mistake in pressure-treated lumber is using the wrong Use Category for the actual application. We often see this happen frequently with deck construction.

A contractor specifies above-ground treatment (UC3B) when the actual exposure conditions demand ground-contact treatment (UC4A).

❌ The retention level is too low.
❌ The preservative type may be wrong.
❌ Performance fails prematurely.

Where does this happen? Deck joists within 6 inches of ground, landscape timbers used as retaining walls, stair stringers touching soil, and docks with frequent wetting.

All require UC4A protection, not UC3B.

UC4A retention levels are typically double UC3B levels. The difference between decades of performance and premature failure comes down to proper specification.

✅ Know your application, understand actual exposure conditions, and when in doubt, specify ground contact.

Lots of summer plans? Before the heat arrives, consider building a trellis or pergola to shade your outdoor space. Both ...
06/02/2026

Lots of summer plans? Before the heat arrives, consider building a trellis or pergola to shade your outdoor space.

Both can be built on a spring weekend using pressure-treated southern pine as the primary structural framework.

A pergola provides partial shade while allowing breezes through, while a trellis can support climbing plants or vines to create a living shade structure.

The waterborne preservative won't harm your plants—it's completely safe for growing things! 🌿

These structures add functionality and beauty to your yard while dramatically improving outdoor comfort during hot months. Spring is the ideal time to get them built and established before summer arrives.

Here’s a helpful video on how to build a pergola (with no experience!): https://buff.ly/9hSJCIi

It’s spring gardening season! If you're considering raised garden beds or planter boxes, pressure-treated southern pine ...
05/28/2026

It’s spring gardening season! If you're considering raised garden beds or planter boxes, pressure-treated southern pine is a smart material choice.

The waterborne preservative is food-safe and won't leach into your soil—safe for growing everything from vegetables and herbs to a variety of flowers. 💧

Build raised beds now and you'll have multiple growing seasons ahead. These structures are straightforward to construct and require minimal carpentry experience.

More importantly, they're durable. Your beds will outlast several growing seasons without deteriorating.

Here’s a helpful video guide on how to build raised garden beds: https://buff.ly/bAIzXrz

Wood decay requires four specific conditions: 💦 High moisture♨️ Favorable temperature🌀 Oxygen🪵 Wood fiber as a food sour...
05/26/2026

Wood decay requires four specific conditions:

💦 High moisture
♨️ Favorable temperature
🌀 Oxygen
🪵 Wood fiber as a food source

If you remove even one of these, decay stops. That's where pressure treatment becomes so effective.

When southern pine is treated with preservatives, the wood fiber becomes inedible to fungi, termites, and insects… eliminating the food source that decay organisms depend on.

This is why treated lumber performs so well in bathrooms, crawlspaces, ground contact, and constant water exposure. One critical piece of the decay equation has been removed entirely.

Understanding this principle explains why builders trust treated wood where untreated would fail.

One of the easiest DIY projects is a picnic table built with pressure-treated southern pine. In just one Saturday aftern...
05/21/2026

One of the easiest DIY projects is a picnic table built with pressure-treated southern pine. In just one Saturday afternoon, you could have a functional outdoor table that will last for decades. ☀️

Unlike untreated wood picnic tables that start deteriorating within a few years, a treated table handles seasons of sun exposure, rain, and use without breaking down. From kids spilling drinks to unpredictable weather, the table just keeps working.

If you're looking for an approachable woodworking project that delivers real value all summer long, a picnic table is hard to beat. Plans are available online, material costs are reasonable, and the payoff is immediate.

Here’s a helpful YouTube video showing the build start to finish: https://buff.ly/g3XRrK6

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6660 Riverside Drive, Suite 212
Metairie, LA
70003

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