White Oak Termite Resistance

Prized for its appearance and durability and is quite expensive.

White oak termite resistance. Old growth bald cypress catalpa cedar either eastern or western red cedar black cherry chestnut junipers honey locust white oak old growth redwood sassafras and black walnut. Agricultural research service scientists in new orleans la have identified 30 types of commercial lumber that attract or repel formosan subterranean termites painting a more complete picture of where this invasive pest species is likely to turn up in processed wood. Black locust red mulberry osage orange and pacific yew. Remember that wood which is not naturally resistant to termites can be treated to make it resistant to termites.

Of these materials douglas fir is moderately resistant to termites whereas the other two are not. Chestnut oak lumber is less common but when available it s often sold as mixed white oak other naturally termite resistant wood species include. Pressure treated wood is created with the use of pressure and vacuum cycles where a preservative is embedded in the pores of the wood. Preferably soft wet wood which is why you ll find termite damage in water logged areas of an old house.

It proved to be wood pest proof. High moisture content softness the presence of fungus or decay and the absence of natural chemicals resins or oils that make wood resistant to decay and insects. Insects and fungi aka rot love soft wood. While the old growth wood used in houses built before the turn of the 20th century are a more rot resistant wood than anything available today no wood is rot or insect proof.

Certain factors make wood even more desirable to termites. Douglas fir hemlock and spruce are the most common types of wood used for structural lumber. This forms a chemical barrier that resists termites and decay. Subterranean termites will happily feed on any of the common woods used for structural lumber in homes.

Termites go hungry on resistant trees by jan suszkiw october 12 2000. White oak and chestnut oak resist termites well. White oak is a common choice for flooring thanks in part to its wide availability. It is also very durable and resistant to termites.

It doesn t matter if it is softwood or hardwood pine or oak. The wood is known to be moderately to very durable and does show a resistance to termites. The protective heartwood is found in natural types of trees such as eucalyptus mahagony or redwood acacia cypress pine teakwood and cedar. Resistant or very resistant.

However any of these choices are highly preferred to woods that termites seem to enjoy most. Among these options teak is obviously the top choice for termite resistance.