Where can I buy creosote wood preservative? I used to find it on hardware store shelves, but not anymore.
Creosote has been used to protect wood against rot since the 1800s, but it’s been phased out for use by consumers, first in the US and now here in Canada. Creosote is effective, but there are legitimate concerns about its safety. A better alternative is to use pressure treated lumber that’s rated for below-ground applications. Not all pressure-treated wood is made to stand up to the biological activity found in soil, so ask before you buy. The last load of 6x6s I bought for an outdoor project this spring had tags mentioning below-grade applications.
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