Treated to Last

Wood Pile Preservation

Watch how saltwater attacks wood piles over time - and see why marine-grade treatment extends life from 10 years to 40 years. The splash zone tells the real story.

Years Treated

2.5

PCF Retention

CCA

Marine Grade

Get Foundation Analysis Compare Treatments

Above Water

Splash Zone (Danger)

Submerged

Below Mud

Years in Saltwater

years

Condition

Excellent

Marine Treated

Untreated

Treatment Options

Wood Preservatives Compared

Not all treatments are equal. Only marine-grade preservatives survive Florida Keys saltwater.

ACQ Ground Contact

0.4 pcf

NOT for saltwater

Hardware store lumber
Ground contact only
Fails quickly in salt

Recommended

CCA Marine

2.5 pcf

25-40 years in saltwater

Marine-grade retention
Proven in Keys
Full depth penetration

ACZA Marine

1.5 pcf

20-30 years in saltwater

Alternative to CCA
Good salt resistance
Treats difficult species

Expected Lifespan

Treatment vs Time

How long wood piles last in Florida Keys saltwater by treatment type.

CCA Marine (2.5 pcf)

40 yrs

ACZA Marine (1.5 pcf)

30 yrs

ACQ Ground (0.4 pcf)

10 yrs

Untreated Wood

5 yrs

Common Questions

Wood Pile FAQs

What treatment is required for wood piles in Florida Keys saltwater?

Wood piles in Monroe County saltwater require marine-grade treatment. CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate) at 2.5 pcf retention is the gold standard for marine piles. ACZA (Ammoniacal Copper Zinc Arsenate) is also approved. Standard ACQ is not sufficient for saltwater exposure.

How long do treated wood piles last in the Florida Keys?

Properly treated marine piles can last 25-40 years in Keys waters. The splash zone (between low and high tide) sees the most decay. Untreated wood may fail in just 5-10 years. Regular inspection and wrapping can extend life significantly.

What are the treatment zones on a wood pile?

Wood piles have three critical zones: below mud line (protected by soil), submerged zone (underwater, moderate attack), and splash zone (between tides, maximum attack). The splash zone requires the highest treatment levels due to constant wetting and drying with salt exposure.

Can I use pressure-treated lumber piles from the hardware store?

No. Hardware store pressure-treated lumber uses ACQ or MCA treatments designed for ground contact, not saltwater immersion. Marine piles need CCA or ACZA treatment at marine retention levels (2.5 pcf). Using residential-grade treatment in saltwater leads to rapid failure.