Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is ACQ Preserve?
A: ACQ Preserve or Preserve is an environmentally advanced, pressure-treated wood that is treated with the preservative ACQ: Alkaline Copper Quat.
Q: How does ACQ protect wood?
A: The copper and quat components work together to protect the lumber from rot and decay as well as termite attack.  Copper/Quat preservatives have been widely tested with extremely successful results in laboratories around the world.
Q: Why is ACQ Preserve better for the Environment?
A: Preserve uses no arsenic or chromium, thus eliminating the importation of arsenic ores.  It uses 100% recycled copper as its main component.  Copper is widely used in organic gardening applications.
Q: Will ACQ Preserve fade gray?
A: All lumber, even mahogany, eventually will fade gray.  However, ACQ Preserve initially turns a very attractive, warm brown color.  With proper care, it can maintain its beautiful appearance much longer than ordinary, pressure-treated lumber or alternative plastic products.
Q: Are water repellents available in ACQ Preserve?
A: Yes.  The product is called Preserve Plus.
Q: What is Preserve Plus?
A: Preserve Plus is another arsenic- and chromium-free, pressure-treated wood product with a built-in water repellent.  The water repellent plus ACQ preservative treatment provide long-lasting protection against rot, decay, termites and the effects of weathering.
Q: Will Preserve Plus absorb water?
A: Yes, but the absorption rate is much slower and more uniform when compared to ordinary pressure-treated wood.  Preserve Plus slows the rate of water absorption minimizing the degree of swelling and shrinking in wood, resulting in a more stable product that performs and looks better.
Q: Where can Preserve and Preserve Plus be used?
A: Preserve and Preserve Plus contain no EPA-listed hazardous chemicals and can be used in areas where safety and concern for the environment are a priority.  Use these products in applications such as decking, playgrounds, walkways, benches, outdoor tables and chairs, siding, fencing, gazebos, and landscaping, where the long-term appearance of the project is important to the consumer.
Q: Do Preserve and Preserve Plus still work when sawn or machine cut?
A: Yes.  Unlike surface coatings, the treatment in the two products is a built-in pressure treatment, and it continues to provide protection even if the lumber is exposed below the surface through sawing, drilling, or planing.
Q: Can Preserve and Preserve Plus be painted or stained?
A: Both products may be painted or stained.  High-quality, oil-based paints and stains are recommended.
Q: What type of nails and fasteners should be used with Preserve and Preserve Plus?
A: Hot-dipped, galvanized nails or stainless steel fasteners are recommended for best results.  Direct contact with aluminum fasteners and fittings is not recommended.
Q: Are Preserve and Preserve Plus performance guaranteed?
A: Preserve and Preserve Plus are the only arsenic- and chromium- free pressure-treated wood products backed by a Lifetime Limited Warranty!  Ask Quality Forest Products for more details.
To Locate Retailers and/or Distributors in Your Area Call or Email Us
For more detailed information, including product brochures, visit www.treatedwood.com or contact Quality Forest Products directly.
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Updated October 5, 2002

© 2001, 2002 QUALITY FOREST PRODUCTS, Inc
The Preserve and Preserve Plus logos are reserved trademarks of
Chemical Specialties, Inc. (CSI) used here with permission.  Much of the information provided here is courtesy of CSI Product Information.