Lowe’s Pressure Treated Lumber: Prices, Sizes & Types (2026)

Lowe’s pressure treated lumber is priced from about $5 to $65+ per board depending on size and grade — with standard 2×4 PT studs starting around $5–$7 and 4×4 posts for $10–$18. This guide covers current Lowe’s PT lumber prices, sizes, treatment types, and exactly what to look for before you buy.

Lowe’s Pressure Treated Lumber Prices (2026)

Here are the typical prices for pressure treated lumber at Lowe’s by size. Prices vary by region and fluctuate with the lumber market.

Size	Length	Approx. Price at Lowe’s	Common Use
2×4 PT Stud	8 ft	$5–$7	Framing, decks
2×4 PT	12 ft	$8–$10	Deck framing
2×6 PT	8 ft	$8–$11	Deck joists
2×6 PT	16 ft	$16–$20	Long deck spans
4×4 PT Post	8 ft	$10–$14	Fence posts, deck posts
4×4 PT Post	12 ft	$15–$20	Tall fence posts
6×6 PT Post	8 ft	$20–$30	Structural deck posts
5/4×6 Decking	16 ft	$18–$25	Deck boards
2×10 PT	16 ft	$22–$28	Stair stringers, beams
2×12 PT	16 ft	$30–$40	Deck beams, headers
6×6 PT Post	12 ft	$35–$50	Pergola posts, heavy structures

Note: Prices fluctuate with lumber market conditions. Check Lowe’s website or call your local store for current pricing before your project.

Types of Pressure Treated Lumber at Lowe’s

Above-Ground vs. Ground Contact PT Lumber

Type	Treatment Level	Use Cases
Above Ground (UC3B)	0.15 lbs/ft³ retention	Deck boards, railings, above-ground framing
Ground Contact (UC4A)	0.40 lbs/ft³ retention	Fence posts, deck posts, ledger boards
Below Ground / Severe (UC4B/UC4C)	0.60+ lbs/ft³ retention	Posts in salt water, high decay areas

Always use Ground Contact rated PT lumber for fence posts and deck posts that go into the soil. Using above-ground rated PT in ground contact will cause premature rot within a few years. To keep posts from rotting further, see our guide on how to keep wood posts from rotting in the ground.

MCA vs. ACQ Treatment

Most PT lumber at Lowe’s today uses Micronized Copper Azole (MCA) or Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ) — both are safer alternatives to the old arsenic-based CCA treatment phased out in 2004.

• MCA (Micronized Copper Azole) — slightly less corrosive to metal fasteners, green-tinted, common in most Lowe’s PT lumber
• ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary) — effective against rot and insects, requires stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized fasteners
• KDAT (Kiln-Dried After Treatment) — straighter, lighter, can be stained immediately without waiting for the wood to dry out

Curious to explore Treated Wood further? Here's another post on this topic. Are Pallets Pressure Treated Wood?

Standard PT Lumber Dimensions at Lowe’s

Lowe’s stocks pressure treated lumber in these standard sizes:

• Studs and boards: 2×4, 2×6, 2×8, 2×10, 2×12
• Posts: 4×4, 6×6 (and sometimes 4×6)
• Decking boards: 5/4×6 (the standard deck board width)
• Lengths: 8 ft, 10 ft, 12 ft, 14 ft, 16 ft standard (some locations carry 20 ft)

Specialty sizes like 6×8, 8×8, or timber beams may need to be special ordered and can take 1–2 weeks to arrive.

Pressure Treated Plywood at Lowe’s

Beyond dimensional lumber, Lowe’s also carries pressure treated plywood — useful for ground-contact applications like shed floors, decking substructures, and outdoor framing.

Size	Thickness	Approx. Price	Best Use
4×8 PT Plywood	1/2 inch	$35–$50	Shed flooring, subfloor
4×8 PT Plywood	3/4 inch	$55–$75	Heavy-duty shed floors, decking base

When to use PT plywood: Use it anywhere standard plywood would be exposed to ground moisture or direct contact with concrete — shed floors, under-deck storage, and outdoor stair treads.

Not all Lowe’s locations stock PT plywood — call ahead or check online inventory before making a trip. It can usually be special ordered if unavailable locally.

Pressure Treated Lumber by Project

Building a Deck

For a standard deck, you will typically need:

• Ledger board: 2×10 or 2×12 Ground Contact PT (attaches to house)
• Deck joists: 2×6 or 2×8 PT Above Ground rated
• Beam: doubled 2×10 or 2×12 PT
• Posts: 4×4 or 6×6 Ground Contact PT
• Decking boards: 5/4×6 PT decking or 2×6 PT

Building a Fence

• Posts: 4×4 Ground Contact PT, set 1/3 into the ground (6 ft fence = 8 ft posts)
• Rails: 2×4 PT Above Ground
• Pickets: 1×6 cedar or PT boards (PT pickets warp more; cedar preferred for face boards)

Raised Garden Beds

Modern MCA and ACQ treated lumber from Lowe’s is considered safe for raised garden beds by the EPA and USDA. Many gardeners still prefer untreated cedar for direct food-contact beds. If using PT lumber, line the interior with landscape fabric as an extra precaution.

What to Look for When Buying PT Lumber at Lowe’s

• Check the end tag — Each piece has a treatment tag stapled to the end showing retention level and treatment type. Match this to your application.
• Look for straight boards — PT lumber is wetter than kiln-dried and warps as it dries. Sight down each board from the end before buying.
• Avoid heavy checking — Some surface cracking is normal as PT lumber dries. Avoid boards with deep splits that go into the core.
• Choose KDAT when available — Kiln-Dried After Treatment lumber is straighter, lighter, and ready to stain immediately.
• Check moisture content — Wet PT lumber is heavier and can shrink or warp significantly after installation. KDAT is more stable.

For a full comparison of PT lumber types, see our guide on treated wood for ground contact.

Ready to learn even more about Treated Wood? This link offers additional information. Are Pallets Made of Treated Wood?

Can You Stain Pressure Treated Lumber from Lowe’s?

Yes — but timing matters. Standard PT lumber is wet-treated and needs to dry before staining. Do the water droplet test: sprinkle water on the surface. If it beads up, the wood is not ready. If it absorbs, you can stain it. Drying time ranges from 2–6 weeks depending on your climate. KDAT lumber can be stained immediately after purchase.

For staining tips, see our guide on how to stain cedar and other woods. You should also seal PT wood after staining — read our guide on how to seal wood after staining.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lowe’s carry all sizes of pressure treated lumber?

Yes — Lowe’s typically stocks PT lumber from 2×4 through 6×6 in lengths of 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 feet. Availability varies by location. Specialty sizes like 6×8 or 8×8 may need to be special ordered.

What is the cheapest pressure treated lumber at Lowe’s?

The cheapest PT lumber at Lowe’s is typically the 2x4x8 stud, usually priced around $5–$7 each. 2×6 8-foot boards run $8–$11. Prices vary by region and fluctuate with the lumber market.

Does Lowe’s sell pressure treated plywood?

Yes, though availability varies by location. Lowe’s carries pressure treated plywood in 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch thicknesses in 4×8 sheets, priced around $35–$75 depending on thickness. Call ahead to confirm stock at your local store.

Is Lowe’s PT lumber safe for vegetable gardens?

The current MCA and ACQ-treated lumber sold at Lowe’s is generally considered safe for raised garden beds by the EPA and USDA. The old CCA-treated lumber (before 2004) should not be used around food. Many gardeners still prefer untreated cedar or redwood for direct food contact.

How long does pressure treated wood last?

Properly installed PT lumber can last 20–40 or more years above ground and 15–30 years in ground contact, depending on the treatment level, soil conditions, and moisture exposure.

Does Lowe’s deliver pressure treated lumber?

Yes — Lowe’s offers delivery for lumber, including pressure treated. Delivery fees vary by order size and distance. For large deck or framing projects, delivery is often more practical than hauling 16-foot boards in a pickup.

Find out more about Treated Wood by exploring this related topic. Green vs Brown Pressure Treated Wood: Same Chemical, Different Look (2026)

What fasteners should I use with Lowe’s pressure treated lumber?

Use hot-dipped galvanized, stainless steel, or specifically labeled ACQ-compatible fasteners. The copper in MCA and ACQ treatments corrodes standard steel screws and nails quickly.