On Fri, 04 Jun 2010 09:15:02 -0400, Ohioguy wrote:

Most lumber yards take returns.

I didn't get this at a lumber yard. These came from a thrift store
which has volunteers that go out and "reclaim" lumber from homes in the
area that are being torn down. Surprisingly, many of these 2x4's are of
superior quality to the new ones I've bought at Lowe's. Anyway, they
were just 90 cents each, and I felt good because using them did not
create any new demand for cut lumber.


If you are going to spend any time fabricating this, get the right
wood, pressure treated rated for ground contact.

Not really an option at this point - I already have the wood I want
to use, I can't take it back, and I need to get it out of the basement
to make room in the next couple of months. Since I also have a need for
some sort of border edging, I might as well just find out what the best
wood preservative I can use is. If I can't find anything else, I'll
just use a copper naphthenate solution.


I guess my question right now is - what chemical is soluble in an oil
based solution, with little or low solubility in water, and acts as an
insecticide, and possibly with fungicide qualities as well? That is
what I need.

Since this salvage lumber is not rated for ground contact, before
investing anymore money or labor you find some suitable above ground
use, sell it, give it away, or use it for firewood. If this lumber is
clean and as good quality as you claim why not donate it to your local
high school for use in wood shop... they'll give you a receipt that
you can use for a tax deduction. Typical builder grade framing lumber
(fir/spruce) is not even suitable for outdoor use, not even if you
paint it. Maybe you can use it to frame a new tool shed... roofed and
sided it will be fine... but exposed to the elements you'll be lucky
to get three years from it.