Borate

t-bor

A non-arsenical pressure treatment for interior sill plate, plywood and other framing material used in above ground applications and continuously protected from exposure to frequent moisture and wetness.

Borate is a generic name for wood treated with Disodium Octoborate Tetrahydrate, also known as SBX (DOT). The active ingredient is Boron. Boron is a naturally occurring mineral salt found in plants, soil, and products we use daily such as cosmetics, fiberglass, household cleaners and water treatment products.

T-Bor® Borate is a borate (DOT) based waterborne wood preservative. Borates are listed in the AWPA (American Wood Protection Association) P-5 Standards as Inorganic Boron (SBX). It provides excellent protection against Formosan Termites species, decay, fungi and wood destroying insects in dry interior applications.

Species and Products

T-Bor® Borate treated wood products are used as a pressure treatment to preserve the following species per AWPA Standards:

  • Lumber (without incising): Southern Yellow Pine and Ponderosa Pine
  • Lumber (with incising): Coastal Douglas Fir, Hem Fir and Western SPF
  • Plywood: Southern Yellow Pine and Douglas Fir

Lumber and plywood must be protected from exposure to the weather while in transit and while being stored at retail yards and job sites. Always store borate-based wood products off the ground and covered.

Retention Levels

T-Bor® Borate treated wood products can only be used for above ground interior or weather protected exterior applications. There are two levels of retention. Each level is measured on the basis of either the Boric Oxide or the Disodium Octoborate Tetrahydrate (DOT).

  • 0.17pcf (B2O3) / 0.25pcf (DOT)
  • 0.28pcf (B2O3) / 0.42pcf (DOT)

This higher retention is effective against the Formosan termite (Coptotermes formosanus).

Hardware

Wood products treated with T-Bor® Borate, has been found to be no more corrosive than other traditional treated wood. Code-compliant hardware is adequate. While galvanized fasteners and connectors are mandated. The use of non-galvanized hardware of sizes and types approved by the model code is acceptable when attaching joists, studs, or other framing to T-Bor treated wood, provided the wood will remain dry in its service life, and is protected from weather and water. Under similar conditions, the use of standard galvanized strapping or mild steel anchor bolts, ½” in diameter and larger is also acceptable for fastening wood to foundations.

Handling and Safety Information

T-Bor® Borate pressure treated wood is easy to work with, requiring no special precautions other than routine wood working safety procedures. When sawing, drilling, ripping, sanding or manufacturing, the following safety precautions should be followed:

  • Gloves should be worn to protect against splinters and abrasions.
  • Dust masks should be worn when sawing, drilling, ripping, sanding or manufacturing any wood to reduce the inhalation of wood dusts.
  • Appropriate eye protection should be worn to reduce the potential for eye injury from wood dust or particles and flying debris during machining and construction.
  • Wash thoroughly with mild soap and water after working with any treated wood product.
  • Wood scraps should be disposed of by burial in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

 

DO NOT BURN TREATED WOOD PRODUCTS

Documentation

Safety Data Sheet
T-BOR BORATE Treated Wood
ICC Report for Borate DOT