[kaydee]

We are having a Pergola built. The pressure treated wood will be cemented into the ground. Do we need to pre-treat for termites? Appreciate information on this. Thank You in advance.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by kaydee

We are having a Pergola built. The pressure treated wood will be cemented into the ground. Do we need to pre-treat for termites? Appreciate information on this. Thank You in advance.

In a previous house, my husband built an incredible pergola with doors which was an entrance to our garden.
He used pressure treated wood and within two years we had termites in (thankfully, not the house).
Like you, he, too, used pressure treated wood and the uprights were cemented into the ground for stability.

You might want to rethink either the type of wood you are using or perhaps,
using the heavy vinyl that some gates and fences are made out of.

[NoMoSno]

Originally Posted by kaydee

We are having a Pergola built. The pressure treated wood will be cemented into the ground. Do we need to pre-treat for termites? Appreciate information on this. Thank You in advance.

I would ask the termite co. that you use.

[OldManTime]

The termites will definitely get to it, i suggest getting a 18" sola tube, fill with concrete and attach the wood to it. Have it about 6" above the surface of the ground. This is what i did 11 years ago, no termites.

[elfitwo]

I wouldn't build it.

[kaydee]

Thank you for all of the helpful advice & positive opinions.

[jimbo2012]

I built one using Fla Cypress much more resistant to bugs, also cementing it in ......not sure that's even to building code, are you using approved plans?

Mine had to have hurricane steel brackets between the concrete and wood this also eliminates the wood to ground contact that bugs like.

[kaydee]

Yes using approved plans. I did contact our pest control company and was reassured that as long as posts were being set into concrete which they are we are not to worry.

[batman911]

Originally Posted by kaydee

Yes using approved plans. I did contact our pest control company and was reassured that as long as posts were being set into concrete which they are we are not to worry.

I disagree. Any time wood is in the soil it is food for termites. They can get into cracks in the concrete or actually eat into it. The best way is to place metal brackets into the concrete and then attach the wood to the brackets above ground. Termites will then need to construct dirt tunnels to get to the wood and you will be able to see them. Also, be sure the concrete is bevelled away from the metal to allow for proper drainage so water does not stand on the concrete and corrode the metal.