BarrierBoss Embraces KDBT Lumber for Superior Framed Fencing

Following The Science...

BarrierBoss’s move to kiln-dried before treatment (KDBT) lumber aligns with how leading wood science groups describe “best case” conditions for stability and preservative performance in outdoor construction lumber. By drying lumber in a controlled kiln before treatment, BarrierBoss is essentially engineering the wood’s moisture profile so the preservative can do its job more effectively and the boards stay straighter over the long term.

Why Drying First Changes Everything

In a kiln, temperature, humidity, and airflow are carefully managed to bring moisture content down and even it out from the core to the surface of each board. Technical guides note that this controlled environment dramatically improves dimensional stability and reduces the risk of shrinkage, warping, and surface checking compared with wetter material.

When wood is dried before pressure treatment, the cell structure is less waterlogged and more receptive to the preservative solution once it goes into the treatment cylinder. Instead of fighting internal moisture, the preservative can move deeper into the fibres, creating a more uniform protective shell against decay and insects throughout the cross-section of the board.

Advantages You See on the Job

Builders and manufacturers who work with kiln-dried structural lumber consistently report cleaner cuts, easier fastening, and fewer surprises after installation because the boards have already done most of their “moving” in the kiln, not on the project. Benefits are documented for KDAT as well —less cupping, twisting, and shrinking than standard pressure-treated— but drying before treatment adds the advantage of deeper chemical penetration from the start.

For BarrierBoss panels, that translates to:

• Straighter framing members that keep fence lines and deck structures true with less seasonal shifting.

• More predictable gaps, joints, and fastener performance because the boards are closer to their long-term size when they arrive on site.

• A smoother, more finish-ready surface that accepts stains and coatings consistently once the initial project cure period is complete.

The Role of Micronized Copper Azole (MCA)

The preservative system behind BarrierBoss’s treated wood is Micronized Copper Azole (MCA), a copper-based formulation widely used in North America for decking, fencing, and structural members exposed to moisture. Independent field tests over 9–10 years show MCA-treated wood providing long-term resistance to decay fungi and insects at levels comparable to or better than other modern copper systems.

Because kiln-drying before treatment improves how deeply and uniformly the preservative penetrates, it works hand-in-hand with MCA’s chemistry: the wood fibers are more receptive, and the micro-sized copper particles can lock into place where they are needed most.

Long-Term Value for Outdoor Projects

Technical publications on decking and exterior framing emphasize that kiln-dried structural lumber tends to maintain its shape better under weather cycling, which means fewer callbacks for warped joists, uneven surfaces, or boards pulling away as they dry on the job. Even though KDBT and other kiln-dried treated products usually sit at a price premium over standard wet-treated lumber, industry comparisons point out that lower movement, easier installation, and longer service life often make the total cost of ownership lower over time.

By combining kiln-dried-before-treatment processing with MCA chemistry, BarrierBoss is effectively front-loading quality into every stick of treated lumber: boards that are lighter and easier to work with on day one, and better protected against the slow, silent damage of moisture, insects, and seasonal movement year after year.