Heat Treated vs Pressure Treated Wood: What Ontario Buyers Need to Know

When sourcing lumber for industrial, construction, or export use, one of the most common questions we hear is: "What's the difference between heat treated and pressure treated wood?" The answer matters — especially if you're shipping goods internationally or working in food-adjacent or enclosed environments.

What Is Pressure Treated Wood?

Pressure treated (PT) wood is infused with chemical preservatives — typically copper-based compounds like ACQ or MCA — under high pressure. This process protects the wood against rot, decay, and insect damage, making it a popular choice for outdoor decks, fences, and landscaping structures.

However, PT wood is not suitable for:

• Export packaging (pallets, crates, dunnage)
• Sauna or enclosed space applications
• Food contact or food-adjacent environments

The chemical content disqualifies it from ISPM-15 compliance, which is the international standard governing wood packaging used in cross-border shipments.

What Is Heat Treated Wood?

Heat treated (HT) wood is kiln-dried to a core temperature of 56°C for a minimum of 30 continuous minutes. This process eliminates insects, larvae, and pathogens — with zero chemicals added.

HT wood is required by ISPM-15 for all wood packaging material (WPM) used in international trade, including:

• Dunnage and blocking
• Pallets and skids
• Crates and boxes

For Ontario businesses exporting to the US, EU, or anywhere globally, HT-stamped lumber is non-negotiable.

Which Should You Choose?

HT Dunnage for Ontario Businesses

At Cedarwood Ontario, we supply heat treated ash hardwood dunnage for industrial and export applications across Ontario. Our dunnage meets ISPM-15 requirements and is ideal for blocking, bracing, and securing loads in shipping containers and flatbed freight.

Browse our full Dunnage Lumber Ontario collection, or call us at 519-576-5788 for bulk pricing and freight quotes.