5 Avoid Using Ipe and Teak on Your Jobs


The Seattle Aquarium project utilized Alaskan Yellow Cedar from the Taan Forest, an FSC-certified, tribally owned forestry company. It should come as no surprise that tropical hardwoods come from tropical rainfor- ests. But many projects don’t associate commonly used commercial hardwood products – namely, Teak and Ipe – with their link to deforestation. Even if these hardwoods are harvest-


ed from “legal” sources, countries have different definitions of what “legal” and ”sustainable” forestry practices are, lead- ing to an acceleration of deforestation. It is extremely challenging to source Teak and Ipe sustainably, even if they are certified or legal; if you must, it is best to consult with a tropical hardwood sourcing expert, such as Rainforest Alliance. As an alternative, use modified wood


products (such as Termory, Kebony or Accoya) or domestic, naturally rot-re- sistant species such as Juniper, Alaskan Yellow Cedar, Bald Cypress, Black Locust, Black Walnut or Sassafras. Tese species are subject to fewer lead time challeng- es, import levies, and transportation costs, making many of these options cost neutral or even less costly than tropical hardwoods.


6 6 Avoid the Use of Pressure-


Treated Wood in Temporary Shoring


Since 2021, pressure-treated wood must be disposed of in Class 1 hazardous landfills. It can often be identified by its greenish hue or parallel slot marks. Did you know that pressure-treated wood waste has been classified as a hazardous material in California since 2021? Because of the chemicals that are injected into treated wood, discarded treated wood waste members or cutoffs must be sent


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CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR JULY/AUGUST 2025


to a Class 1 Hazardous Landfill due to its potential impact on the biosphere and groundwater sources. However, new pressure-treated wood is still technically able to be installed below grade; but the question stands – if it’s too hazardous to be sent to a conventional landfill, should we be installing new treated wood below ground? While the final word on whether pres-


sure-treated wood is needed must come from the shoring designer, it’s worth asking


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