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FAQ: Lodgepole Pine or Peeler Core?
Doweled Lodgepole Pine and Peeler cores are often misidentified because they look similar in appearance. This often gives rise to the question, "Lodgepole Pine or Peeler Core?", so we made this side-by-side comparison. While you will find that the Lodgepole Pine treated posts perform better and last longer, the big advantage that Peeler Cores have always had is price. We hope that you will find it easier to decide which product will meet your needs. 
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Lodgepole Pine CCA.40
Species
Lodgepole Pine
Characteristics
Lodgepole Pine is popular in vineyards and fences due to its ability to flex with heavy loads without breaking.
How is it made?
Lodgepole Pine posts are run through a machine that peels off the bark and cambium layer of the post. This leaves the sapwood layer on the outside of the post which retains the chemicals in the treatment process.
What gets treated?
Sapwood - the sapwood is easily penetrated and retains the chemical that preserves the wood.
What type of treatment?
CCA.40 retention AWPA UC4A (Posts – Ground Contact) - all posts are assayed after treatment for minimum retention and penetration levels. Retention must be .40lbs of chemical per cubic foot (CCA.40) or posts must be retreated. Penetration must be 1.25” or 85% of sapwood (whichever is less) or posts must be retreated.
How long will it last?
CCA.40 will protect against decay for many years. Many variables affect the lifespan of treated wood, including moisture, soil acidity, fertilizer burn, etc.
Peeler Cores Treated
Species
Mixed Species (doug fir, white fir, spruce)
Characteristics
Peeler cores are all heartwood. Depending on the species of peeler core, most peelers will be dense and inflexible.
How is it made?
Peeler cores are produced at veneer mills. The mill peels off the bark, cambium layer, sapwood, and even some of the heartwood to make veneer panels. This leaves virtually no sapwood on the post.
What gets treated?
Heartwood - the heartwood is very difficult to penetrate and does not retain preservatives well, if at all.
What type of treatment?
ACQ / CA-B / ACZA AWPA UC4.3.3 (Posts, special requirements) “Peeler cores – Shall not be used” – NOT GROUND CONTACT – all peeler cores are treated to refusal, which means they are not tested for retention or penetration. Since peeler cores have virtually no sapwood, penetration and retention will be minimal, if any.
How long will it last?
Since treatment is minimal, if any, peeler cores can decay as soon as the first year. There is no guarantee on peeler cores.