The objective of this experiment was to assess the durability of four pine species treated with waterborne preservatives. In order to determinate this, a stake field test, following the IUFRO (International Union of Forestry Research Organizations) recommendations, was installed at Experimental Station of Luiz Antonio (21º 32’ S and 47º 42’ W), State of São Paulo, Brazil. Species under test were Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii var elliottii), Caribbean Pine (Pinus caribaea var hondurensis), Oocarpa Pine (Pinus oocarpa) and Benguet Pine (Pinus kesiya), as untreated (witness) as well treated with the preservatives CCA type C and CCB, in five retention levels (from 4.3 to 10.4 kg/m³). These materials were inspected to evaluate the degree of attack by fungi and termites; after 8, 21 and 30 years of exposure. The results were plotted as decay index over time for all conditions (wood species and retention levels) in order to determine the mean service lives. Differences observed among preservatives, retentions and wood species are discussed, demonstrating as main conclusions: a) the decay index presented a direct relationship to the level of retention for the stakes treated with CCA-C; b) the lowest decay index (longer durability expectation) correspond to treatments with CCA-C in retentions above 8.0 kg/m³; c) the CCB preservative showed a lower performance comparing to the CCA-C preservative.

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