Timber is a beautiful material which is easy to work with. As a natural and replaceable material, timber does face some challenges; exposure to sunlight, insect attack and fungal growth, not to mention the obvious one to us; the weather!  The combination of moisture and sunlight causes rot, decay and movement.  Some hardwood species are suited to these challenges but they are expensive and not always readily available.

The most widely available species in Europe are Pine and Spruce.  Relatively fast growing and easily replaceable (as certified by FSC and PEFC), these species need additional protection when intended for outdoor use, particularly when in ground contact, like poles, posts and sleepers.  The most reliable and cost-effective method of treatment is pressure treating with preservative that increases the timber's durability.  Undergoing this treatment prolongs the life of the timber which is cheaper than replacing untreated structures over a short time-span.

What is Treated Timber? 

Timber that has been treated with chemicals and preservatives is known as pressure-treated timber. The process involves placing timber inside a chamber where it is subjected to intense pressure which forces the chemicals and preservatives deep into the sapwood, the living part of timber. 

When untreated timber is exposed to severe weather conditions and moisture there is a high risk of decay, insect attack, and fungal growth. The chemical preservatives used in treating timber are sucked deep into the timber. This is better than an envelope coating which is easily bypassed if the timber is damaged or splits. Pressure-treated timber is less likely to: 

• rot 
• decay 
  
• be affected by insect attacks 
• be damaged by the weather 

Fortunately, this allows treated timber to greatly extend its lifespan and outlast untreated timber. When timber is left untreated and in its natural state, it is prone to damage and less suitable for certain projects including outdoor uses such as landscaping, fencing, and construction. 

6 Key Advantages of Treated Timber

Timber degrades over time by losing their strengths, and eventually needs replacing. This is why treated timber offers many advantages over untreated timber. It is far more resistant to adverse weather, moisture, decay, fungal growth, and insect attack and lasts much longer than timber in its natural state. 

Whether you work in the building industry, or fencing, or are simply a keen DIY enthusiast, treated timber offers numerous benefits and enhanced durability, especially when applied to outdoor projects. This will ensure your outdoor wooden structure is more durable, weather and moisture-resistant and has a longer lifespan, 

1. Resistance to Water and Moisture 

Untreated timber that is exposed to severe weather conditions such as long periods of rain can cause water to penetrate the structure of the timber. This causes the timber to expand and swell which affects the shape and strength of the timber and ultimately leads to structural problems. Such expansion can cause the timber to split allowing further moisture to penetrate which increased the possibility of rot. For instance, rain, humidity, and sun will cause a wooden deck, that lacks proper waterproofing, to deteriorate. 

On the other hand, treated timber can withstand adverse weather and damp conditions making it an ideal material for outdoor uses including decking, fencing, and all manner of landscaping work. Treated timber is also suitable for applications that involve direct contact with the ground like fence posts and retaining walls. 

2. Prevention From Rot and Decay 

Rot and decay are two of the main reasons why timber becomes degraded and loses its shape and strength. Rot can set in when timber is exposed to water and moisture, allowing fungi and other microscopic organisms to grow and spread. If used for decking or outdoor structures, rotten timber can also be a hazard as it becomes soft and fragile. It’s easy to put your foot through a rotten board. 

Treating timber with chemicals and preservatives stops water and moisture from penetrating the timber so that rot and decay are avoided and its lifespan is extended. This also ensures outdoor structures remain safe for much longer periods, with minimal maintenance needed until the timber eventually shows signs of wear and tear. 

3. Protection from Insects and Pests 

Insects and pests are among the main threats to untreated timber. Woodworms and other timber-boring bugs like nothing more than attacking hard and softwoods that are damp and decaying, causing the timber to break down and lose structure and strength. This can be highly dangerous when weaknesses occur in buildings, bridges, and other wooden structures.  

The chemicals and preservatives used in treating timber not only prevent moisture from entering the timber but also act as an effective deterrent against problematic insects and pests. This is one of the main reasons structures like playground equipment, fence posts, utility poles, and outdoor furniture, are constructed from treated timber.   

4. Cost-Effective and Lower Maintenance 

The cost of treated timber may be slightly higher than untreated timber, but it is a price most are willing to pay. Treated timber may be more expensive to begin with, but you are likely to save money in the long run due to its longevity over untreated timber.  

As treated timber lasts longer than untreated timber, you are less likely to splash out on repairs and maintenance over time. Additionally, treated timber won’t need replacing as often as untreated timber, giving another cost saving. What’s more, solid, intact timber is less likely to cause damage or strain on other materials, such as joining brackets or fence support spikes. 

5. Highly Versatile and Adaptable 

The strong, durable, and versatile nature of treated timber means it has multiple uses and can be adapted to meet the specific needs of a project, from construction work to decking and flower beds. 

6. Sustainable and Responsible 

Timber is arguably the most natural, sustainable, and versatile material used in building, fencing, and construction. Much of the timber available in the UK is either sourced from homegrown regions or imported from responsibly managed forests that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. Many UK timber suppliers are also members of Timber Development UK which promotes the use of timber in construction in line with the Government’s Net Zero CO2 target by the year 2050. 

There are additional sustainability benefits associated with treated timber. Not only does it reduce the need for repairs and replacements and extend the lifespan of outdoor structures, but it also protects our natural resources by reducing our environmental impact. 

Are You Looking for a Treated Timber Supplier? 

Eva Timber has a wide range of stock and Supply Partners to meet your timber needs. Contact us today.

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