Why You Need to Treat Cut Timber

Pressure-treated timber is protected with high-quality wood preservatives with complex chemical formulations of different active ingredients, co-biocides and additives in order to achieve the highest performance. Properly protected, timber will provide a significantly extended service life, thereby reducing demands on forests. High-quality treatment and state of the art quality control is the most promising way to increase the trust in treated timber.

Why you need to treat cut timber with end preservative

When installing pressure treated timber any surface exposed by cross-cutting, drilling, notching or boring must be re-treated with end-grain preservative to maintain the integrity of the treatment. Pressure treatment creates a barrier and when you cut timber the barrier is broken.  Using end grain preservative helps to reinstate this barrier. End preservatives are available online and from our shop. 

Maintenance

Pressure-treated timber does not have to be painted or stained to maintain its preservative properties. However, if colour is required, decorative coatings can be used, as can brush-on water repellent products. For protection against water damage, regular application of a brush-on water repellent is recommended, particularly for outdoor garden wood structures such as decking. Always follow the coating manufacturers' instructions.

Metal Fixings

Pressure-treated timber is designed to give long term performance. It is appropriate to use metal fixings and fastenings that give a comparable service life. Under normal conditions, the use of hot-dipped galvanised nails, screws and fixings is recommended. It is important to note that there are many thicknesses of galvanised coatings available and the thicker the coating, the longer the expected service life of the fixing.

However, for longer service lives or use in situations with continued high moisture levels, stainless steel fixings are recommended. Stainless steel fixings need to be used with some hardwoods to prevent corrosion and staining by natural tannings around the point of contact with any fixings containing iron. 

The information and advice in this article is provided in good faith and is designed to give general information and guidance. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. If in doubt we strongly recommend you seek professional assistance.