The Guide to Treated Timber: Understanding Grades, Uses and Advantages
The use of treated timber is as old as the building trade itself. Throughout history, humans have taken advantage of the natural strength of wood., versatility, and aesthetics for constructing everything from ancient temples to modern day homes. But not all wood is created equal, as variations in treating methods and wood grades like C16 timber and C24 timber provide builders and homeowners with a broad range of choices to meet specific construction requirements. Here, we explore these variants in detail, helping you make a well-informed decision for your building projects.
When it comes to choosing the right type of wood for a project, many builders rely on C16 timber and C24 timber. But what's the difference?
C16 and C24 are strength grading designations. C16 timber is often used in general construction for interior works where it's not exposed to the elements. With a lower strength class, C16 is usually less expensive compared to C24.
On the other hand, C24 timber has a higher strength rating, meaning it's more resistant to deformities like bending, warping, or twisting. Given these properties, C24 timber is perfect for outdoor uses such as decks or any structural application that demands resilience against extreme weather conditions.
When talking about timber treatment, it's common to come across the terms pressure treated timber and tanalised timber. Many assume these are the same, but they’re not exactly interchangeable.
Treated timber refers to wood that's undergone some treatment to protect it against decay, insect infestations, or environmental damages. The treatment usually involves a non-pressurised process like painting, dipping or soaking the wood in chemical solutions. This results in the skin-deep treatment that may wear away over time or with exposure to harsh weather.
Pressure treated timber or tanalised timber is a step-up from ordinary treated wood. The process involves placing the timber in a large vacuum where air is removed from the wood cells, then filling the chamber with a chemical solution, commonly copper-based, under high pressure. The pressure drives the chemicals deep into the wood, providing it with long-lasting protection against rot, pests, and dampness.
Using tanalised wood like 4x2 treated timber, 6x2 treated timber, or 3x2 treated timber gives a better return on investment for your building projects due to its enhanced longevity.
Whether you need timber for roofing battens or looking to build a robust and durable fence with feather edge boards, or seeking strong 6x2 timber or C24 timber for structural applications, knowing the difference in wood types and treatments allows you to choose the most suitable, cost-effective solution for your specific needs.
Beesley & Fildes offers a wide range of high-quality FSC and PEFC-certified tanalised timber products for a variety of construction requirements. With longevity and resilience guaranteed, you can be confident that your investment in our treated timber products will stand the test of time.
