2x1 Timber
(3 Products)
2x1 treated timber refers to timber that has undergone a treatment process to enhance resistance to decay, insects, and moisture. The "2x1" designation denotes the standard dimensions of the timber, with a width of 2 inches and a thickness of 1 inch. Treated timber is created by impregnating the wood with chemical preservatives, which penetrate the fibres, providing long-lasting protection against various environmental factors.
Find Out More About Our Types of 2x1
What Is 2x1 Timber?
2x1 treated timber is a versatile building material that has undergone a treatment process to enhance its durability and resistance to wood rotting fungi, insects, and moisture.
With a width of 2 inches and a thickness of 1 inch, this timber is commonly used in a variety of construction projects. One specific application of 2x1 (25mm x 50mm) treated timber is as roofing battens.
Roof battens, otherwise known as tile battens, serve as fixing points for various materials, providing a stable and secure base for the installation of shingles and tiles. In roofing projects, 2x1 treated timber battens are utilised as spacing measures.
Before affixing shingles or tiles, the battens are installed horizontally, creating a consistent gap between each roofing element. This gap ensures proper ventilation and allows for the expansion and contraction of the roofing materials with changing weather conditions.
By providing a reliable and evenly spaced framework, good quality 2x1 treated timber battens contribute to the overall structural integrity and longevity of the roof.
In addition to its role in roofing, 2x1 treated timber is also utilised in a wide range of other construction applications, including fencing, decking, framing, and more.
Its inherent durability, resistance to moisture, and protection against pests make it a popular choice for outdoor structures and projects where strength and longevity are paramount.
2x1 Timber Nominal & Finished Size
Machined from 50x25mm nominal stock size to a finished size of approximately 44x20mm.
What is Timber Roof Batten?
Timber roof batten is a small piece of wood that's widely used in the building and construction industry as a spacing material between two different surfaces; such as plasterboard panels and damp external walls (to prevent dampness from affecting the plasterboard).
Roof battens are the pieces of wood that are placed between the rafters to hold the roofing felt in place and to accept the tiles/slates when they are installed.
Whilst they play an important role in the construction of a roof, timber battens are not load-bearing and therefore don't have a grade for that characteristic.
Let's check their many benefits:
- Suitable to provide the fixing point for roofing materials such as shingles or tiles
- They keep the roof covering in straight, uniform rows and provide a solid foundation for nails or clips used to attach the tiles or slates
- They keep clips and nails securely in place, even in high winds
- Roof tile battens also have an effect on the weatherproofing
Key Features of 2x1 Treated Timber
- Dimension: 2x1 treated timber refers to timber boards that have been cut to a standard size of 2 inches by 1 inch (approximately 50mm x 25mm).
- Treatment Process: Treated timber undergoes a preservation treatment process to enhance its durability and resistance to decay, insects, and fungal growth.
- Pressure Treatment: The most common method for treating timber involves subjecting it to high-pressure treatment with preservative chemicals. This process ensures deeper penetration of the preservatives into the wood fibers, extending its lifespan.
- Availability: 2x1 treated timber is readily available in various lengths, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Applications of 2x1 Treated Timber
- C16 certified 2x1 timber, despite being small, is a strong and suitable material for roofing battens. These battens serve as a fixing point for roofing materials, providing support for the tiles on a roof. We recommend using 2x1 timber batten to fix roof tiles and slates.
- Landscaping: It is a popular choice for landscaping projects, including retaining walls, raised garden beds, and borders.
- Agricultural Use: Treated timber is utilised in agricultural applications like farm fencing, animal enclosures, and stable construction due to its durability and resistance to moisture and pests.
- Construction: It finds application in framing, roofing, flooring, and general construction where strength, durability, and protection against environmental factors are required.
- DI Projects: 2x1 treated timber is a versatile material for various DIY projects, including furniture making, shelving, and small-scale home renovations.
What's The Difference Between Treated Timber & Sawn Timber?
Sawn timber is wood that has been sawn into the required size but has not been pressure-treated and kiln-dried. In the construction industry, timber is often pressure-treated to protect it from the elements.
The pressure treatment process often includes copper and organic co-biocides to repel both insects and moisture, giving it a high degree of protection against both of these potential hazards. Treated timber is sometimes referred to as tanalised timber, which takes its name from the preservative (Tanalith E) that is used in the treatment process. After the treatment is applied, the timber lengths are put in an oven to be kiln-dried.
Note: It is very important to use treated timber for construction projects as most of the timber used in buildings is in places that are not easily inspectable, so there would be no way of knowing if it were under attack from insects or if damp was getting into it.
Frequently Asked 2x1 Questions
How Do I Install Roofing Battens? Important Considerations
One of the biggest questions we get here at Materials Market is how to install timber roofing battens. In order to install battens, it is first necessary to install a roofing underlay as this provides insulation and extra waterproofing. There are a variety of options for these and some popular solutions include bitumen and felt, though there are also more modern solutions.
We've put together a quick list of things to consider before cracking on with the job:
- It is important to check that you have selected the correct tools and size and gauge of slate battens for the job at hand, and this depends on the span of the rafters and the roof covering that you are using. This will have a direct effect on the weather tightness of the finished roof and should be a step that is considered very carefully.
- You must make sure that you are using the right size of nails to affix the battens to the rafters. 3.35mm nails tend to be the recommended minimum diameter, along with a penetration of at least 40mm in order to ensure they are securely and safely fixed.
- When installing roof battens, we recommend starting at the lower edge of the roof and nailing them into place or otherwise affixing them directly over the rafters. This adds to the sturdiness of the job and ensures that there is a firm base to attach the outer roof covering.
- Once the battens are installed, the final roof covering is applied (tiles, slates etc). If the roof battens have been applied correctly, this should make the final steps a lot easier.
Is It Possible To Paint 2x1 Treated Timber?
It is entirely possible to paint treated timber but it does come with its own complications due to the treatment process and the chemicals that are normally involved in this. One of the most important things to remember is that it isn’t a good idea to paint it too soon after you have bought it.
This sounds counter-intuitive but it is actually because when shipped, most treated timber is still “wet” and needs time for the water-borne chemicals to settle and dry. You will notice that the wood is heavy and feels damp to the touch at this point.
If primer or paint is added to it at this point, it will most likely be rejected by the water based chemicals that are still present in the wood. It is important to allow the wood to dry out fully before attempting to add any paint or primer to it. This can take up to a few weeks depending on where the wood is being stored.
Please note that too much heat and direct sunlight can cause the timber to warp rather than dry out and damp conditions can prolong the drying out period.
Is 2x1 Timber Environmentally Sustainable?
All of our timber is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) certified, which means that it is responsibly sourced and environmentally friendly.
Is It Easy To Cut 2x1 Timber To My Preferred Size?
It is relatively easy to cut treated timber to the size that you need in your project, though this should only be attempted with the appropriate power tools, eye protection and a respirator as there will be tiny airborne particles of wood, possibly impregnated with the chemicals used in the pressure-treating process.
It cuts similarly to wet wood so care must be taken to ensure the blade doesn’t slip while cutting.
Although it is a little more difficult than cutting sawn timber, it is not massively more difficult to cut 2x1 treated timber into the sizes that are needed for your project. As long as care is taken, it can be accomplished relatively easily. This material is considered versatile for a reason and if it was very difficult, it wouldn’t be used in so many different applications and projects.
