2x2 Timber Treated
(5 Products)2x2 timber, often referred to in metric as 50mm x 50mm, is a versatile and cost-effective option for smaller or medium-scale projects that don’t require heavy structural support. Pressure-treated to resist fungus and insects, this timber offers lasting durability both indoors and out. It’s ideal for creating garden structures like trellises, planters, and raised beds or for framing light partitions, small sheds, and fencing. Inside the home, 2x2 timber is popular for built-in shelving, furniture making, and trim work.
What Is 2x2 Timber?
2x2 timber, known in metric as 50mm x 50mm, is a compact pressure-treated softwood widely used in lightweight structural applications. It works well as a support element, framing material, or bracing component in smaller projects such as garden sheds, partitions, or stud walls, providing stability for structures that don't require heavy load-bearing capabilities.
In lightweight construction or certain parts of fencing, 2x2s can provide the necessary framework upon which larger pieces of timber or fencing boards are mounted. Given their cost-effectiveness and simplicity, they lend themselves well to quick, efficient framing solutions.
2x2 timber is also prevalent in various do-it-yourself (DIY) tasks. When it comes to constructing smaller pieces of furniture or decorative items, its uniform size and relative ease of shaping make it ideal for project-based work such as building stools, shelf supports, or decorative frames. Hobbyists often utilise 2x2 for garden structures like trellises, plant stands, or raised beds, capitalising on its manageable nature for lighter tasks.
At Materials Market, our 2x2 timber is available in lengths of 3m, 3.6m, and 4.8m, which can be easily cut or shaped to suit your exact needs. For projects requiring greater load-bearing capacity, we recommend opting for graded structural timber.
2 x 2 Timber is also available as structural graded and in other lengths; please enquire with our team if you require anything additional to our listed products.
Applications
- Partitions: 2x2 timber is often used as the framing material for interior partitions, especially in small sheds or garden structures where the partition will not bear heavy loads. It’s lightweight, easy to cut, and quick to assemble.
- Stud Walls: For non-load-bearing stud walls, 2x2 timber can be used for constructing the framework. It provides enough structural integrity for lighter applications such as small garden rooms, summer houses, and small storage sheds.
- Garden Structures: Small outdoor structures like garden sheds, tool sheds, and other garden buildings often use 2x2 treated timber for the framework.
- Shelving or Racking: Used for building basic shelving systems or racks in lightweight storage structures.
Benefits
- Consistent Dimensions: Regularised for consistent sizing within its range.
- Treatment: Treated with preservatives to enhance durability.
- Kiln Dried: Processed to reduce moisture content, enhancing strength and longevity.
- Planed All Around: Smooth, refined edges with imperfections removed for a user-friendly finish.
- Versatility: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
- Durability and Moisture Resistance: Treated timber ensures long-lasting use, especially outdoors.
2x2 Sizing Explained
2x2 timber is timber that has been cut specifically to a 2-inch height and 2-inch width. In mm this comes in at 47mm x 50mm.
Although one side is 47mm and the other is 50mm, most people refer to this profile as 2x2 or 50mmx50mm, because the 3mm difference between 47mm and 50mm is negligible.
This profile is then sold in various lengths for use in a wide range of building applications.
Treatment
Tanalith E is a water-based wood preservative commonly used to protect timber. It contains copper and triazole compounds, which prevent fungal decay, wood rot, and insect damage. Triazole compounds, in particular, work by inhibiting the growth of fungi that cause wood deterioration, providing an additional layer of protection.
The treatment process involves placing the 2x2 timber in a sealed cylinder, where the Tanalith E solution is forced into the wood under high pressure. This ensures deep penetration of the preservative, providing long-lasting protection throughout the entire piece of timber.
Frequently Asked 2x2 Questions
Is It Possible To Paint Timber 2x2?
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 to 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.
What Is 2x2 Timber Regularising?
Here at Materials Market, all our timber (including our 2x2 wood) is treated with preservatives, kiln dried, and then planed all round to give it eased edges that make it easier to handle (regularised).
Planing is a process in which the timber is sanded down to achieve a smooth finish, banishing imperfections and making it suitable for aesthetic use within a building or furniture building.
Can I Cut 50x50 Timber 2x2 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 difficult to cut 2 x 2 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.
How Much Does 2x2 Treated Timber Cost?
Treated timber is a very common and, therefore, relatively inexpensive building material. We offer cheap 2 x 2 timber through our online site. If you wish to purchase a bulk quantity, please reach out to our customer service team, who will be happy to give you a bespoke quotation.
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