2x2 Timber Treated
(4 Products)
2x2 treated timber – or 50mmx50mm in metric size – is one of the cornerstones of the building trade. This non-structural timber has been sawn to the required length and pressure treated with substances to attempt to prevent fungal or insect attack. Here at Materials Market, we supply 2x2 sawn timber that comes in 3m and 3.6m lengths which can be cut or sawn to whichever length is required for the individual project.
Find Out More About Our Types of 2x2
What is 2x2 Timber?
2 x 2 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 3m and 3.6m lengths for use in a wide range of building applications.
Here at Materials Market, all our timber is treated with preservatives, kiln dried, and then planed all round to give it eased edges that make it easier to handle. 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.
Timber comes in various lengths and sizes, and is regularised to ensure that dimensions are consistent within ranges.
What Is 2x2 Wood Used For?
2x2 wood is an incredibly versatile structural building material that is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, thanks to the sealing and treating of the timber. 50x50 treated timber can be used in all manner of different ways including in both flooring and roofing; its uses are as varied as the imagination of the architects and builders using it in their projects.
A few examples of how 2 x 2 treated timber can be used are:
- In roof and flooring joists
- As part of a building structure's timber frame
- Outdoor decking (due to its durability and moisture resistance)
- Outdoor frames and pergolas
- Fencing
- Garden sheds and garden furniture
Check all component dimensions and any other details are correct prior to any work on site.
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 2x2 Questions
Is It Possible To Paint 2x2 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 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.
Is It Easy To Cut 50x50 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 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 50x50 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 very large bulk quantity, please reach out to our customer service team who will be happy to give you a bespoke quotation.
Is 50x50 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.
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