8x1 Treated Timber
(5 Products)8x1 timber serves a range of purposes, including joist trimming, fascia boards, soffits, boxing-in, and furniture framing. The section’s versatility allows adaptation to site requirements through cutting, planing, or profiling. This adaptability makes it suitable for both structural and non-structural roles, ensuring reliable integration into a wide variety of construction and joinery applications.
Understanding 8x1 Treated Timber
8x1 treated timber refers to sawn softwood boards nominally measuring 200mm x 25mm before planing, with actual finished dimensions typically around 195mm x 20mm depending on machining tolerance.
It is pressure-treated with preservative chemicals using vacuum and pressure processes to penetrate the wood cells, providing protection against fungal decay, rot, and wood-boring insects. This makes it suitable for outdoor or moisture-prone environments where untreated timber would deteriorate rapidly.
Treated timber in this section is commonly derived from responsibly sourced softwoods such as spruce (Picea abies), pine (Pinus sylvestris), or fir (Abies species), offering a balance between strength, workability, and cost-efficiency. The 8x1 size is ideal for applications where wide but relatively thin sections are required, such as cladding, fascias, formwork, or general joinery.
Treatment classes are typically applied to UC2 or UC3 use categories as defined by BS EN 335, ensuring protection suited to either internal use with occasional wetting or external use above ground. The boards are kiln-dried prior to treatment to optimise preservative absorption and stability during installation and service.
Material Range
- Standard Treated Softwood: Kiln-dried, planed or rough-sawn boards treated to UC2 or UC3, suitable for above-ground exterior use.
- Green-Treated Timber: Treated with copper-based preservatives giving a greenish appearance, suitable for exposed environments.
- Brown-Treated Timber: Coloured preservative option for aesthetic integration with existing timber finishes.
- Planed All Round (PAR) Sections: Smooth finished edges for visible applications or interior joinery.
- Rough Sawn Timber: Structural or concealed use where surface finish is not critical.
Key Features
- Preservative Protection: Pressure treatment resists rot, decay, and insect damage.
- Dimensional Stability: Kiln-dried for reduced movement and improved durability.
- Workability: Easily cut, drilled, and fixed with standard timber tools.
- Compatibility: Suitable with galvanised or stainless-steel fixings for corrosion resistance.
- Environmental Compliance: Often FSC or PEFC certified for sustainable sourcing.
- Weather Resistance: Maintains integrity in exposed, above-ground conditions.
- Versatility: Suitable for structural, decorative, and landscaping purposes.
Typical Applications
- Cladding: Provides durable exterior weatherboarding for sheds, outbuildings, and fences.
- Formwork: Used for shuttering and temporary concrete moulding.
- Fascia and Soffits: Serves as board material in roofline construction.
- Framing: Structural support in light timber framing and stud wall systems.
- Decking and Landscaping: Edge boards, fascias, and general garden joinery.
- Packaging and Crating: Strong, reusable component for timber packaging manufacture.
Specification & Standards
- BS EN 335: Defines use classes for timber protection against biological hazards.
- BS EN 351-1: Specifies requirements for preservative treatment processes and penetration levels.
- BS EN 599-1: Performance classification of preservative-treated timber for defined service conditions.
- BS 8417: Code of practice for preservation of timber by application of wood preservatives.
- FSC / PEFC Certification: Ensures timber is sourced from sustainably managed forests.
Related Materials and Construction Uses
Treated timber 8x1 integrates with a wide range of construction systems including decking structures, fencing, and cladding assemblies. It is compatible with galvanised steel fixings, bituminous membranes, damp-proof courses, and masonry interfaces.
Commonly used alongside sheet materials such as plywood or OSB for structural framing, it also pairs effectively with concrete or brickwork in landscape and garden structures. Where enhanced durability or moisture protection is needed, treated timber complements ground-contact timbers, posts, and sleepers within exterior frameworks.
Frequently Asked 8x1 Questions
What Treatment Class Is Used For 8x1 Treated Timber?
8x1 Treated Timber is typically treated to Use Class 2 or Use Class 3 in accordance with BS EN 335 and BS 8417, depending on whether it is intended for interior or exterior above-ground use.
Can 8x1 Treated Timber Be Used Outdoors?
Yes, when treated to Use Class 3, 8x1 Treated Timber is suitable for exterior above-ground applications such as cladding, fascia boards, and fencing. End cuts should be re-treated with a suitable preservative.
Is 8x1 Treated Timber Pressure Treated?
Yes, it is pressure treated using preservative chemicals forced deep into the wood fibres under pressure to provide long-term protection against fungal decay and insect attack.
Can 8x1 Treated Timber Be Painted Or Stained?
Yes, once fully dry, treated timber can be painted or stained with a suitable exterior-grade coating to enhance appearance and provide additional weather resistance.
What Type Of Wood Is Used For 8x1 Treated Timber?
It is typically produced from softwoods such as spruce, pine, or fir, which readily accept preservative treatment and provide good structural stability for general construction use.
How Should 8x1 Treated Timber Be Stored On Site?
Store timber flat, off the ground, and covered to protect from direct sunlight and rain. Adequate ventilation should be maintained to prevent warping or mould growth before installation.
Can 8x1 Treated Timber Be Cut Or Drilled?
Yes, it can be cut, drilled, or shaped using standard woodworking tools. Any cut or drilled surfaces should be re-treated with end-grain preservative to maintain protection integrity.
