What's The Difference Between Treated Timber And Non-Treated Timber?

Simply put, untreated timber is as it sounds; it is not treated with preservatives or chemicals. This makes it a more "natural" solution. Treated timber, on the other hand, is treated with chemicals and preservatives to make it last longer and protect it from rot, wear, and pests. Our treated timber is pressure treated using tanalith e, producing tanalised timber. Dried Timber has been dried to specifically reduce moisture content. 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.

What Does Pressure Treated Mean?

Pressure-treating wood is a process which impregnates timber's cellular structure with preservative chemicals. This process typically incorporates copper and organic co-biocides, which help to repel both insects and moisture.

Sawn timber is wood that has been cut to the required dimensions but hasn't yet been pressure treated and kiln dried. Pressure-treated timber, otherwise known as tanalised timber (due to the Tanalith E wood preservative that impregnates the wood) provides many benefits, such as resistance to the elements.

Am I Able To Cut Treated Timber To My Preferred Size?

Yes, it is possible to cut treated timber, provided that you have all the appropriate power tools, eye protection, and a respirator to hand before cracking on. Donning the correct PPE is essential as the cutting process releases tiny airborne particles of wood, possibly impregnated with the chemicals used in pressure-treating.Treated wood also cuts a little more like wet wood so some extra care should be afforded to ensure the blade doesn’t slip while cutting.