3x2 Timber Treated
(6 Products)3x2 Sawn Treated Timber provides a robust, structural solution for external and internal framing projects where enhanced biological resistance is required. These pressure-treated lengths are specifically dimensioned for heavy-duty applications, offering reliable performance across various landscaping, roofing, and general construction frameworks.
Understanding 3x2 Sawn Treated Timber
3x2 Sawn Treated Timber is a fundamental structural component, prized for its strength-to-weight ratio and its ability to withstand the elements. Unlike untreated timber, these lengths undergo a high-pressure preservative treatment process. This deep penetration of antifungal and anti-insect chemicals ensures the timber remains protected against rot and fungal decay, making it essential for use in damp environments or where the wood is in close proximity to the ground.
The surface of this timber is typically sawn rather than planed, providing a textured finish that is ideal for structural applications where grip and mechanical fixing are prioritised over aesthetic smoothness. While the nominal size is 3x2 inches, the finished dimensions (typically 47mm x 75mm) are standardised to ensure consistency across large-scale builds. This material is specifically selected for its durability in load-bearing scenarios that require long-term resilience.
For internal partition walling where a smoother, planed finish is required, 3x2 CLS timber is often preferred, though sawn treated timber remains the primary choice for any application exposed to moisture or requiring a more rugged profile.
Material Range
- Individual 3x2 Treated Lengths: High-quality, pressure-treated timber available in specific lengths of 3m, 3.6m, and 4.8m to suit various span requirements and reduce onsite waste.
- Bulk 3x2 Timber Packs: Commercial-scale quantities provided in packs of 154 lengths, ensuring cost-effective procurement and consistent material grading for large-scale developments.
Performance Benefits
- Preservative Treatment: Vacuum-pressure treated to protect against wood-boring insects and fungal attacks, extending the service life of the structure.
- Structural Integrity: Sawn to provide reliable load-bearing capabilities for framing and support systems.
- Standardised Dimensions: Consistent 47mm x 75mm profiles across all lengths allow for accurate calculation of centers and joist spacing.
Typical Applications
- External Framing: Creating the primary skeleton for outbuildings, sheds, and pergolas.
- Roofing Support: Used as rafters or purlins in smaller domestic structures.
- Garden Landscaping: Construction of raised beds or as supporting joists for timber decking.
- Wall Studwork: Forming the internal wall stud framework for partitions in areas where moisture resistance is a priority.
Specification & Standards
- BS EN 14081-1: Timber structures and strength-graded structural timber with rectangular cross-sections.
- BS EN 335: Durability of wood and wood-based products, specifically regarding use classes in treated timber.
- BS EN 351-1: Durability of wood and wood-based products, focusing on the penetration and retention of preservatives.
Related Materials and Construction Uses
3x2 Sawn Treated Timber is frequently integrated with other essential building components to create complete structural systems. In flooring and roofing applications, it is used in conjunction with breathable membranes and vapour control layers to manage moisture effectively. For secure installations, it is fastened using galvanised or stainless steel hardware to prevent corrosion from the preservative chemicals. In framing scenarios, these lengths often serve as the primary support for OSB or plywood sheathing, providing a stable substrate for various external cladding or internal lining materials.
Frequently Asked 3x2 Questions
What Is 3x2 Timber In "mm"?
- Nominal Size: 47mm x 75mm.
- Finished Size: 45mm x 70mm.
Is It Possible To Paint 3x2 Treated Timber?
It is both possible and desirable to paint treated timber but there are just a few considerations which are worth mentioning.
When treated timber is delivered, it is still wet. This means that the chemicals used in the pressure treatment will not have had the opportunity to dry and it is therefore not advisable to paint it straight away.
A few weeks should be enough to allow for it to dry, provided there are optimum drying conditions. The treated timber should be stored in a warm and dry place, but not somewhere that is too hot and sunny or the wood may bevel and warp, which is far from ideal.
If you try to add paint or primer to the treated wood before it has had the necessary time to dry, it just won't work. The chemicals within the wood will repel the paint or primer. It is worth waiting the necessary time before using treated wood in this way, in order to avoid problems.
Is It Easy To Saw 47x75 Timber To My Preferred Size?
Treated wood can be readily cut to the dimensions required in your project, however, this should only be done with the right equipment, eye protection, and a respirator since 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.
How Much Does 3x2 Timber Cost?
Timber is popular and plentiful, so is a relatively inexpensive building material. However, timber prices are prone to fluctuation depending on supply levels, so it is always best to reach out to us if you have a large quantity so that we can price your requirement accordingly.

