Tanalised timber, also known as pressure-treated timber, is a highly valued material within the construction industry. This is because using tanalised timber makes your outdoor project – whether it’s a shed, decking area, or fencing – much more resistant to the elements and last longer.
If you’ve been thinking about using tanalised timber for your next outdoor project, keep reading because in this blog, we explain everything you need to know about this treated wood. From what it is, how it’s made, and what you can use it for, you’ll have a better understanding of this material and discover the benefits it can bring to your next project.
What is tanalised timber?
Tanalised timber is a type of timber that has undergone a specialised pressure treatment with a preservative solution. The process involves forcing a preservative chemical called ‘Tanalith’ deep into the wood’s pores, providing it with long-lasting protection against various damaging elements.
By treating the timber with this specific chemical mixture, not only does it increase the wood’s lifespan, but it also becomes significantly better equipped to withstand harsh weather conditions. It’s also much more robust against common wood damage including insect infestations and fungal decay and rot.
This is what makes tanalised timber an ideal choice for outdoor projects where longevity and durability is needed. Some of the most common uses of tanalised timber include:
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Fence posts – a popular choice for fence posts due to its resistance to rot and decay when in contact with the ground.
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Decking – it makes for another excellent option for decking, offering longevity even with exposure to the elements.
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Carcassing-47 – used mainly in the construction of timber-framed buildings, tanalised timber ensures structural integrity and longevity.
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Landscaping – a top choice for landscaping features like retaining walls and garden structures.
How is tanalised timber made?
The process of tanalising timber starts with taking a softwood like pine or spruce, and drying it out to ensure it reaches the correct moisture content. Once it’s dried out, the timber is placed in a large tank where air is vacuumed from the wood’s cells, effectively creating space for the Tanalith preservative solution to be deeply absorbed into the wood.
After the air has been removed, the tank is depressurised, which allows for the preservative solution to permeate deep into the wood’s structure to ensure maximum protection for a longer lifespan.
The preservative solution used, Tanalith, features two main chemicals including copper, which acts as the primary preservative to prevent fungal and insect attacks, and a biocide, which further strengthens the wood’s resistance against a wide spectrum of destructive organisms.
How long will tanalised timber last?
One of the biggest benefits of tanalised timber is its impressive longevity. The pressure treatment process plays a huge role in enhancing the wood’s lifespan, giving it exceptional durability and allowing it to withstand numerous damaging elements, such as rot, decay, insect infestation, and harsh weather conditions, for several decades.
The exact lifespan will vary depending on factors like the type of wood used, the level of treatment, and the local climate you live in. However, typically you can expect tanalised timber to last for 30 years without needing any additional treatment.
It’s this longevity that makes tanalised timber the go-to choice for many, as it gives them peace of mind that their outdoor project will have long-lasting performance.
Can I paint or stain tanalised timber?
While tanalised timber already boasts longevity as well as a natural appearance, you might want to paint or stain the wood to meet a particular aesthetic you’d like or further enhance its lifespan.
The good news is that painting or staining tanalised timber poses no problems, however there are a few factors to consider before you paint or stain the wood:
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Wait for the timber to be completely dry before applying your treatment as this will avoid any peeling.
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Be sure you prepare the surface of the wood so you can better apply your treatment and avoid an uneven finish.
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Choose a treatment, stain, or paint that is compatible with the timber so it doesn’t lead to premature deterioration.
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If you want to add a couple of coats of treatment, make sure you allow the timber to weather for a few months in between coats so the wood can breathe, climatise to the environment, and the treatment chemicals can fully cure.
Get a quote from us today
As you can see, tanalised timber offers exceptional durability and longevity for various outdoor projects. Whether you’re looking to build a new shed, decking area, or fencing, tanalised timber proves to be a reliable and long-lasting material to opt for.
Here at JTD Building Supplies, we offer a wide range of tanalised timber for all your landscaping needs including posts, railway sleepers, palings, and much more. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today to discuss your needs in more detail and to receive a tailored, competitive quote.
Tanalised timber FAQs
What are the benefits of using tanalised timber over untreated timber?
As we’ve mentioned above, tanalised timber provides excellent protection against numerous elements such as insect attacks, rot, and decay. It also stands up well in extreme weather conditions, making it much more durable and long-lasting than untreated timber.
Are there any specific maintenance requirements for tanalised timber products?
The beauty of tanalised timber is that it requires minimal maintenance. Cleaning with fresh water is usually sufficient as the specialist preservation treatment will continue to protect the wood for many years to come.
Can tanalised timber be used for both indoor and outdoor projects?
Tanalised timber is generally only recommended for use on outdoor projects, mainly due to its high resilience to extreme weather conditions and other elements such as rot and decay.
