It is only natural that if you are constructing a raised bed, sandpit or building a kids climbing frame you might wonder if treated timber is safe to use? The internet is filled with contradictory advice, most of which revolves around a treatment that was frequently used in the past.
What is the purpose of treating timber?
Exterior Wood – This wood is treated to resist:
Rot and fungal decay
Insect attack
Ventilation problems (often around timber close to the ground)
Moisture penetration
Most softwoods found in UK gardens are treated, and without treatment they would degrade much more quickly.
Crucial: not all timber treatment is equal
“Treated” is a broad term. Various processes and chemicals are used for various end uses (e.g. fencing, decking frames or structural timber). That is why the best course of action would be to select treated lumber as appropriate and place a barrier where it touches soil.
How to use treated timber: Raised beds
The main issue with treated timber in raised beds is being in contact (in the long term) with moist soil.
Practical steps that help:
Line the inside of the bed with a suitable membrane (to minimise contact between soil and the wood)
Elevate wood from flat areas (and they gain even more value through good dry drainage)
Also, check what it is treated with if you are growing anything edible; a good timber merchant will have the details and know if this type of wood has been used in garden projects before. For Timber Merchants Southampton, visit Timbco.
Children’s play areas: splinters, fixings and finishes
If you will be using your timber a lot, for play equipment or regularly touched areas then the build quality of it is just as important in terms of safety.
Sand sides and make edges to prevent splinters
Install outdoor-grade, corrosion resistant fasteners
Stay away from rough-sawn surfaces where hands will grip
Use a child safe outer surface as necessary and replace it
When to consider alternatives
However, if you would like to avoid any treatment concerns at all, why not look for naturally durable timber choices or designs that will keep the timber out of constant soil contact.
The takeaway
UK garden owners are most widely using treated wood from Timber Merchants Southampton as it is much more long lasting in the open air. The best practice for raised beds and kids play areas is to select the appropriate treated timber, prevent direct skin contact of soil or dust with a liner or geotextile barrier, coat cut ends in sealant before fixing together, and use finishes that are not roughcast.
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