Different types of timber treatment

Timber treatment: an attractive and cost-effective method to protect your home and garden wooden fittings from damage and decay.

Timber treatment is essential for
a long life of wooden materials

There are numerous benefits in maintaining the quality of wooden structures or furniture that are an integral part of your home décor. Not only does the material conjure a natural and warming impression to the eye, creating a soothing and fresh atmosphere for guests and visitors but its low-key effect means you can adapt your own interior design style around any fittings or household items you might have. Unfortunately in Britain wet weather is a guarantee, which means outdoor timber is going to get soaked from time to time, and indoor wooden fittings perhaps damp at the very least.

Different methods for timber treatment

Luckily, timber treatment is a simple and efficient technique by which you can extend the life of your wooden structures and increase their durability against insects, bacteria, rot and various forms of wooden fungi that can all cause softening, splintering and loss of strength in the material. There are a number of chemical or natural processes widely common that can be used for both residential or community buildings, and for a variety of different purposes; from garden posts, poles or fencing, wooden decking or framing or even your more precious wooden furniture – all can be protected against daily weathering and bugs with timber treatment. There are three primary methods to choose from – one of them will surely suit your personal home-improvement needs.

• Water-borne treatment: This method is popular due to its low cost and high availability; preservatives and insecticides are usually mixed with a water-based solvent and applied in a vacuum or pressure treatment facility to create a strong, protective layer on the surface of the timber, making it less susceptible to exterior damage. The treatment can, however, result in swelling, which increases the risks of internal twisting and splitting in the wood – a greater problem if you’re looking to make your decking or furniture that little extra-sturdy.
• Oil-borne treatment: A substantial layer of Linseed or Tung oil mixed with preservatives usually penetrates deeper into the wood than water-borne treatment, making for a longer-lasting and glossier finish to your timber structures, as well as acting as a drying agent and repelling water to prevent damp. Many oils do, however, give off strong, unpleasant odours – so make sure you shop around and aren’t hosting any parties or gatherings too soon after you have the fittings treated.
• Light Organic Solvent Preservative (LOSP’s): This method basically involves the use of white spirit as the solvent carrier and uses a mixture of insecticides and water-repellent chemicals that form a protective coating over the wooden product. This specialised treatment takes place in professional plants and is therefore a longer, more expensive choice than water or oil-based alternatives. LOSP is also unsuitable for wooden garden fittings that are going to come into contact with soil, although it usually results in a nice, dry finish to your timber.

Finding a timber treatment professional

A professional can give you best advice
and has the newest timber treatment methods

Timber treatment is always best completed by hiring a professional. You can check that prospective employees are fully competent by asking if they are members of the British Wood Preserving and Damp-Proofing Association (B.W.D.P.A), which has only recently split into two sub-divisions: the Property Care Association (P.C.A) and the Wood Protection Association (W.P.A). The latter of which will ensure your employee has access to a wide range of technical and administrative services that will help your project run smoothly. You could also ask to see proof your employee has obtained the Certified Surveyor in Remedial Treatment (C.R.S.T) qualification, which requires acute understanding of wood-problem diagnosis by examination – meaning they are probably more than up to the task. Once you have hired an expert be clear about which wooden structures in your home and garden need treating and which processes you would prefer – but don’t be wary of taking any professional advice on the matter either. Just be sure to draw up a contract to make sure you don’t end up over-budget.

Cost of timber treatment

Before you start the treatment you could even hire an independent surveyor, who will help you judge the amount of work that needs to be done and figure out an estimate – a significant portion of timber treatment can cost as much as £3000-4000, but this will depend on the processes you choose and how quickly you want it completed. Timber treatment comes with a variety of polishes, varnishes and finishes to choose from – leaving the rest of your home ready to be styled and redesigned in the fashion that best suits you.