There are many benefits associated with opting to DIY your outdoor projects. Not only will you save money on labour costs, but you’ll learn new skills or put existing ones into practice. In addition to this, you get to choose the exact materials you want for each aspect of the project. This makes creating a custom project easier than ever. 

With this in mind, many local DIYers opt to use quality timber from their local home improvement centres to create projects that range from outdoor decks to garden sheds. When opting for timber as your primary material, experts recommend always choosing treated varieties. This post takes a closer look at the benefits of doing this. 

What is Treated Timber?

In Australia, treated timber refers to wood that has been chemically treated with specialised preservatives to safeguard it from mould, fungi, decay, and especially insects. This not only makes the wood more durable for outdoor applications but also reduces the likelihood of wood-boring insects nesting in or eating through your timber project. 

This is especially crucial since Australia has about 350 species of termites and wood-boring insects, which are attracted to the cellulose found naturally in timber. Not treating timber puts your project and property at a higher risk of insect infestation. 

To avoid this, quality Australian timber is usually treated with copper chrome arsenate (CCA), boron, Light Organic Solvent Preservative (LOSP), as well as a range of synthetic pyrethroids such as those used in Blue Pine. Experts recommend choosing the right treatment for your timber based on the following criteria:

  • Whether or not your timber project will have in-ground contact
  • Moisture and humidity levels in the area
  • Type of indoor usage

Pre-Treated Timber is Always a Good Idea.

When you’re getting ready to design and plan your outdoor project, you’ll be looking for materials that are both durable and long-lasting. In addition to strong craftsmanship, you should get your outdoor craftsmanship off to a good start by investing in quality, pre-treated timber. Our DIY experts have compiled a list of the top benefits you can expect. 

  1. Offers Maximum Durability

The number one reason experts and beginner DIY enthusiasts are opting for pre-treated timber, such as pine sleepers, is that these products offer longevity and durability. Constant exposure to the harsh Australian climate can seriously degrade your timber in a short time if it’s not treated properly.

The chemicals used in the pre-treatment process can significantly enhance your timber in the following ways:

  • Specialised chemicals penetrate the timber’s fibres, which in turn prevents mould and insect infestation. 
  • Treated wood creates a barrier that keeps out moisture, which minimises splitting and warping.
  • The structural integrity of the timber is maintained, no matter how harsh the weather conditions. 
  1. Highly Versatile

Another huge positive of using pre-treated timber is that options such as pinewood are versatile enough to be used for just about every type of outdoor application. Some of the more common uses of this type of timber include the following:

  • Fencing
  • Decking 
  • Furniture for your outdoor entertainment area
  • Garden beds and retaining walls
  • Walkways, garden steps, and stepping stones
  1. Low-Maintenance is Key

First-time DIYers will soon discover that using untreated wood comes with a lot of after-the-fact maintenance. Depending on the type of wood selected and the nature of the project, you may have to do frequent repairs and sealing to ensure that your project stays functional and durable. 

Fortunately, you won’t have this hassle with pre-treated wood. Opting for quality timber that has been pre-treated for your specific project will ensure that your maintenance is reduced to the occasional cleaning. This can be done by sweeping, wiping, and washing where necessary. Over time, you should check for splits or minor cracks and do the necessary repairs or apply a protective sealant. 

  1. Affordable and Sustainable

Treated timber is highly recommended by experts because it’s more affordable than you may have anticipated. Options such as southern pine offer an excellent balance between initial cost and long-term durability. This makes these options ideal for all types of outdoor applications. 

Other key ways that using pre-treated timber will benefit your overall cost include the following:

  • Minimises replacement costs
  • Requires minimal maintenance when compared to untreated options
  • Offers a budget-friendly and superior alternative to traditional hardwoods
  • Projects can be recycled into other projects over time (repurposing your decks into planter boxes, fences, or walkways)

Final Thoughts

Using treated timber should be a no-brainer for all your DIY projects. Whether you’re building a garden shed or applying decorative cladding in the interior of your home, treated timber should always be your first choice. 

Fortunately, you can easily buy pre-treated timber from your local garden and home improvement centre. This not only saves you the hassle of having to treat it yourself but also ensures the durability of the timber used. Creating the perfect DIY project just got a whole lot easier!