How to Tell if Timber Is Treated

How to Tell if Timber Is Treated

Treated Timber from MSS Timber

Timber is a versatile material, but knowing whether it’s treated is crucial for ensuring it’s suitable for your project. 

Treated timber is infused with preservatives to protect it from moisture, rot and insect damage, making it ideal for outdoor or high-moisture environments. However, if you’ve come across timber and aren’t sure if it’s treated, here are some quick ways to tell.

Signs That Timber Is Treated

    1.    Colouration

Treated timber often has a greenish or brown tint due to the preservatives used during the treatment process. Over time, the colour may fade, but you can still spot subtle discolouration compared to untreated wood.

    2.    Surface Texture

Treated timber may feel slightly rougher or grainier than untreated wood. The treatment process sometimes leaves salt-like residue on the surface, particularly with pressure-treated wood.

    3.    Stamp or Markings

Many treated timbers are stamped with marks or labels indicating the type of treatment applied. Look for stamps like “Tanalised,” “CCA” or “Pressure Treated.”

    4.    Odour

Treated timber often has a chemical smell due to the preservatives. If your timber has no noticeable scent, it’s likely untreated.

    5.    Test with Water

Treated timber is often more water-resistant than untreated wood. Sprinkle a small amount of water on the surface—if it beads up instead of soaking in, the timber might be treated.

Buy Treated Timber at MSS Timber

At MSS Timber, you can rest assured that our treated timber is labelled and specifically supplied for projects requiring extra durability. For indoor applications, like our CLS timber, we supply untreated timber, perfect for stud walls and framing.

Conclusion

Identifying treated timber is simple once you know what to look for. Whether you’re working with old timber or starting a new project, knowing the difference ensures you choose the right materials.

Need high-quality timber for your project? Visit MSS Timber for a wide range of treated and untreated timber products, or contact us for expert advice!