When starting a new building or landscaping project, one of the most common materials you’ll come across is green treated timber. But is it worth using? Let’s break down what it is, its benefits, drawbacks, and where it’s most useful.
What is Green Treated Timber?
Green treated timber is softwood, part of our timber joinery & wood range, that has been pressure-treated with a preservative to help protect it from decay, insects, and moisture. The green colour comes from the copper-based preservatives used in the treatment process. Over time, this green tint may fade, but the protective benefits remain.
Pros of Green Treated Timber
- Long-Lasting Protection
Green treated timber is ideal for outdoor and ground-contact use because it resists rot, fungal attack, and insect damage. This makes it perfect for fencing, decking, garden structures, and other landscaping applications.
- Cost-Effective
Compared to naturally rot-resistant hardwoods, green treated timber is more affordable while still offering strong durability. For budget-conscious builds, it’s a smart choice.
- Versatile and Easy to Work With
It’s available in a wide range of sizes and cuts, making it suitable for many different types of projects. It’s also easy to cut, drill, and fix.
- Treated for Safety
At Harlow Bros, all of our pressure-treated timber is treated on-site to ensure deep preservative penetration. This enhances protection and makes it a reliable option for outdoor use.
Cons of Green Treated Timber
- Not Ideal for Indoor Use
Because of the chemicals used, green treated timber isn’t recommended for indoor applications unless specified. It’s best kept for outdoor or uninhabited areas.
- Surface Finish
It may not have the same clean look as kiln-dried planed timber used in interior joinery. The green stain can affect how paints or stains appear if you're aiming for a specific finish.
- Moisture Content
Standard green treated timber may have a higher moisture content if not kiln-dried after treatment. However, at Harlow Bros, we supply kiln-dried and regularised timber that reduces this issue, making our green treated options more stable and easier to handle.
Best Uses for Green Treated Timber
Fencing and fence posts
Decking subframes
Garden sleepers and raised beds
Sheds and outbuildings
General landscaping
Conclusion
Green treated timber is a solid investment for most outdoor and ground-contact projects. Its durability, cost-effectiveness, and wide availability make it a practical choice. At Harlow Bros, we supply high-quality building grade timber such as our, green treated timber, making your project safer and more durable from the start.