Timber Decking: What is Green-Treating?

The many practical and aesthetic qualities of timber means that the material is used for countless construction applications. One disadvantage of timber is that, as a natural and organic material, it can be susceptible to decay and damage due to a variety of factors including moisture, fungal growth and attack by wood-boring insects. This is a particular problem when it comes to timber decking.

Here at Greengate's, your local builders merchant, we supply green-treated decking components. In this edition of our blog, we'll explain how the green treatment process helps to produce decking components that are strongly resistant to the aforementioned decay and damage, allowing you to build decking structures that will reach their full potential when it comes to longevity and usability.

Green treated timber is referred to in a number of other ways such as 'tanalised' or 'pressure-treated' timber. Whatever the name used, the treatment process is the same.

The first step in the process involves placing raw, untreated timber into a special tank, which is then firmly sealed to create a strong vacuum. Treatment chemicals are then pumped into the tank. The vacuum inside the tank causes the treatment chemicals to be forced deeply into the pores of the timber. After this part of the process is completed, the tank is opened and the timber removed to allow it to dry completely.

The primary component of the chemicals used in the green treatment process is copper, which offers superb protection against rotting as well as giving the treated timber its distinctive green colour. Also included in the formula is a powerful biocide, helping to protect the treated timber from attack by insects, fungi, moss, lichens and algae.

Green treated timber decking components (boards, spindles, newel posts, hand-base rails and infill pieces) from Greengate's are supplied ready to use and do not require any further treatment. If you wish to further extend the service life of your timber decking then you can choose from the selection of wood stains and preservative treatments available to purchase from Greengate's, your local builders merchant.

Discover the full Greengate's collection of decking components and preservative treatments on our website.