Wood is the perfect material for your shed, workshop or summerhouse, subtly blending in with its natural surroundings whilst offering unparalleled flexibility and durability in construction. However, even the most hardy of woods is subject to weathering, decay and rot. That’s why at Ace Sheds we make sure we only provide our customers with the highest quality pressure treated sheds. Creating the perfect garden shed or workshop is the result of a lot of time and planning, therefore you want to make sure it will hold up to whatever the British weather or wildlife throws at it. Our methods are tried and tested to ensure your new garden structure will last for many years to come.
All of our 100% pressure treated sheds and buildings are manufactured from quality tongue & grooved redwood (not cheaper rebated cladding) all of which are secured to 47 x 35mm battens with rust-resistant stainless steel ring nails. Tongue & grooved roofs and floors are standard in all of our garden shed designs along with high-quality ironmongery and green mineral felt. We specialise in bespoke, custom-made timber buildings, from style, size and fixtures to treatment and security options, a garden shed is your unique creation.
What is pressure treated timber?
Pressure treated timber is timber which has been penetrated with wood preservative to enhance protection in terms of the prevention of rot, decay and insect and fungal attack. If timber is left untreated, the quality can deteriorate rapidly over time as a result of exposure to the elements of weathering and moisture. By penetrating timber with wood preservatives in controlled conditions, the quality, longevity and durability of your garden shed is extended and limits the time required for upkeep and maintenance of your timber building.
What is tanalised timber?
Tanalised timber is often used as a term to describe treated timber which has been permeated with wood preservative. However, tanalised is actually a brand name or trademark, similarly to how people often refer to the vacuum as a Hoover. For example, pressure treatment is the process in which Tanalith E (the wood preservative) is used to enhance the protection and quality of timber for many years to come.
What is the importance of wood preservative?
The primary goal of wood preservative is to increase the lifespan of your timber. It is important to treat or buy a pressure treated shed to protect the timber from fungi and insects, and rot and decay. These problems are often caused as a result of weathering and will undoubtedly deteriorate the quality and durability of your garden shed.
Preservation and protection of your garden shed using wood preservative is key to maximising longevity and functionality.
How long does pressure treated wood last?
Pressure treated wood is designed to last until the eventual end use of your timber building. With general maintenance and upkeep of your garden shed, there is no reason for the timber not to retain its quality and functionality year-after-year. Although not always necessary, a water repellent can be added after treatment to enhance protection from water penetration and moisture build up.
Wood preservatives injected into the timber are likely to cause colour variations due to natural variability. The colour is likely to fade over time as a result of external exposure and the weathering process, however, this does not indicate that there has been any loss of preservative nor does it reflect any deficiencies with the protection process. Coating products can be used in the future if you wish to refresh the colour of your shed.
Pressure treated wood hazards?
Pressure treated timber is used for many purposes including interior and exterior construction. Mostly commonly used externally, this could include garden sheds, fences, decking and outbuildings. Pressure treated timber should never be burnt, and needs to be professionally disposed of due to the toxic chemicals which are released as a result of burning.
How to tell if wood is pressure treated
It is often possible to tell if the wood has been pressure treated due to its appearance. For example, pressure treated wood is usually an olive-green colour in nature. However, over time this colour will weather to a warm, honey brown and eventually to a silver-grey making it hard to distinguish weather treatment has occurred or not.
Smell can also be an indicator of whether the timber is treated. For example, a treated shed would usually give off an oily smell, whereas a natural wooded scent would suggest treated hasn’t occurred.
If you’re still unsure whether your timber is treated and need to dispose of your timber, it is always recommended that you take extra precaution and ensure disposal is professional and safe.
Is pressure treated wood waterproof?
Pressure treated wood offers protection from rot, decay and insect attack, however if is not waterproof. We recommended using a water repellent or waterproof coating to facilitate the protection from water penetration and moisture build up. Allow your pressure treated garden shed to weather (approximately 2 to 3 months) prior to adding a water repellent. Once weathered slightly, add a repellent annually to maintain protection.
Does pressure treated wood need to be sealed?
Whether pressure treated wood is sealed is personal preference. Many customers go on to stain or paint their timber garden sheds to enhance the colour, however this isn’t essential and won’t necessarily aid the prevention of weathering.
Our Pressure Treatment Process
Pressure treated timber is renowned for its durability, colour and quality. All our sheds are treated with the industry leading wood preservative to ensure your garden structure remains robust and attractive throughout its long life-span. Using a combination of copper and organic biocide ingredients the special formulation ensures protection against wood decay and pest attacks. Pressure treated sheds are in hot demand due to both the look of the final product and the protection the treatment affords the structure. Wood treated simply with preservative will turn a pleasant honey brown colour over time, blending beautifully with your surrounding garden. Further painting or staining will not impact the effectiveness of the treatment but does allow for further customisation of your garden building.
