Treated timber for fencing projects
July 17, 2015
We are often asked what type of treated timber is required for a residential timber fence.
The most commonly purchased timbers for fencing projects are:
- CCA H3 Pine Palings & Colonial Pine Palings
- CCA H3 Pine Rails
- CCA H4 Pine Posts
- CCA H4 Hardwood Posts
- CCA H4 Pine Sleepers
- CCA H4 Hardwood Sleepers
So what do these “CCA” & “Hazard Class” Classifications mean?
The below guide assists in clarifying the Hazard Class & Suitable timbers for such projects:
Service Condition |
Hazard Level |
Possible Hazards Encountered |
Appropriate Applications |
Requirements for Hardwoods & Softwoods |
Outside |
H3
|
Moderate |
Fence palings & |
|
Outside |
H4 |
Severe decay conditions, borers & termites. |
Non critical applications such as fence posts, landscaping, garden walls & pergola posts. |
|
In-Ground |
H5 |
Very severe decay conditions, borers & termites. |
Critical applications such as house piles & posts, structural retaining walls, deck posts, poles, decking close to or on the ground & similar. |
|
For more information regarding “Natural Durability Class” & “Species Durability Ratings”
Timber Queensland - Outdoor Timber Performance
Resource: Timber Queensland
What is CCA Timber Treatment
CCA treated timber has been impregnated with Copper, Chromium and Arsenic salts.
CCA is impregnated into timber using a vacuum/pressure cycle & is designed to react with the wood cell components so that the active elements, copper (Cu), chromium (Cr) and arsenic (As) are fixed into the wood's structure.
These are chemical preservatives used to protect non-durable wood from rotting, fungal degrade, termites & other wood boring insects. The treatment is also resistant to leaching and therefore it can be used on timber that will be exposed to the elements or used in-ground.
Example of CCA H3 Treated Pine Palings.
Is it safe?
All treated timber manufactured by reputable companies & handled correctly is safe. CCA treated timber has been world-wide for more than 70 years without evidence of harm to human or environmental health.
Restrictions on sale of CCA preservative treated timber for some uses
Under an agreement that the timber industry has with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Chemical Authority (APVMA) timber treated with CCA before 7th June 2006 can continue to be sold for all applications.
The APVMA requires that after 7th June 2006, timber may not be treated with CCA preservative if it is to be used for certain uses and the timber industry has imposed voluntary restrictions on the sale of timber treated with CCA for certain uses.
Those uses are:
- Children's play equipment
- Garden furniture
- Picnic tables
- External seating
- Domestic decking boards or
- Handrails
In addition to these restrictions, CCA treated products must be individually and legibly marked with the words "Treated with copper chrome arsenate" to first point of use.
Example of Treatment labelling
Small CCA treated products don't have to be individually marked however the pack must be legibly marked with the words "Treated with copper chrome arsenate" to first point of use.
Small products are:
- Fence palings, battens and droppers
- Veneers
- Timber with a cross section of 1500mm2 and less (except light decking)
- Timber less than 15mm thick (except light decking)
- Timber less than 500mm long
Correct Timber Handling
Working with timber (treated or untreated) produces dust particles which can cause discomfort to skin, eyes & upper respiratory tracts. Therefore the protection of the hands, eyes, nose & mouth when sanding, sawing & planing is always highly recommended.
For more information refer to the following downloads:
Timber Queensland - Outdoor Timber Performance
Timber Queensland - Residential Timber Fences
Timbers Queensland - Recommendations for the use of Treated Pine Outdoors
Timbers Queensland - Timber Garden Walls (Retaining walls up to 1 Metre High)
Timber Queensland - Timber Retaining Walls for Residential Applications