Understanding Pressure Treatment of Timber: Enhancing Durability with Wolmanit® CX

As SDL Sawmills timber products are used in outdoor applications, ensuring their longevity and resistance to decay is crucial. At SDL Sawmills, we specialise in providing high-quality sawn timber products that undergo a thorough pressure treatment process. This blog explores how pressure treatment works, the significance of our fungi and rot-treating chemical Wolmanit®, and the differences between green and brown-treated timber.

The Pressure Treatment Process

Pressure treatment is a process that infuses timber with protective chemicals to enhance its durability and resistance to environmental factors. The steps involved in pressure treatment include:

1. Preparation: Timber is first cut and prepared for treatment. This includes drying the wood to the appropriate moisture content, and ensuring that the treatment chemicals can penetrate effectively.
2. Vacuum Chamber: The prepared timber is placed in a vacuum chamber, where air is removed to create a vacuum. This process opens the pores of the wood, allowing the treatment chemicals to penetrate deeply.
3. Chemical Infusion: Once the vacuum is established, our proprietary chemical, Wolmanit® CX, is introduced. Wolmanit® CX is specifically designed to protect timber from fungi and rot, ensuring that it remains durable and structurally sound in outdoor environments.
4. Pressure Application: The chamber is pressurised, forcing the Wolmanit® CX chemical into the wood fibres. This process ensures maximum absorption, providing lasting protection against decay and insect damage.
5. Curing: After the treatment, the timber is removed from the chamber and allowed to cure. This ensures that the chemicals bond effectively with the wood, enhancing its protective qualities.

The Benefits of Wolmanit® CX

Woolmatix is a specially formulated treating chemical that offers numerous advantages for timber products:

• Fungi and Rot Protection: Wolmanit® CX provides robust resistance against a variety of fungi and rot, extending the lifespan of timber products significantly.
• Environmentally Friendly: Our chemical is designed to be environmentally friendly, allowing customers to use treated timber without worrying about harmful chemicals leaching into the surrounding soil.
• Versatile Application: Wolmanit® CX is effective in a range of applications, making it ideal for use in garden beds, fences, and other outdoor structures.

Green vs. Brown Pressure-Treated Timber

When it comes to pressure-treated timber, SDL Sawmills offers two primary options: green and brown-treated timber. Understanding the differences between these treatments can help customers make informed decisions for their projects.

Green Pressure-Treated Timber

• Appearance: Green-treated timber has a natural green hue due to the chemicals used in the treatment process.
• Best For: It is ideal for projects where the timber will be painted or stained later, as the green colour can blend well with finishes.
• Applications: Commonly used in outdoor structures, such as garden beds, fences, and decking.

Brown Pressure-Treated Timber

• Appearance: Brown-treated timber has a rich, darker colour that provides a more finished look right out of the gate.
• Best For: This option is excellent for decorative applications where the timber’s natural beauty should be showcased, such as railings, posts, and landscape features.
• Applications: Perfect for visible outdoor structures, like rails and fencing, where aesthetics are a priority.

Which Is Best for Your Project?

The choice between green and brown pressure-treated timber ultimately depends on the specific needs of your project:

• Choose green-treated timber if you plan to paint or stain the wood to match your design preferences.
• Opt for brown-treated timber if you desire a natural, finished look that enhances the aesthetics of your outdoor space.

Why Pressure-Treated Timber Is the Better Option

Pressure-treated timber offers significant advantages over other untreated or alternative materials like plastic composites or untreated hardwoods:

1. Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to alternatives like composite decking or hardwoods, pressure-treated timber is a more affordable option while still providing excellent longevity and durability.
2. Longevity: Untreated wood, especially when exposed to outdoor conditions, is highly susceptible to rot, insect damage, and weathering. Pressure-treated timber with Wolmanit® CX extends the lifespan of the wood, providing protection for decades.
3. Sustainability: Pressure-treated wood is derived from sustainable sources, and the treatment process ensures less frequent replacement, reducing the overall environmental impact. This makes it a greener alternative compared to synthetic materials like plastic composites, which can have higher carbon footprints.
4. Ease of Maintenance: Unlike untreated wood, which requires constant maintenance to prevent damage, pressure-treated timber is low-maintenance. Once treated, it only needs minimal care, saving time and effort in the long run.
5. Versatility in Application: Pressure-treated timber can be used in a wide variety of outdoor projects, including fences, garden beds, pergolas, and posts. Its ability to resist decay makes it suitable for any project exposed to the elements.

Pressure treatment with Wolmanit® CX is a vital process that ensures the longevity and durability of timber products at SDL Sawmills. By offering both green and brown pressure-treated options, we provide our customers with choices that suit their unique project needs. For your next outdoor project, consider the benefits of pressure-treated timber and explore our range of products designed to stand the test of time.