Landscape and Urban Design Issue 45 2020 | Page 59

Is your ground contact timber fit for purpose? British and European Standards group the applications for timber products into a series of Use Classes. The Use Class system tells a wood treater just how much preservative protection is required for every application. Use Class 4 is for timber products installed in contact with or very close to the ground and frequently wet. Typical Use Class 4 applications include: Fence posts, retaining walls, landscaping timbers, playground equipment, decking posts, decking joists, boardwalk substructures and any external application where structural integrity is essential for user safety. Always make sure the treated wood you buy or sell is fit for purpose. And if it’s going anywhere near the ground: Make sure it’s Use Class 4 treated. Anything less and service life, structural safety and customer satisfaction will be compromised. To find out more about wood preservation, Use Classes or find suppliers of treated timber certificated under the independent WPA Benchmark quality approval scheme, visit: www.thewpa.org.uk or give us a call. [email protected] 01977 558274 The Make Sure it’s 4 campaign is endorsed by: www.thewpa.org.uk The WPA champions the use of building with wood. We influence, develop and promote the technical and quality standards that enhance its performance and value as a sustainable building resource for the future. WOOD: designed by nature, protected by innovation.