Landscape & Urban Design Issue 55 2022 | Page 85

Ground Rules Specify Use Class 4 levels of preservative treatment – anything less and service life ,
Use a trusted treater who has third party accreditation of their operational quality management systems – such as the WPA Benchmark Scheme .
Be prepared to pay for quality – premium products incur higher costs but their inherent value is priceless when performance in the field is paramount .

You can rely on treated

timber in the garden

Image courtesy of Hoppings Softwood Products when you follow the simple for ground contact treated timbers :

Ground Rules Specify Use Class 4 levels of preservative treatment – anything less and service life ,

Preservative pressure treatment provides wood with added durability . However , it ’ s a mistake to assume that all pressure treated wood is the same – treatment levels should be tailored to the desired end use ( Use Classes ).
When ground contact timber is treated correctly to Use Class 4 , it is fit for purpose – evidence from WPA field trials supports this .
Several timber trade bodies are working together to help ensure that quality standards are assured across the timber supply chain – so whether you buy or sell treated timber you can rely on its performance , just follow the simple Ground Rules .
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 . structural safety and customer satisfaction will be compromised .

Use a trusted treater who has third party accreditation of their operational quality management systems – such as the WPA Benchmark Scheme .

Be prepared to pay for quality – premium products incur higher costs but their inherent value is priceless when performance in the field is paramount .

The Make Sure it ’ s 4 campaign is supported by :
Find a WPA Benchmark Approved treater :
www . thewpa . org . uk