DECKING
GROWING CONFIDENCE IN PRESERVATIVE
TREATED TIMBER
WITH WPA BENCHMARK
Do you know the difference between a deck joist and a floor joist ? The truth is they look the same . But , whilst one piece of preservative treated wood may look like any other , the level of protection could be very different .
British Standards require timber treatment processes are tailored to the timber component ’ s end use . A floor or roof joist will not be treated to a level durable enough for outdoor purposes .
Nowhere is the fitness for purpose of treated wood more important than for applications in contact with the ground , frequently wet and / or providing exterior structural support - categorised as Use Class 4 ( UC4 ).
Typical UC4 applications include : fence posts , retaining walls , landscaping timbers , playground equipment , decking posts , joists and beams , boardwalk substructures and any external application where structural integrity is essential for user safety .
After 2 years of their ‘ Make Sure it ’ s 4 ’ campaign , independent trade body , the Wood Protection Association ( WPA ) is beginning to
The timber treatment plant at Bond Timber – WPA Benchmark Approved Treaters with Approved Product status ( specific fence post ranges ).
see a greater awareness of timber treatment across the supply chain . Supported by industry organisations including the Timber Decking & Cladding Association ( TDCA ), the campaign focusses on differentiating between interior and exterior applications and in particular , ground contact timber . Knowledge of when to specify Use Class 4 has grown significantly – and there ’ s more UC4 products for sale . But as a buyer how can you be sure you are getting what you pay for ? evidence to demonstrate they are treating correctly to industry standards . Compliant companies are awarded WPA Benchmark Approved Treater accreditation .
An Approved Treater may then also obtain the accreditation of WPA Benchmark Approved Product . This covers treated wood product lines which demonstrate through analysis , that the correct penetration and retention of preservative is consistently achieved .
Finding a supplier you can trust
That ’ s where WPA Benchmark quality accreditation fits in . The scheme is designed to give purchasers greater confidence when sourcing preservative treated wood components .
Treaters must pass an initial verification audit and subsequent annual surveillance audits , providing
So look out for WPA Benchmark badge when you next source your decking and landscaping timbers , or ask for third-party quality accreditation .
To discover more about the work of the WPA or source a WPA
Benchmark Approved Treater , visit : www . thewpa . org . uk
44 www . landud . co . uk Follow us @ ludmagazine