Look for third-party accreditation of treatment - such as WPA Benchmark
DECKING
SURVEY SHOWS TREATED WOOD AWARENESS CAMPAIGN IS MAKING GOOD GROUND
In 2020 , mystery shopper research by the Wood Protection Association ( WPA ), confirmed suspicions of poor timber treatment knowledge in the timber supply chain – especially ground contact products . These results inspired our on-going Timber Treatment Awareness Campaign – Make sure it ’ s Use Class 4 . The latest survey shows key messages are getting through - but there ’ s still work to do !
In February , we repeated the original survey – questioning a selection of national and independent merchants and retail outlets , as well as looking at their websites .
Website information
In 2020 , ‘ Green treated ’ or just ‘ treated ’ was a common term . In 2023 we see progress , with 79 % displaying more detailed , accurate descriptions about timber treatment and Use Classes . This is an encouraging indication the on-line consumer , armed with greater understanding , will buy fit-forpurpose products .
Telephone results
In 2020 surveys , only 3 % were aware that ground contact requires a higher level of preservative protection . But in 2023 , 39 % cited the need to specify Use Class 4 ( UC4 ) without prompting .
There are still misunderstandings – some confused strength classes with treatment classes for example . For decking joists , which now need to be treated to a UC4 specification , many do not appreciate the need for this level of treatment . Flooring and roofing joists which are treated to a Use Class 2 specification , are often confused ( and sold ) for decking joists – but are clearly not suitable for external use .
Knowledge around timber treatment has grown significantly but there ’ s sometimes disparity between information on websites compared to advice from in-store personnel .
For detailed information about timber treatments , and how to find a WPA Benchmark Approved Treater go to our website - www . thewpa . org . uk / make-sure-it-s-4
Buying treated timber ?
Get it from a supplier you can trust
Look for third-party accreditation of treatment - such as WPA Benchmark
Find a WPA Approved Treater www . thewpa . org . uk
01977 558274 contact @ thewpa . org . uk
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