DECKING
SOURCING FIT FOR PURPOSE LANDSCAPING TIMBERS
The Wood Protection Association ( WPA ) prides itself on being recognised as an authoritative and independent trade body . With experience and knowledge to speak about and advise on all matters concerning the industrial treatment of timber – through preservation , wood modification or factory applied flame retardants . Established for many years , it has always been our mission to provide guidance to specifiers , contractors , engineers and architects on the best ways to ensure wood is fit for its intended purpose .
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 .
Commonly used , sustainable softwood species are not durable enough for outdoor use unless correctly treated with
a wood preservative ( or upgraded using a modification process ). BS 8417 the British Standard for industrial wood preservation . But navigating your way to correctly treated timber is far from easy which is where WPA ’ s Benchmark quality scheme comes in .
Finding a supplier you can trust
The ‘ WPA Benchmark ’ quality scheme verifies that a treated wood product like fencing or decking has been correctly treated to achieve the 15 or 30-years desired service life performance set in BS 8417 . Treaters must pass an initial verification audit and subsequent annual surveillance audits , providing evidence to demonstrate they are treating correctly to industry standards .
The scheme is further strengthened by the WPA ‘ Approval Scheme for Wood Preservatives ’ which offers independent expert approval of the minimum preservative retention required to work in ground applications .
The schemes are designed to give purchasers greater confidence when sourcing preservative treated wood components .
Visit www . thewpa . org for more information .
When buying pressure treated timber ask your supplier to declare , in writing , the standard of treatment . Even better , ask for Benchmark accredited treated timber .
Buying treated timber ?
Get it from a supplier you can trust
Olympic Stadium , Stamco Hoppings
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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