Any timber product, whether it be fencing, sleepers, or landscape features that is in contact with the ground will almost certainly be exposed to moisture on an ongoing basis.  If left untreated this timber will quickly begin to decline in condition and start to rot.

There are numerous oils and preservatives available that can be used to treat the timber, most will need to be applied on a regular basis to ensure that a decent barrier is maintained between the moisture and the wood, most manufacturers will recommend at least an annual treatment.  This can be a laborious and time consuming process and is often dependent on the timber being dry at the outset.

Fencing Essentials would always recommend that pressure treated timber is used in any project where timber is exposed to the elements and where that timber is in contact with the ground, then when available, timber that has been treated to British Standard 8417 is used. 

Leading sawmill and timber product manufacturer, A J Chartlon & Sons Ltd, supply a range of products that meet the BS 8417 standard, these products make up their ' Longlast ' range.  Fencing Essentials would recommend timber from this range is used for any ground contact product because it meets the BS8417 requirements and as a result is guaranteed for 15 years.

Timber meeting the standard is described as 'Usage Class 4' or UC4 for short, look our for the logo, BS8417 or the reference 'UC4' when considering timber for garden projects.  To meet this standard the timber will have been prepared correctly, this may vary slightly between manufacturers, but for A J Charlton & Sons Ltd this means as follows:

• Species:  The Longlast range only uses Redwoods due to its natural durability.
• Drying:  By naturally air drying the timber to 28% moisture content, the pressure treatment is then absorbed and retained through the sapwood to the durable heartwood.
• Preparation:  layers of timber are separated by spacers to allow for consistent drying and treatment right through the pack.

Fencing Essentials suggests: " The A J Charlton and Sons Ltd - Longlast range is the correct choice to ensure a quality ground contact product is used.  Choosing the right product reduces lifetime costs.  A small premium reduces the very real risk of premature failure and expensive re-installation costs."

If you need more information or advice on the right choice of timber for your next fencing project then please do get in touch - we are here to help.