Pressure Treated Timber vs Dip Treated Timber

Timber Treatment 

There are a number of different ways to treat ordinary timber to enhance it with added protection against rot and fungus. Two of the most common ways are pressure treatment and dip treatment, and in this article, we’re here to break down the differences between each of these processes, so you can decide which might be better for your garden projects. All of our sheds and garden storage products are guaranteed against rot through either pressure treatment or dip treatment. 

Treatment Process 

With the timber on pressure treated sheds, an anti-fungal preservative of copper combined with a co-biocide is forced into the timber under extreme pressure. This impregnated preservative protects against fungal decay, rot and insect attack. This can help save both time and money on re-treating your shed or garden storage every few years. 

It is worth noting that if the treated timber is cut, notched or drilled, a cut-end treatment should be applied to ensure the effectiveness of the pressure treatment. 

As the name suggests, the timber on dip treated sheds is dipped into an anti-fungal solution which is allowed to cure or dry on the board.

Cost 

Since the process of dip treating is quicker and requires less labour and stages than pressure treating, dip-treated timber products will often be sold at a more budget-friendly price to reflect this. 

Guarantee 

Pressure Treating provides a 15-year anti-rot guarantee, and Dip Treating provides a 10-year anti-rot guarantee. 

Colour Longevity and Staining 

Dip treated timber colour will fade over time, and a lot of manufacturers will suggest annual re-treatments in order to uphold their guarantee conditions. Dip treated timber should also be fully dried and matured before applying any stain or paint. 

Another method of ensuring the colour of dip treated timber is to isolate it from the ground with a Pressure Treated gravel board or similar base. 

Pressure treated timber is usually green tinged once first treated, but when settled will fade into a natural silver or honey brown to blend in with garden surroundings. It is unlikely to fade as fast as dip treated timber, and stains, paint and water repellent may be applied after purchase providing you follow the manufacturer's instructions. 

Both of these treatment methods have their own unique benefits depending on your project requirements. If you’re looking for a quality shed at a more affordable price, or if you like switching up the colour more frequently, dip treated timber might be a better choice. If you’re looking for longevity and low maintenance once your shed is installed, pressure treated timber might be the option for you.