Tanalised Treated Timber 47 x 200mm 4.8m – 8×2 Timber
Tanalised Treated Timber 47 x 200mm 4.8m is a substantial pressure-treated softwood section for building, landscaping and outdoor construction projects. It is commonly referred to as 8×2 timber, based on its traditional approximate imperial dimensions of 8 inches by 2 inches.
With a deep 200mm section and a practical 4.8-metre length, this timber is suitable for larger frameworks and other applications requiring a more substantial profile than common 4×2 or 6×2 timber.
The timber has undergone a controlled pressure-treatment process that helps protect it against fungal decay and wood-destroying insects. This additional protection makes it more suitable than untreated softwood for many external and exposed applications.
Product dimensions
The nominal product dimensions are:
- Metric section: 47mm x 200mm
- Common imperial name: 8×2 timber
- Length: 4.8m
- Material: Treated softwood
- Treatment: Pressure treated or tanalised
- Suitable for: Building, landscaping and outdoor projects
The term 8×2 is a traditional trade description rather than an exact conversion. Use the stated metric dimensions when planning, measuring and ordering materials for your project.
What is tanalised timber?
Tanalised timber is softwood that has been treated with wood preservative using a vacuum and pressure process. During production, the treatment is forced deeper into the timber than a standard brush-applied surface coating.
The preservative helps protect the wood against fungal decay and wood-destroying insects. This can extend its service life when it is correctly specified, installed and maintained in a suitable environment.
Pressure treatment does not make timber completely waterproof or prevent all weathering. Rain, sunlight, moisture and changes in temperature can still cause the wood to move, fade, develop surface checks or change in appearance.
Cutting, drilling or notching the timber exposes internal wood that may not have received the same level of treatment. Apply a compatible end-grain wood preservative to all newly exposed areas during installation.
Common uses for 8×2 treated timber
The 47 x 200mm section provides a substantial piece of timber for many outdoor and general construction projects. Its suitability will depend on the timber’s strength grade, treatment level and the design of the project.
Possible uses include:
- Outdoor timber frameworks
- Garden buildings and structures
- Landscaping projects
- Timber supports and bearers
- Agricultural and equestrian construction
- Raised landscape features
- External carpentry and joinery
- General building projects
- Bespoke garden features
- Repairing existing timber structures
- Load-bearing members where correctly graded
- Larger outdoor DIY projects
Where this timber will perform a structural function, confirm that it carries the correct strength classification. Tanalised timber should not automatically be assumed to be C16 or C24 unless the grade is specifically stated and marked on the product.
Required spans, loads, support spacing and connection details should be confirmed by a suitably competent person where structural performance is needed.
Benefits of pressure-treated timber
Softwood offers versatility and ease of handling, but untreated material can be vulnerable when exposed to damp or outdoor conditions. Pressure treatment improves the timber’s resistance to common biological causes of deterioration.
Key advantages include:
- Additional protection against fungal decay
- Protection against wood-destroying insects
- Greater durability than untreated softwood
- Suitable for many outdoor applications
- Useful for landscaping and garden construction
- Can be cut and worked with suitable tools
- Supplied ready for general external use
- Suitable for professional and DIY projects
The correct treatment or use class must still be selected for the intended environment. Timber used in direct ground contact or areas of persistent moisture may require a specific level of treatment.
Natural characteristics of timber
Timber is a natural material, so each length will have its own grain pattern, colour and appearance. Knots, resin pockets, minor splits and surface checking are common characteristics of softwood and are not automatically product defects.
The pressure-treatment process introduces moisture into the wood. As the timber dries, some natural shrinkage, twisting, bowing or cupping may occur. Correct storage, acclimatisation and installation can help manage this movement.
Newly treated timber may initially appear green or brown depending on the preservative system used. The colour will generally fade and weather over time after installation outdoors.
Treatment marks, surface moisture and differences in shade may also be present between individual lengths or manufacturing batches.
Important sizing information
Please note: Timber dimensions are nominal and may vary slightly due to machining, pressure treatment, moisture content and the natural movement of the wood.
The common name 8×2 is an approximate imperial description and does not guarantee exact finished dimensions. Customers requiring precise measurements should check the timber before installation or contact us to confirm the specification of the stock available.
Allow the timber to acclimatise where appropriate before completing work involving close-fitting joints or precise dimensions.
Cutting and installation
Use suitable woodworking tools with sharp blades when cutting or drilling the timber. Wear protective gloves, eye protection and appropriate respiratory protection when handling, sawing or sanding treated wood.
Complete cutting work in a well-ventilated area and avoid breathing timber dust. Sawdust and offcuts should be collected and disposed of responsibly. Treated timber must not be burned in domestic fires, wood-burning appliances or garden bonfires.
Apply a suitable end-grain preservative to every cut end, notch and drilled hole. Use corrosion-resistant fixings compatible with pressure-treated timber, particularly for external installations and moisture-prone areas.
Where the timber forms part of a load-bearing structure, all supports, connections and fixings should follow the approved drawings and specification.
Storage and maintenance
Store the timber flat, raised above the ground and supported at appropriate intervals. Protect it from prolonged saturation while providing enough ventilation for air to circulate around the lengths.
For visible outdoor applications, the timber may be coated with a compatible oil, stain or protective finish after it has dried sufficiently. Follow the coating manufacturer’s recommendations for surface preparation and moisture content.
Inspect external timber periodically and maintain it where required, paying particular attention to joints, cut ends and horizontal surfaces where water may collect.
Key benefits
- Substantial 47 x 200mm timber section
- Commonly known as 8×2 timber
- Supplied in a practical 4.8m length
- Pressure treated against decay and insects
- Suitable for outdoor and landscaping projects
- Useful for larger timber frameworks
- Can be cut to meet different project requirements
- More durable than untreated softwood
- Suitable for trade and DIY construction
- Versatile for general external building work
Tanalised Treated Timber 47 x 200mm 4.8m – 8×2 Timber provides a deep and versatile softwood section for outdoor construction, landscaping and general building projects. Always confirm its dimensions, treatment level and strength grade against the requirements of the intended application before installation.
