Tanalised Treated Timber 75 x 200mm 6.0m – 8×3 Timber
Tanalised Treated Timber 75 x 200mm 6.0m is a substantial pressure-treated softwood section suitable for demanding building, landscaping and outdoor construction projects. Commonly known as 8×3 timber, it provides the depth and length required for larger frameworks and projects where shorter or smaller timber sections may not be appropriate.
The generous 6.0-metre length can help span longer areas with fewer joints, depending on the design and intended application. Its 75 x 200mm section makes it suitable for a variety of heavy-duty landscaping, agricultural and general construction projects.
The timber has been pressure treated with wood preservative, a process commonly described as tanalising. This treatment helps protect the wood against fungal decay and wood-destroying insects, improving its durability when correctly specified and installed in suitable external environments.
Product dimensions
The nominal product dimensions are:
- Metric section: 75mm x 200mm
- Common imperial name: 8×3 timber
- Length: 6.0m
- Material: Treated softwood
- Treatment: Pressure treated or tanalised
- Finish: Sawn timber
- Suitable for: Building, landscaping and outdoor projects
The term 8×3 is a traditional trade description based on the approximate imperial dimensions of the timber. The stated metric measurements should be used when planning, measuring and ordering materials.
What is tanalised timber?
Tanalised timber is softwood that has been treated with preservative under controlled pressure. During production, the timber is placed inside a treatment vessel, where a vacuum and pressure process encourages preservative to penetrate into the wood.
The treatment helps protect the timber against fungal decay and wood-destroying insects. It makes the material more suitable than untreated softwood for many outdoor and exposed building applications.
Pressure treatment does not make timber completely waterproof or maintenance-free. Rain, sunlight, moisture and temperature changes may still cause natural movement, fading, weathering and surface checking.
Any cuts, drilled holes or notches made during installation expose untreated internal timber. These areas should be coated with a suitable end-grain wood preservative to help maintain the protection provided by the original treatment.
Common uses for 8×3 treated timber
The substantial 75 x 200mm section and extended 6.0m length make this timber suitable for a broad range of heavy-duty projects, subject to correct design and specification.
Possible applications include:
- Large outdoor timber frameworks
- Heavy-duty landscaping projects
- Pergolas and garden structures
- Agricultural and equestrian construction
- Timber supports and substantial bearers
- Raised landscape features
- External carpentry and joinery
- General construction work
- Bespoke garden buildings
- Retaining structures where suitably designed
- Long structural members where correctly graded
- Repairs to existing outdoor timber structures
The suitability of this timber will depend on the required span, loading, support arrangement, treatment class and environmental conditions.
Where the timber will perform a load-bearing function, confirm that it has the appropriate strength grade for the project. Treated timber should not automatically be assumed to be C16 or C24 unless it is specifically marked and sold with that classification.
Benefits of a 6.0m timber length
The longer 6.0-metre format can reduce the number of joints required across extended structures. This can create a cleaner installation and provide greater flexibility when cutting multiple components from one length.
Before ordering, consider access to the site and how the timber will be transported, unloaded, stored and positioned. A 6.0m length requires suitable handling arrangements and enough working space to move it safely.
Appropriate lifting assistance may be required due to the combination of the timber’s length, cross-section and moisture content.
Natural characteristics of treated timber
Timber is a natural material, and every length will vary in grain, colour and appearance. Knots, resin pockets, minor splits and variations in texture are normal characteristics of softwood.
Pressure treatment introduces moisture into the timber. As the wood dries, it may experience natural shrinkage, twisting, cupping, bowing or surface checking. The amount of movement can vary depending on the timber, storage conditions and exposure after installation.
Newly treated timber may have a green or brown appearance depending on the treatment system used. This colour will generally soften and weather over time when exposed outdoors.
Important sizing information
Please note: Timber dimensions are nominal and may vary slightly due to the manufacturing process, pressure treatment, moisture content and natural movement of the wood.
The common name 8×3 is an approximate imperial description rather than a guarantee of exact finished measurements. Customers requiring precise dimensions should check the timber before installation or contact us to confirm the current stock specification.
Allow the timber to acclimatise where appropriate before completing work that requires close-fitting joints or precise measurements.
Cutting and installation
Use suitable woodworking tools with sharp, correctly sized blades when cutting the timber. Wear gloves, eye protection and appropriate respiratory protection when handling, sawing, drilling or sanding treated wood.
Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid breathing timber dust. Collect sawdust and offcuts for responsible disposal. Pressure-treated timber should never be burned on a domestic fire, garden bonfire or in a wood-burning appliance.
Apply a compatible end-grain preservative to every cut end, drilled hole and notch. Use corrosion-resistant fixings suitable for treated timber, especially in external or regularly damp environments.
Fixings, supports and connections should be designed for the intended application. Any load-bearing installation should follow the approved drawings and structural specification.
Storage and ongoing maintenance
Store the timber flat, raised above the ground and supported at regular intervals. The long 6.0m length requires sufficient support to reduce the risk of excessive bowing during storage.
For visible outdoor projects, a compatible stain, oil or protective finish can be applied after the timber has dried sufficiently. Follow the coating manufacturer’s instructions concerning moisture content and surface preparation.
Regular inspection and maintenance can help maximise service life, particularly around joints, cut ends and horizontal areas where water might collect.
Key benefits
- Substantial 75 x 200mm timber section
- Commonly known as 8×3 timber
- Extended 6.0m length
- Can reduce joints in longer installations
- Pressure treated against decay and insects
- Suitable for heavy-duty landscaping projects
- Ideal for outdoor frameworks and garden structures
- Suitable for professional and DIY construction
- Can be cut to meet different project requirements
- More durable than untreated softwood in suitable conditions
Tanalised Treated Timber 75 x 200mm 6.0m – 8×3 Timber provides a substantial section and extended length for large outdoor, landscaping and general construction projects. Always confirm the dimensions, strength grade and treatment suitability against the requirements of the intended application before installation.
