Tanalised Treated Timber 47 x 150mm 3.6m – 6×2 Timber
Tanalised Treated Timber 47 x 150mm 3.6m is a substantial pressure-treated softwood section suitable for outdoor construction, landscaping and general building projects. It is commonly known as 6×2 timber, based on its traditional approximate imperial dimensions of 6 inches by 2 inches.
The 150mm depth provides a stronger and more substantial profile than common 4×2 or 5×2 timber. Its convenient 3.6-metre length is suitable for medium-sized projects and can be easier to transport, store and handle than longer 4.8m or 6.0m alternatives.
The timber has undergone a controlled pressure-treatment process to provide additional protection against fungal decay and wood-destroying insects. This helps improve its durability compared with untreated softwood when correctly specified, installed and maintained in a suitable environment.
Product dimensions
The nominal product dimensions are:
- Metric section: 47mm x 150mm
- Common imperial name: 6×2 timber
- Length: 3.6m
- Material: Treated softwood
- Treatment: Pressure treated or tanalised
- Suitable for: Building, landscaping and outdoor projects
The name 6×2 is a traditional trade description rather than an exact imperial conversion. Use the stated metric measurements when planning, cutting and installing the timber.
What is tanalised treated timber?
Tanalised timber is softwood treated with wood preservative using a controlled vacuum and pressure process. This encourages the preservative to penetrate further into the wood than a standard brush-applied surface treatment.
The treatment helps protect the timber against fungal decay and attacks from wood-destroying insects. It can extend the service life of the wood when the product is used in suitable outdoor and exposed applications.
Pressure treatment does not make timber completely waterproof or maintenance-free. The wood may still absorb and release moisture, causing natural movement, shrinkage, surface checking and gradual colour changes.
When the timber is cut, drilled or notched, internal wood may be exposed. Apply a compatible end-grain preservative to all freshly exposed areas to help maintain protection after installation.
Common uses for 6×2 treated timber
The 47 x 150mm section is a versatile size for a range of substantial building, landscaping and outdoor projects.
Depending on its strength grade and the project specification, potential applications include:
- Outdoor timber frameworks
- Garden buildings and sheds
- Landscaping projects
- Timber supports and bearers
- Agricultural and equestrian structures
- Raised garden features
- External carpentry and joinery
- General building work
- Bespoke outdoor structures
- Repairs to existing timber frameworks
- Load-bearing members where correctly graded
- Garden and DIY construction
Where the timber will carry structural loads, confirm that it has the correct strength classification. Tanalised timber should not automatically be assumed to be C16 or C24 unless the product is specifically marked and sold with that grade.
The required spans, loading, support spacing, connections and fixings should be determined by a suitably competent person for structural applications.
Benefits of the 3.6m length
The practical 3.6-metre length is useful for many garden, landscaping and building projects. It provides more coverage than a 3.0m piece while remaining easier to transport and manoeuvre than longer timber lengths.
The timber can be installed as a complete length or cut into several smaller components. Preparing a cutting plan before work begins may help reduce waste and make efficient use of the available material.
The weight of the timber will depend partly on its moisture content. Suitable handling procedures should be followed, particularly when carrying multiple lengths or lifting timber into position.
Benefits of pressure-treated softwood
Pressure treatment provides several practical advantages for timber intended for external projects:
- 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 using suitable tools
- Suitable for professional and DIY projects
- Supplied ready for appropriate external use
The correct treatment or use class must still be selected for the intended environment. Timber in direct ground contact or exposed to persistent moisture may require a particular treatment specification.
Natural characteristics of timber
Timber is a natural material, so individual lengths will vary in grain pattern, colour, knots and surface texture. These variations are expected and contribute to the wood’s natural appearance.
Knots, resin pockets, minor splits and surface checking may be visible. These characteristics do not automatically indicate a product fault, although their suitability will depend on the intended application and any relevant grading requirements.
Pressure treatment introduces moisture into the timber. As the wood dries, some shrinkage, twisting, bowing or cupping may occur. Appropriate storage, acclimatisation and installation can help manage this movement.
Newly treated timber may initially have a green or brown appearance depending on the preservative system used. Its colour will generally fade and weather gradually following outdoor exposure.
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 6×2 is an approximate imperial description rather than a guarantee of exact finished measurements. Customers requiring precise dimensions should measure the timber before installation or contact us to confirm the current stock specification.
Allow the timber to acclimatise where appropriate before completing work that involves close-fitting joints or particularly accurate measurements.
Cutting and installation
Use suitable woodworking tools fitted with sharp blades when cutting or drilling this timber. Wear protective gloves, eye protection and appropriate respiratory protection while handling, sawing or sanding treated wood.
Complete cutting work in a well-ventilated area and avoid breathing timber dust. Collect sawdust and offcuts for responsible disposal. Pressure-treated timber must not be burned on domestic fires, in wood-burning appliances or on garden bonfires.
Apply a suitable end-grain preservative to every cut end, drilled hole and notch. Use corrosion-resistant fixings compatible with treated timber, particularly in external or regularly damp environments.
Where the timber forms part of a load-bearing structure, all supports, fixings and connections must follow the approved design and be suitable for the anticipated loads.
Storage and maintenance
Store the timber flat, raised off the ground and supported at suitable intervals. Protect it from prolonged saturation while allowing air to circulate around the lengths.
A compatible wood stain, oil or protective coating may be applied to visible external timber once it has dried sufficiently. Follow the coating manufacturer’s instructions regarding preparation and moisture content.
Inspect outdoor timber periodically, paying particular attention to cut ends, joints, fixing points and areas where water may collect.
Key benefits
- Substantial 47 x 150mm timber section
- Commonly known as 6×2 timber
- Convenient 3.6m length
- Pressure treated against decay and insects
- Suitable for outdoor frameworks and landscaping
- Useful for garden and agricultural structures
- Easier to handle than longer timber lengths
- Can be cut for different project requirements
- More durable than untreated softwood
- Suitable for professional and DIY construction
Tanalised Treated Timber 47 x 150mm 3.6m – 6×2 Timber provides a substantial yet manageable section for outdoor frameworks, landscaping and general building projects. Always confirm its exact dimensions, treatment level and strength grade against the requirements of the intended application before installation.
