Tanalised Treated Timber 47 x 150mm 4.2m – 6×2 Timber
Tanalised Treated Timber 47 x 150mm 4.2m is a versatile pressure-treated softwood section for building, landscaping and outdoor construction projects. It is commonly known as 6×2 timber, based on its traditional approximate imperial dimensions of 6 inches by 2 inches.
The 150mm-deep section provides a substantial yet manageable piece of timber suitable for many frameworks, garden structures and general building applications. Its 4.2-metre length offers useful coverage for medium-to-large projects and can be cut into shorter components where required.
The timber has undergone a controlled pressure-treatment process to provide additional protection against fungal decay and wood-destroying insects. This improves its durability compared with untreated softwood when it is correctly specified, installed and maintained in an appropriate environment.
Product dimensions
The nominal product dimensions are:
- Metric section: 47mm x 150mm
- Common imperial name: 6×2 timber
- Length: 4.2m
- Material: Treated softwood
- Treatment: Pressure treated or tanalised
- Suitable for: Building, landscaping and outdoor projects
The name 6×2 is a traditional trade description and should not be treated as an exact conversion of the metric dimensions. Use the stated metric measurements when planning and completing the installation.
What is tanalised timber?
Tanalised timber is softwood that has been impregnated with wood preservative using a controlled vacuum and pressure process. The treatment penetrates further into the timber than a standard surface-applied preservative.
This process helps protect the wood against fungal decay and attacks by wood-destroying insects. It can improve the service life of the timber when used in suitable outdoor or exposed applications.
Pressure treatment does not make the timber entirely waterproof or prevent all natural weathering. The wood can still absorb and release moisture, resulting in movement, shrinkage, surface checking and gradual colour changes.
Cutting, drilling or notching the timber exposes internal areas that may not have received the same level of preservative treatment. Apply a suitable end-grain preservative to every newly exposed section during installation.
Common uses for 6×2 treated timber
The 47 x 150mm section is a popular and versatile timber size for many outdoor and general construction projects. Its suitability will depend on the required strength grade, treatment level and project design.
Possible applications include:
- Outdoor timber frameworks
- Garden buildings and structures
- Landscaping projects
- Timber supports and bearers
- Agricultural and equestrian projects
- Raised garden features
- External carpentry and joinery
- General construction work
- Bespoke garden structures
- Repairs to existing timber frameworks
- Load-bearing members where correctly graded
- Large outdoor DIY projects
Where the timber will carry structural loads, confirm that it has the correct strength classification. Treated 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 confirmed by a suitably competent person where structural performance is required.
Benefits of pressure-treated softwood
Untreated softwood may deteriorate when regularly exposed to moisture or outdoor conditions. The pressure treatment used on this timber improves its resistance to common biological causes of decay.
Benefits include:
- Additional protection against fungal decay
- Protection against wood-destroying insects
- Improved durability compared with untreated softwood
- Suitable for many external applications
- Useful for landscaping and garden projects
- Can be cut and worked with suitable tools
- Suitable for professional and DIY construction
- Practical size for a wide variety of projects
Always check that the treatment or use class is appropriate for the intended environment. Timber in direct contact with the ground or exposed to persistent moisture may require a particular treatment specification.
Natural characteristics of timber
Timber is a natural material, so variations in grain, shade, knots and surface texture are normal. No two lengths will be visually identical.
Knots, resin pockets, minor splits and surface checking may be present. These characteristics are not automatically defects, although their suitability will depend on the intended application and any applicable grading standards.
The pressure-treatment process introduces additional moisture into the wood. As the timber dries, some shrinkage, twisting, bowing or cupping can occur. Appropriate storage, acclimatisation and installation can help manage this natural 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 exposure to outdoor conditions.
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 dimensions. Customers who require precise measurements should check the timber before installation or contact us to confirm the specification of the stock available.
Allowing the timber to acclimatise appropriately can be helpful where a project requires precise joints or close-fitting components.
Cutting and installation
Use suitable woodworking equipment fitted with sharp blades when cutting or drilling this timber. Wear protective gloves, eye protection and appropriate respiratory protection when handling, sawing or sanding treated wood.
Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid breathing timber dust. Sawdust and offcuts should be collected and disposed of responsibly. Pressure-treated timber must not be burned on domestic fires, in wood-burning appliances or on garden bonfires.
Apply a compatible end-grain preservative to all cut ends, drilled holes and notches. Use corrosion-resistant fixings suitable for treated timber, particularly for external projects and areas regularly exposed to moisture.
Where the timber forms part of a load-bearing structure, all supports, connections and fixings should comply with the approved design and be suitable for the anticipated loads.
Storage and maintenance
Store the timber flat, raised above the ground and supported at suitable intervals. Protect it from prolonged saturation while providing sufficient ventilation around the lengths.
For visible outdoor applications, a compatible oil, stain or protective coating can be applied once the timber has dried sufficiently. Follow the coating manufacturer’s instructions regarding preparation and moisture content.
Inspect external timber periodically, paying particular attention to cut ends, joints, fixing points and areas where water may collect.
Key benefits
- Versatile 47 x 150mm timber section
- Commonly known as 6×2 timber
- Supplied in a practical 4.2m length
- Pressure treated against decay and insects
- Suitable for outdoor frameworks and landscaping
- Useful for garden and agricultural structures
- Can be cut for different project requirements
- More durable than untreated softwood
- Suitable for professional and DIY projects
- Versatile for general external building work
Tanalised Treated Timber 47 x 150mm 4.2m – 6×2 Timber is a practical and versatile choice for outdoor construction, landscaping and general building projects. Always confirm its exact dimensions, treatment level and strength grade against the requirements of the intended application before installation.
