Tanalised Treated Timber 47 x 75mm 3.6m – 3×2 Timber
Tanalised Treated Timber 47 x 75mm 3.6m is a practical pressure-treated softwood section suitable for outdoor construction, landscaping and general building projects. It is commonly referred to as 3×2 timber, based on its traditional approximate imperial dimensions of 3 inches by 2 inches.
The compact 47 x 75mm section is easy to work with and can be used for many light-to-medium-duty frameworks, garden structures and general repair tasks. Its convenient 3.6-metre length offers additional coverage compared with a 3.0m piece while remaining straightforward to transport, store and handle.
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 correctly specified, installed and maintained in suitable outdoor conditions.
Product dimensions
The nominal product dimensions are:
- Metric section: 47mm x 75mm
- Common imperial name: 3×2 timber
- Length: 3.6m
- Material: Treated softwood
- Treatment: Pressure treated or tanalised
- Suitable for: Building, landscaping and outdoor projects
The term 3×2 is a familiar trade description rather than an exact imperial conversion. Use the stated metric dimensions when measuring, planning and cutting the timber.
What is tanalised treated timber?
Tanalised timber is softwood that has been treated with wood preservative using a controlled vacuum and pressure process. This enables the preservative to penetrate further into the wood than a simple brush-applied surface coating.
The treatment helps protect the timber against fungal decay and attacks from wood-destroying insects. It can extend the product’s service life when the timber is used in a suitable external environment.
Pressure treatment does not make the timber completely waterproof or maintenance-free. The wood can still absorb and release moisture, resulting in natural movement, shrinkage, weathering, surface checking and gradual colour changes.
Any cutting, drilling or notching may reveal internal areas that have not received the same level of treatment. Apply a compatible end-grain wood preservative to every freshly exposed surface during installation.
Common uses for 3×2 treated timber
The 47 x 75mm section is a versatile timber size that can be used for many garden, landscaping and general building projects.
Depending on its strength grade and the project specification, possible applications include:
- Lightweight outdoor frameworks
- Garden structures and features
- Shed frameworks and repairs
- Landscaping projects
- Timber supports and noggins
- Garden screens and dividers
- Agricultural and equestrian projects
- Raised garden features
- External carpentry and joinery
- General repair and maintenance work
- Bespoke outdoor structures
- Load-bearing applications where correctly graded
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, loads, support spacing, connections and fixing arrangements should be determined by a suitably competent person for structural installations.
Benefits of the 3.6m length
The 3.6-metre length is convenient for many everyday building and garden projects. It provides greater reach than a 3.0m length without the additional transport and handling requirements associated with longer 4.8m or 6.0m pieces.
The timber can be installed as a complete length or divided into multiple shorter sections. Preparing a cutting schedule before work begins can help reduce waste and ensure the available material is used efficiently.
Its relatively manageable section and length make it suitable for professional tradespeople and experienced DIY users. Timber weight may vary depending on its moisture content, so appropriate handling procedures should still be followed.
Benefits of pressure-treated softwood
Pressure treatment provides several advantages for timber intended for suitable outdoor applications:
- Additional protection against fungal decay
- Protection against wood-destroying insects
- Greater durability than untreated softwood
- Suitable for many external projects
- Useful for garden and landscaping construction
- Can be cut and worked using suitable tools
- Practical for repair and maintenance work
- Suitable for professional and DIY use
The correct treatment or use class must still be selected for the intended environment. Timber used in direct ground contact or exposed to persistent moisture may require a particular treatment specification.
Natural characteristics of timber
Timber is a natural product, meaning individual lengths will vary in grain, shade, knots and surface texture. These differences are expected and form part of the wood’s natural appearance.
Knots, resin pockets, minor splits and surface checking may be visible. These characteristics do not automatically indicate a defect, although their suitability will depend on the intended application and any relevant grading requirements.
Pressure treatment introduces moisture into the timber. As it dries, some shrinkage, twisting, bowing or cupping may occur. Appropriate storage, acclimatisation and installation can help manage this natural movement.
Newly treated timber may initially appear green or brown depending on the preservative system used. Its colour will generally fade and weather gradually after outdoor installation.
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 3×2 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 involving precise joints or close-fitting sections.
Cutting and installation
Use suitable woodworking equipment fitted with sharp blades when cutting or drilling the timber. Wear protective gloves, eye protection and suitable respiratory protection when handling, sawing or sanding treated wood.
Carry out cutting 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 all cut ends, drilled holes and notches. Use corrosion-resistant fixings compatible with treated timber, especially in external or regularly damp environments.
Where the timber forms part of a load-bearing structure, supports, fixings and connections must follow the approved design and be appropriate 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 allowing sufficient ventilation around each length.
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 preparation and moisture-content instructions.
Inspect outdoor timber periodically, paying particular attention to cut ends, joints, fixing points and areas where water might collect.
Key benefits
- Practical 47 x 75mm timber section
- Commonly known as 3×2 timber
- Convenient 3.6m length
- Pressure treated against decay and insects
- Suitable for outdoor frameworks and landscaping
- Useful for garden structures and repairs
- Relatively easy to transport and handle
- Can be cut for different project requirements
- More durable than untreated softwood
- Suitable for trade and DIY construction
Tanalised Treated Timber 47 x 75mm 3.6m – 3×2 Timber is a practical and versatile choice for garden structures, lightweight 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.
