Tanalised Treated Timber 47 x 75mm 4.8m – 3×2 Timber
Tanalised Treated Timber 47 x 75mm 4.8m is a versatile 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 repair tasks. Its practical 4.8-metre length provides additional flexibility for larger installations and may reduce the number of joints required when compared with shorter timber.
The timber has undergone a controlled pressure-treatment process to provide additional protection against fungal decay and wood-destroying insects. This treatment improves its durability compared with untreated softwood when the product is correctly specified, installed and maintained in suitable external conditions.
Product dimensions
The nominal product dimensions are:
- Metric section: 47mm x 75mm
- Common imperial name: 3×2 timber
- Length: 4.8m
- Material: Treated softwood
- Treatment: Pressure treated or tanalised
- Suitable for: Building, landscaping and outdoor projects
The name 3×2 is a traditional trade description rather than an exact imperial conversion. Use the stated metric dimensions when planning, measuring and cutting the timber.
What is tanalised 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 standard surface-applied 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 an appropriate outdoor or exposed application.
Pressure treatment does not make the wood completely waterproof or maintenance-free. The timber can still absorb and release moisture, which may result in movement, shrinkage, surface checking, weathering and gradual colour changes.
Cutting, drilling or notching the wood can expose internal areas that have not received the same level of treatment. Apply a compatible end-grain wood preservative to every newly exposed surface during installation.
Common uses for 3×2 treated timber
The 47 x 75mm section is suitable for a broad range of garden, landscaping and general construction projects.
Depending on its strength grade and the project specification, possible uses 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 span, loading, support spacing, connections and fixing arrangement should be determined by a suitably competent person for structural applications.
Benefits of the 4.8m length
The 4.8-metre length is useful for medium-to-large building and landscaping projects. Where appropriate for the design, it can provide longer continuous runs and reduce the number of joints within a framework.
It can also be cut into multiple smaller components. Preparing a cutting plan before starting work can help minimise waste and make efficient use of the full timber length.
Consider access and handling before ordering. Ensure there is enough space to unload, store, turn and position a 4.8m length safely.
Timber weight will vary depending on its moisture content. Appropriate lifting assistance and safe handling procedures should be followed, particularly when moving several lengths together.
Benefits of pressure-treated softwood
Pressure treatment provides several advantages for timber used in 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 landscaping and garden construction
- Can be cut and worked using suitable tools
- Practical for repair and maintenance projects
- Suitable for professional and DIY use
The correct treatment or use class must still be selected for the intended environment. Timber installed in direct ground contact or exposed to persistent moisture may require a specific treatment classification.
Natural characteristics of timber
Timber is a natural material, meaning individual lengths will vary in grain, colour, knots and surface texture. These differences are normal and contribute to its natural appearance.
Knots, resin pockets, minor splits and surface checking may be present. These characteristics do not automatically indicate a defect, although their suitability will depend on the intended use and any relevant grading requirements.
Pressure treatment introduces additional moisture into the timber. As the wood dries, some natural shrinkage, twisting, bowing or cupping may occur. Suitable storage and installation can help manage this movement.
Newly treated timber may initially appear green or brown depending on the preservative system used. Its colour will generally fade and weather gradually following 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 check the timber before installation or contact us to confirm the current stock specification.
Allowing the timber to acclimatise appropriately can be helpful where the project involves precise joints or close-fitting sections.
Cutting and installation
Use suitable woodworking tools fitted with sharp blades when cutting or drilling the timber. Wear protective gloves, eye protection and appropriate respiratory protection while handling, sawing or sanding treated wood.
Complete cutting work in a well-ventilated location and avoid breathing timber dust. Sawdust and offcuts should be collected and disposed of responsibly. Pressure-treated wood 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, particularly in external or regularly damp environments.
Where the timber forms part of a load-bearing structure, its supports, connections and fixings must follow the approved design and be appropriate 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 sufficient airflow around each length.
For visible outdoor projects, a compatible wood stain, oil or protective coating may be applied after the timber has dried sufficiently. Follow the coating manufacturer’s instructions regarding preparation and moisture content.
Inspect external timber periodically, paying particular attention to joints, cut ends, fixing points and areas where water might collect.
Key benefits
- Practical 47 x 75mm timber section
- Commonly known as 3×2 timber
- Supplied in a useful 4.8m length
- May reduce joints in suitable frameworks
- Pressure treated against decay and insects
- Suitable for outdoor frameworks and landscaping
- Useful for garden structures and repairs
- Can be cut for different project requirements
- More durable than untreated softwood
- Suitable for trade and DIY construction
Tanalised Treated Timber 47 x 75mm 4.8m – 3×2 Timber provides a versatile section and useful length 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.
