Creosote & CCA Pressure Treated Timber
Creosote Treatment Process
Creosote is a wood preservative that protects wood from a wide range of biological and environmental agents. This chemical is toxic to fungi, insects such as termites and marine borers. Additionally, it serves as a natural water repellent.
The chemical leaves the timber pole dark brown to black.
CCA Treated Timber Poles
CCA is a preservative containing copper, chromium and arsenic. We use this treatment to protect wood from micro-organisms and insects. Like other copper-based wood preservatives, it gives the timber a greenish tint once treated.
The primary advantages in the use of CCA treated timber poles are that it produces no smell or vapor and its surface can be easily painted.
Certification
The SABS certification system is a testing entity that ensures that wooden products in South Africa comply with legal strength and quality specifications.
All KKW products have the SABS stamp of approval which are published on the SABS website and are regularly updated, this is to allow consumers to verify the certification status of products. See https://www.sabs.co.za/Certification/certificationfilter.asp.
Tips
It is preferable that you purchase your treated timber in the size in which you intend to use it. If this is not the case and you subsequently cut the timber, you may expose the untreated heartwood of the timber and compromise the integrity of the treatment. If you plant timber, e.g. a treated post, in the ground, it is also essential that you allow for drainage of rainwater through the timber.