Is Cedar or treated wood best for gates and fences?

That depends on the look you want. Cedar has spectacular grain and when oiled or varnished it becomes a real feature. If you have cedar garage doors you may choose to match them with your fencing and gates.  Cedar is light, durable and beautiful! Ceadr fences and gates need to be oiled regularly or stained at least every 5 years. More if the fence and gates are exposed to the sun.

For looks, you can’t go past cedar but if you intend to paint your fencing and gates then treated wood is the best material.

Treated wood is supplied dressed and primed ready for construction. With the increasing cost of quality durable timber, builders are rng more on pre-primed, LOSP-treated pine for exterior applications.

LOSP (light organic solvent preservative) consists of preservatives dissolved in solvent and impregnated into the timber to prevent rotting, giving the timber durability in above-ground exterior applications. LOSP pre-priming is designed to temporarily protect the timber from weather and UV degradation, as well as soiling during construction.

LOSP pre-primed timber, by its appearance or by the description given to it by persons handling it, is often mistaken for properly primed timber ready for top-coating. LOSP pre-primers should not be confused with premium architectural primers which are crucial to the durability of a complete coating system.

information on treated timbers… www.alldayfencing.com/adfinfo.php

read the full treated timber Vs cedar, article… www.alldayfencing.com/adfinfo.php

Are treated timbers dangerous around children?

Timber can be treated with many chemicals however the most common is the LOSP (light organic solvent preservative). We use treated (LOSP) and primed timbers in the construction of your gates, arbors or pergolas. The specifications of the timber we use is below:

Primed F7 LOSP KD DAR F/J Treated Pine (H3)
Primed with architectural strength primer.
Structurally Graded F7 or better.
Treated with LOSP (light organic solvent preservative) to hazard level 3 (H3) for external above ground use.
Kiln dried (KD) to maximise stability.
Dressed all round (DAR) for a smooth finish.
Finger jointed (F/J) and laminated.
Usage: external appearance grade structural timber. Used for Gates, balustades, pergolas and all external uses. Primed and ready for painting.

Available Sizes (per foot increments)
88 x 88mm – 4′ x 4′ – 8′ to 20′ (2.4 to 6.0m)
112 x 112mm – 4′ x 4′ – 8′ to 20′ (2.4 to 6.0m)                                                                                                                                                      135 x 135mm – 4′ x 4′ – 8′ to 20′ (2.4 to 6.0m)

Primed F7 LOSP KD DAR F/J Treated Pine Posts (H4)

Primed with architectural strength primer.
Structurally Graded F7 or better.
Treated with LOSP (light organic solvent preservative) to hazard level 3 (H4) for in ground use.
Kiln dried (KD) to maximise stability.
Dressed all round (DAR) for a smooth finish.
Finger jointed (F/J) and laminated.
Usage: external appearance grade structural timber. Used for fence, verandah and pergola posts, primed and ready for painting.

Available Sizes 4′ x 4′ – 8′ to 20′ (2.4 to 6.0m)
Pressure treated wood is wood that has undergone a process to make it more durable so that it is not susceptible to water, rot, termites, or fungus.

If you are looking to build something that will last, consider the advantages of using pressure treated wood. This wood is available at most lumberyards and home improvement centers. Just look for a stamp or tag of approval by the American Wood-Preservers Association</a></b> (AWPA) or the www.alsc.org,  American Lumber Standards Committee (ALSC).

Generally treated timbers are not dangerous around children. Treated timbers are primarily used for decks, pergolas, fences and gates, power poles and many other outdoor structures.

Treated timbers are not dangerous to children if used in these appplications. However treated timbers should not be used for things like chopping boards where the chemical can contaminate the food. For this reason I would not use treated timbers for childrens play sheds or furnature.

More information on treated timbers can be found at our website www.alldayfencing.com/adfinfo.php.