TREATMENT

Treated Pine Treatment Levels
There are a total of 6 levels of treatment. H1 through to H6. Each level of treatment is designed to suit a particular application. The most common of these is H3 and H4.
H1 – Inside use – Protection from insects, not termites.
H2 – Inside use – Protection from insect attack including termites.
H3 – Exterior above-ground use – Protection from moderate decay (periodic wetting) and termites.
H4 – Exterior in-ground use – Protection from severe decay and termites for landscaping applications.
H5 – Exterior in-ground use – Protection from very severe decay and termites for structural applications.
H6 – Marine use – Protection from prolonged immersion in seawater and most marine borers. H1 to
H5 – cannot be used in permanently wet environments, including areas that are boggy or areas that are susceptible to long periods of high moisture retention.
You must choose the correct Treatment Level for your application
Treated Pine Chemicals
The most common method of treatment in Australia is still CCA, other methods are often used, particularly LOSP, CCA and even ACQ/Copper Azole. Your order from The Log Factory may include both LOSP, CCA and even ACQ/Copper Azole Treated Pine. Ensure that you correctly identify your treated pine for painting, over-coating or gluing, and then refer to our Painting and Maintenance pages for more information. It is important to remember that most LOSP Treated Pine must be painted or oiled to ensure your guarantee. To find out what type of Treated pine you have been delivered please refer to Identifying Treated Timber.

LOSP Treatment
Light Organic Solvent Protection (H1-H3)
This was becoming the Arsenic Free substitute for CCA products, however it is generally more expensive and far less effective. Most LOSP treated pine must be painted to maintain its warranty (which is half as long as CCA). Without painting LOSP treated timbers may only last a few years. A report by the Australian Government highlights the possible failure problems associated with some types of LOSP treated Pine.
Again the LOSP chemical is popular and widely available as a treatment solution. Due to the fact the New Zealand government recognises its failures early on, there have been some changes (albeit confusing).
Osmose LOSP is called Protim and must be over painted. Its ingredients are Kerosene, Tributyltin Naphthenate, Dichlofluanide and Permethrin. Koppers (Arch / Lonza) LOSP is called Vascol Azure and may not require over painting, please contact Koppers for clarification. It is a newer chemical treatment and ingredients include Tebuconazole, Propiconazole, Permethrin and white spirit (more refined than kero).
NB: The exact type of LOSP treatment will determine its lifespan, and if it has to be over painted. Always request from your supplier written details of painting requirements for any LOSP products. Additionally, due to the solvents in LOSP products they are generally less fire resistant than CCA or ACQ treated Pine.


CCA Treatment
Chromated Copper Arsenate (H1-H5)
The much discussed treatment type containing Arsenic. Whilst it is being phased out around the world & Australia it has long been considered a safe and cheap treatment method for all treated pine. Although it was scientifically found to be carcinogenic it is still the preferred choice for most builders. Its mild carcinogenic properties are easily avoided with proper handling. It is no longer to be used in decking, handrails or playground equipment. A fairly impartial overview of the CCA product with regards to gardening and vegetables can be read here.
There are a few producers of CCA chemical in the world, essentially they are all using the same ingredients being Copper Oxide, Chromium Trioxide, Arsenic acid and water. Here is the Osmose Lifewood CCA Treated Pine Brochure


ACQ Treatment
Ammoniacal Copper Quaternary (H1-H5)
or Copper Azole)
Copper Azole (CuAz) (H1-H5)
This will be the alternative to ARSENIC FREE treated pine. It is considered a very safe and very effective product with no risk to humans. At the moment it is approximately 25% more expensive than the CCA, additionally it is a little difficult to source, and as such is not very popular. We do not yet stock many ACQ products ( except for Sleepers available ex-yard only).
The Osmose company produces an ACQ product called Naturewood. Its ingredients include Copper, Didecyldimethylammonium chloride and water.
Koppers produce a similar product with Copper Azole called Tanalised E or Ecowood (also known as Tan E). Its listed ingredients include Copper, Tebuconazo;e and water.

