Pressure-Treated Timber – A Reliable Choice for Terrace Frame Structures
When building a terrace, the choice of materials determines both durability and maintenance needs. Pressure-treated timber is an excellent choice for terrace framing, as it is designed to withstand moisture, sunlight, frost, and time. Treated wood endures Finland’s varying weather conditions far better than untreated alternatives and keeps the structure strong and stable year after year.
The terrace frame forms the foundation of the entire structure. When built from high-quality pressure-treated wood, the frame carries loads safely and evenly. Terrace frame timbers should be chosen carefully — they must be dimensionally accurate, straight, and thoroughly treated to resist moisture over the long term.
Durable and Easy-to-Maintain Building Material
Pressure-treated wood is an ideal material for outdoor construction, as the treatment protects it from rot, fungi, and insect damage. In the pressure treatment process, the wood is impregnated with protective agents under high pressure, allowing the substances to penetrate deep into the wood fibers and create a long-lasting barrier. This makes pressure-treated timber a safe and durable option for terraces, stairs, docks, and other outdoor structures.
Modern preservatives are also environmentally friendly, ensuring both safety and sustainability for years to come.
Terrace Frame Timber 48x98 and 48x148 – The Right Size for Every Project
The right dimension depends on the type of terrace you are building. Terrace frame timber 48x98 and terrace frame timber 48x148 are both popular and reliable options, but they serve slightly different purposes.
Timber 48x98 is ideal for smaller terraces and lighter structures where load requirements are moderate. When using this narrower size, the joists should be installed a bit closer together — approximately every 40–50 cm. It’s also well suited for lighter applications such as railings and small platforms.
Timber 48x148, on the other hand, provides significantly more strength and load-bearing capacity. This dimension is often used for large terraces, stairs, and other structures where solid support is needed. The thicker terrace frame timber 48x148 allows for wider joist spacing, making construction faster while ensuring stability and safety. It’s also an excellent choice for stair construction — steps built from 48x148 timber are firm, comfortable, and long-lasting.
In both cases, pressure-treated timber ensures that the frame stays strong and intact for decades, even when continuously exposed to rain and moisture.
Class A Pressure Treatment for Demanding Conditions
For terrace frames, Class A pressure-treated wood is recommended. This type of timber is made to withstand constant contact with soil or water. The protective agents penetrate deep into the wood’s core, ensuring that the frame remains strong and rot-resistant even in damp conditions.
Class A pressure-treated timber is also a great choice for structures near foundations, steps, or stairs where water exposure is high. This premium-grade treated wood is a reliable investment for a long-lasting and safe result.
Treated Wood – Durable, Shape-Stable, and Easy to Work With
Terrace frame timbers can be worked like regular wood — they can be sawn, drilled, and screwed without special tools. The pressure treatment does not alter the wood’s mechanical properties, but it significantly improves its weather resistance. The greenish tint typical of treated wood comes from copper-based preservatives, but the surface can also be stained or painted to match other garden structures or achieve a desired look.
Summary: Pressure-Treated Timber Makes a Timeless Terrace Frame
The terrace frame is an investment that defines the entire structure’s lifespan. By choosing pressure-treated timber, you get a reliable material that withstands moisture, frost, and decades of wear.
Use terrace frame timber 48x98 when you want a lighter structure with closer spacing, and choose terrace frame timber 48x148 when you need greater load capacity for stairs or larger, more robust terraces. Both are high-quality options that guarantee your terrace a long, low-maintenance life.
Choose properly dimensioned, pressure-treated timber, and you’ll build a terrace that stays as solid and sturdy as the day it was made — year after year.
