CCA or ACQ

LifeWood CCA Preservative (Chromated Copper Arsenate)

Applications include: Verandah posts, retaining wall timber, farm fencing, building timber, domestic fencing, lattice, weatherboards, marine applications.

Advantages: Widely available, cheaper than ACQ, fungicide & insecticide, proven durability.

Disadvantages: Limitations have been imposed on its use by the APVMA, see below.

"Following reviews by the APVMA CCA treated timber has some limitaions to its use within the Australian market. The recommendations by this review were put in place mainly as precautionary measures where intimate contact was likely to be made, such as children putting pieces of timber into their mouth. CCA treated timber cannot be used for garden furniture, picnic tables, exterior seating, children’s play equipment, patio and domestic decking, and hand rails. Alternative treatment such as Naturewood ACQ is approved for use in these applications." 'Source: Osmose Aust. website'

There is a lot of misinformation about CCA treated pine out there. Understandably, concerns have been raised about the Arsenic used in CCA treatment. A lot of research has been done regarding its use and has found that if used correctly it poses no risk to health.

NatureWood ACQ Preservative (Alkaline Copper Quarternary)

Applications include: Decking, Garden furniture, Picnic tables, Vegetable garden sleepers, Handrails, Childrens play areas etc...

Advantages: Based on a Copper Alkaline treatment and does not contain arsenic. Can be used in more sensitive areas.

Disadvantages: Costs more than CCA. Not yet as readily available as CCA in all timber sizes.

All of our timber decking is treated with ACQ and we supply sleepers and most other timber with ACQ treatment on request.

More information can be found at the links below: