Garden sleeper treatments have come a long way in recent years. With improved performance and impressive environmental credentials, modern high pressure treatments are definitely a big step forward.
Our new treated sleepers are sourced sustainably and are treated with non-toxic chemicals for a long lasting, attractive finish that will look great in any garden.
Traditional garden sleeper treatments
The default garden sleeper treatment for many years was creosote. This tar like substance is distilled at high temperatures and then forced into timbers under pressure.
It has excellent preservative qualities and for almost two centuries creosoted sleepers have been supporting railway tracks across the UK and Europe.
These sleepers are gradually being replaced with concrete, making reclaimed creosote treated sleepers ideal for a multitude of uses in the garden. Although creosote is an excellent preservative and generally safe for garden use, it is not recommended for areas where there is likely to be frequent skin contact.
This is where the newer, more environmentally friendly treatments come in.
New garden sleeper treatments
As more and more people look to reduce their impact on the environment, the need for an eco-friendly garden sleeper treatment has come to the fore.
Our new treated sleepers are sustainably sourced and treated with Tanalith which is a non-toxic preservative that is safe for children, pets and wildlife.
This pressure treatment is both effective and long lasting while being safe for the environment. It is the ideal garden sleeper treatment offering an attractive green finish that will slowly weather to a silvery grey colour within 12-18 months.
An alternative modern garden sleeper treatment is Tanatone, which we also offer to our customers. This pressure treatment is essentially Tanalith preservative with a brown pigment additive. As such it has all the benefits of Tanalith but offers an attractive brown colour.
Both are perfect for all garden uses including decking, patios, children’s play areas, raised beds and borders.
It is worth noting that although our new treated sleepers are impregnated with preservative, we still recommend that any area of timber exposed by cross cuts, holes or notches should be liberally brushed with additional preservative.
So which is right for you?
The question of which garden sleeper treatment is best ultimately boils down to your preferred choice of colour.
Both Tanlith green and Tanatone brown preservatives have similar properties and will provide 15-20 years of protection. Both will weather to grey within 12 – 18 months and both are competely safe for children and pets alike.
If you have any queries our friendly and experienced customer service team are just a phone call away and would be happy to help you find the perfect garden sleeper for your project.
