Use Classes

Timber Topics March 2026 | Use Classes
by Jennie Ward|02 March 26|Build, Supply
As the weather clears and merchants prepare for the spring uplift in decking, fencing and landscaping sales, there is one message that deserves absolute clarity: Use Class 4 is not optional, and it is not open to interpretation. Here, TDUK explains what merchants need to know to sell the right...
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Timber Topics August 2025 | Timber Use Classes
by Jennie Ward|29 July 25|Build, Supply
Do you know your Use Classes? The way treated timber must be described in merchants and on site has changed. It’s up to you to understand what Use Class the treated timber products you stock have been treated to, and where it is safe for them to be used. TDUK...
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WPA field trial ‘confirms clear benefits’ of treated wood
by Jennie Ward|27 June 25|Supply
The Wood Protection Association (WPA) has published interim findings from its 10-year field trial demonstrating the substantial performance benefits of correctly treated wood in ground contact applications. The results show a marked improvement in durability and resistance to decay when compared to untreated timber products. In an online presentation to...
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Ensuring safe decking: The importance of Use Class 4
by Jennie Ward|24 April 25|Build, Supply
Many timber decks in the UK could be unsafe due to inadequate specifications and/or poor installation practices, according to the Timber Decking and Cladding Association (TDCA). Here's how to make sure the deck boards, joists and substructure products you sell, buy and install are safe and fit for purpose. Many...
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Timber Topics April 2025 | Understand your decking products
by Jennie Ward|01 April 25|Build, Supply
The trend for outdoor living and making the most of our outside spaces shows no sign of slowing down. For builders’ and timber merchants, this translates into big business, with decking and garden landscaping products becoming an increasingly significant percentage of summer sales. That’s why, with Easter fast approaching, now...
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Are your cladding battens fit for purpose?
by Jennie Ward|20 January 25|Corporate, Supply
External timber cladding and roofing battens are not interchangeable – they have different exposure risks and, potentially, different dimensions. The Timber Decking & Cladding Association explains what you need to know. Timber cladding is installed as a rainscreen on buildings in the UK. The timber battens used on these projects...
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Timber Topics December 2024 | Use Classes
by Jennie Ward|05 December 24|Build, Supply
Do you know your Use Classes? The way treated timber must be described in merchants and on site has changed.
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Timber Topics January 2024 | Stock up for winter
by Jennie Ward|03 January 24|Build, Supply
Here, Timber Development UK offers some top tips to make sure you’re selling the right products, and how you can upsell and encourage additional purchases.
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Understanding of UC4 grows
by Jennie Ward|06 June 23|Build, Supply
Mystery shopper research among merchants shows that the supply chain's understanding of Use Class 4 timber treatments has improved since 2020. The Wood Protection Association (WPA), supported by Timber Development UK (TDUK), has long been fighting to improve knowledge of the different timber treatments and when they should be used....
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masterclass in wood treatment
A masterclass in wood treatment
by Jennie Ward|09 March 23|Build, Supply
Gordon Ewbank, Director of the Wood Protection Association, gives a masterclass on why wood needs preservative protection. All mature trees have an inner core known as heartwood. This is surrounded by an outer layer of younger sapwood where the tree stores nutrients essential for its growth. These food reserves remain after the...
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