Wood preservation

Wood preservation refers to any method or process, or even technique, used to protect wood and extend its service life.

Most wood species are susceptible to both biological (biotic) and non-biological (abiotic) factors that cause decay and/or deterioration. Only a limited number of wood species possess natural durability, and even those may not be suitable for all environments. In general, wood benefits from appropriate preservation measures.

In addition to structural design considerations, a variety of chemical preservatives and treatment processes — commonly known as timber treatment, lumber treatment, pressure treatment or modification treatment — are used to enhance the durability of wood and wood-based products, including engineered wood. These treatments may involve physical, chemical, thermal, and/or biological methodology aimed at protecting wood from degradation. They increase its resistance to biological agents such as fungi, termites, and insects, as well as non-biotic factors such as ultraviolet radiation (sunlight), moisture and wet-dry cycling, temperature extremes, mechanical wear, exposure to chemicals, and fire or heat. Effective preservation treatments significantly improve the durability, structural integrity, and overall performance of wood in service.

History

As proposed by Richardson, treatment of wood has been practiced for almost as long as the use of wood itself. There are records of wood preservation reaching back to ancient Greece during Alexander the Great's rule, where bridge wood was soaked in olive oil.