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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Carpentry Questions >> Tantalised timber for window boxes with plants https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1091647744 Message started by HandyJon on Aug 4^th, 2004, 8:29pm

Title: Tantalised timber for window boxes with plants
Post by HandyJon on Aug 4^th, 2004, 8:29pm

Just about to make some window boxes out of WBP ply and some tantalised timber. Just had a thought since I know that the tantatlising process uses some harmful chemicals such that some people say you should be very worried if you get a splinter from pressure treated wood, will the chemicals cause any problems for plants?

It's for a wendy house in a nursery so there will be kids around as well, though the treated timber will be on the inside and the outside will be painted, if that makes any difference to any issues I have to be aware of. Maybe I should paint the inside as well?

TIA

Title: Re: Tantalised timber for window boxes with plants
Post by woodsmith on Aug 4^th, 2004, 9:24pm

I've used tanalised timber for plant boxes and never noticed any problems with the plants.

Not so sure about the nursery though, The Health and Safety aspects are more than a concern, personally I wouldn't use it.

Last couple of things I made I used hardwood for the few really vulnerable parts and softwood for the rest, if it is designed well it should last for years.

Title: Re: Tantalised timber for window boxes with plants
Post by Dewy on Aug 4^th, 2004, 9:38pm

I was just looking for a post on an Aussie forum about this but couldn't find it. I had recently seen a similar question and the opinion in Australia is that tanalised timber should no longer be used for childrens play equipment because of the dangers. Unfortunataly the search didn't bring up the topic it had been in. It was probably a URL to a government site showing the dangers.

Title: Re: Tantalised timber for window boxes with plants
Post by HandyJon on Aug 4^th, 2004, 11:13pm

Considering that the Aussies are pretty laid back about most things, it must be pretty dangerous stuff if even they are thinking about banning it for child related items.

If not tantalised timber, then how should the softwood be treated so as to cope with the damp soil? Varnish with yacht varnish? Or would just ordinary gloss cope. I'm not expecting it to last decades, just a few years. Maybe just leave the softwood as is?

Brings up the question that maybe tantalising might go out of fashion as more and more people find out about it's dangers.

Title: Re: Tantalised timber for window boxes with plants
Post by big_all on Aug 4^th, 2004, 11:24pm

heeelllooo handy jon

lateral thinking what about lineing
with thick polythene folded in such a way
to make shure all edges are above the soil
pinned round the the top for neatness
and security

big all

Title: Re: Tantalised timber for window boxes with plants
Post by woodsmith on Aug 5^th, 2004, 8:55pm

Handyjohn if you use hardwood where the house has any contact with the soil it will last for years. If you go to a timber yard where they actually machine timber, they will have lots of off cuts in short lengths which they have no use for but are ideal for your purpose. They often sell it as fire wood and it is a cheap as owt. Last lot I got was �10 for a boot-full.

Title: Re: Tantalised timber for window boxes with plants
Post by big_all on Aug 5^th, 2004, 9:09pm

wow an oak green house for a tenner �:o :o :o
or did you have to go back a second time ;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: Tantalised timber for window boxes with plants
Post by Dewy on Aug 5^th, 2004, 9:22pm

wrote on Aug 5^th, 2004, 9:09pm:

wow an oak green house for a tenner �:o :o :o
or did you have to go back a second time ;D ;D ;D

Haven't you seen his oak greenhouse?
I think it cost a little bit more than a tenner. ::) ;D

Title: Re: Tantalised timber for window boxes with plants
Post by big_all on Aug 5^th, 2004, 9:30pm

it a wonderous structure his wife is a lucky woman
not only to have such a talented husband
but also an amazing marvelous green house
[is that groveling enough to redress the �insults]

;D ;D ;D ;D

and yes its fantastic[realy]

Title: Re: Tantalised timber for window boxes with plants
Post by Dewy on Aug 6^th, 2004, 1:01am

You bought the magazine that paid him for his article and phots of the greenhouse did you big all? hehe ;D ::) ;D

It certainly is a nice oak greenhouse.