​What's the Difference Between Green and Brown Timber?

At AVS Fencing, we stock both green and brown timber - but what is the difference and which should you choose for your gardening project? Here's all you need to know on timber colours, treatments and availability.

What is Green Timber?

Green timber has a naturally-pale, wooden colour but you will also note a slight green tint or fleck caused by the pressure-treating process - an essential treatment to extend the life of your timber. The chemicals used in pressure treatment are copper based which reacts with both the sap of the timber and the air and then oxidises, creating green flecks on the surface. This is not intended to be a decorative finish and we recommend you stain or paint your timber once installed, especially as shades can vary between timber batches.

What is Brown Timber?

Brown timber is a naturally darker colour of wood before treatment. At AVS, brown timber can be either pressure-treated or dip treated:

• Pressure treated brown timber goes through the same process as green but an additional dye is added to the treatment to help provide the more familiar brown wood appearance. Because of this extra colour application, brown timber tends to be more expensive than green timber.

• Dip treated brown timber is dipped in a tank with the preservative and then taken out to dry. Dip treated products will have a shorter lifespan than those that are pressure treated which is why we only supply dip treated panels and trellis – products that shouldn't be in contact with the ground which means they degrade faster. Dip treated wood is often a darker brown or golden colour. 

What Timber Colour Should I Choose?

Ultimately, this will come down to a combination of your personal preference but also local availability. Our branches stock a wide range of both green and brown timber - but there are regional trends in demand and this is reflected in branch stock levels. We recommend you use our stock checker function which is available on every product page of our website.You can enter your postcode to find your nearest branch and see exactly how many items are available to ensure that your order can be processed as quickly as possible.

How Do I Care For Pressure Treated Timber?

Over time, the colour of fencing will change firstly to a golden brown and then a silvery grey. If you want to choose your own look, both green and brown timber can be painted or stained a different colour (this will also give it another layer of protection). If you're intending to paint pressure treated wood a different colour, we suggest you treat it first to seal it. Always read the treatment instructions carefully.

How Do I Care For Dip Treated Timber?

Dip treated wood does not last quite as long as pressure treated wood and may require additional applications of preservative in order to give the timber the longest life possible.

Help & Advice

If you need any more information about timber choices or anything to do with fencing and landscaping, please get in touch with your local  branch. Our specialists will be happy to offer help and advice and can provide you with a free quote for supply of all relevant materials.