Pressure treated timber is a popular material for outdoor construction projects, but not all pressure treated timber is created equal. The two most common types of pressure treated timber are green and brown. While both offer many benefits, there are some key differences between the two that homeowners should be aware of before making a purchase. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between green and brown pressure treated timber 

Green vs Brown 

The main difference between green and brown pressure treated timber lies in the chemicals used in the treatment process. Green pressure-treated wood is typically impregnated with copper chromium arsenate (CCA), which helps protect against decay and pests such as termites and carpenter ants. Brown pressure-treated wood, on the other hand, is usually impregnated with alkaline copper quaternary compounds (ACQ) or copper azole (CA). These treatments can help protect against fungal decay and rot, but they may not be as effective at protecting against pests like termites and carpenter ants 

Durability 

When it comes to durability, both green and brown pressure-treated timbers offer excellent protection against rot and decay over time. However, brown timber may be more durable than green because it contains higher levels of preservative chemicals that are designed to last longer. Additionally, due to its slightly darker hue, brown wood may also be less likely to suffer from sun damage over time compared to its lighter coloured counterpart.
    

Cost 

When it comes to cost, the type of treatment used will play a big role in determining the price you pay for your timber. In general, green CCA-treated timber is typically less expensive than brown ACQ or CA-treated timber due to the higher costs associated with producing these materials. However, this does not necessarily mean that green timber is always cheaper than brown—it just depends on which type of treatment you choose for your project.
    

Conclusion 

Pressure treated timber offers numerous benefits when it comes to outdoor construction projects; however, there are some key differences between green and brown varieties that homeowners should consider before making a purchase. Green CCA-treated timber tends to be less expensive than its brown ACQ or CA counterparts; however, brown timber may be more durable due to its higher levels of preservative chemicals as well as its darker hue which could provide better protection from sun damage over time. Ultimately, understanding the differences between these two types of pressure treated timbers can help you make an informed decision when purchasing your timber for your next project.