Why use H3 Treated Pine for your Decking Subframe?

Home > Why use H3 Treated Pine for your Decking Subframe?

If you’re planning to build a deck, make sure you carefully consider the materials you’re using – especially when building the subframe. The material used for your decking subframe should provide a stable base that guarantees structural stability and long-term durability. There are a few materials you can choose from, all of which have specific pros and cons. You’ll need to understand them all so that you can make an informed decision on which is the best choice for your project.

Pine, or in this case treated pine, is one of the most popular and versatile timbers and is commonly used in household projects. While it is a natural product that is strong and reliable, the question remains – is all pine the same? Can you use any pine for your outside projects?

Let’s dig a bit deeper and find out which pine, or treated pine, is best for your deck.

What is H3 Treated Pine?

Pine is a softwood, which is why it needs to be treated with preservatives and kiln-dried for extra durability. Without treatment, the pine can rot and be subject to insect attack. Without kiln drying, it can split or crack when exposed to extreme weather. However, with the correct treatment and drying process, your pine frame will enjoy an extended life.

There are several different classes of preservatives used to treat pine, with H2, H3 and H4 being the most common options. The H stands for hazard, and it is used to denote the level of treatment required and what the timber can be used for. H is used to categorise the treatments applied on the timber to protect it from insects and decay among other things. Treated pine is classified according to durability, with H3 and H4 being the more durable classifications for external use. H3 is the best option for all your subframe work above-ground, while H4 can be used for posts and other things that are close to/touch the ground or need to be dug into the ground.

Why is H3 Treated Pine used for subframes?

It is vital to understand the difference in these grades of wood so that it is easier for you to use them as a part of your outdoor decking. H3 treated pine is protected against insect damage and gives your timber a long-term resistance to decay. H3 is the minimum required level of treatment used in protecting the timber from termites, decay, and fungi attacks. This preservative treatment guarantees protection for above-ground settings and places that are exposed to periodic wetting.

Regardless of the makeup of the chosen preservative, the treatment process is the same. The kiln dried timber is immersed in the treatment solution, and the treatment is then given some time to penetrate before it’s drained off. The timber is then dried again to keep it stable during construction.

Another reason why treated pine is such a popular choice is the cost. Compared to most other timbers, treated pine is a much more affordable option. After all the subframe is not going to be seen so it makes sense to choose a product that is affordable and long lasting. H3 treated pine offers both and will allow you to build an affordable outdoor deck.

How long will H3 treated pine last?

While the H3 treatment doesn’t completely eliminate any chance of decay (as it is a natural process for wood), it does slow the process right down. This helps protect the treated pine decking from average levels of decay and keeps your deck solid and maintenance free for many years to come.

If you’re looking for H3 treated pine in Perth for your decking project, reach out to us at Austim today. We’re Perth’s leading supplier of treated pine and other timber for structural, interior and exterior applications.

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What our clients say

Austim are a great partner and timber supplier. Our business is based on the East Coast of Australia and we partner with Austim for WA projects. We have had a long lasting and great working relationship with Austim for many years. Highly recommend them.

daniel wright

06:31 18 Jun 19

Austim is always the first place I try when I need timber and it’s rare that I can’t get what I need there. Stuart is a rare gem of a gent to deal with – quick to respond to any queries, full of good advice and goes out of his way to help get whatever project I’m working on happening to my schedule, even when all I need is a few sticks and a handful of fixings. Highly recommend Austim, the team and young Stuart.

Anni Lilford

00:51 16 Nov 18

Stuart went out of his way to make sure we got the product we wanted. He made suggestions on possible constructions and timbers suitable. Very knowledgeable friendly staff all around. Excellent experience, highly recommended.

Holger Butenschon

05:14 22 May 18

Hi Ben,Just wanted to thankyou for your help and advice in our selection of the Millboard Vintage Oak decking also in you recommending Grant from Premier Hardwood Decking. Grant has just completed our decking and we couldn't have asked for a more professional, reliable and competent tradesman. The decking has been installed to a very high standard and the decking itself is stunning. Ian and Sue

susan smith

06:27 08 Oct 18

I've used Austim on a few occasions for home projects like decking and pergola, etc and each time the response to my requests for price and delivery have been excellent, the deliveries took place as negotiated, the timber quality was great and value for money. The team at Austim do a great job and make dealing with Austim a breeze.

Michael Robinson

09:06 25 Oct 18

I have worked with Austim for around 8 years now and they are one of the best suppliers in perth to deal with. I would highly recommend to use them for any timber needs!!!

Art of Timber

07:55 05 Mar 20

I had been looking for some cedar for my kayak project and had rung a couple of other places with no luck. When I contacted Austim they were very helpful, had the timber in stock and I was on my was in 20 minutes. The wood was very good quality and has really finished up beautifully. Thanks to Austim.

mark alderson

02:03 08 Apr 17

I"d like to thank Austim for there help in supplying me with material that firstly I thought I'd have trouble sourcing as it was marring up with originally 30 year old existing timber.My project was not a massive project but still needed the attention of an new build.The timber supplied by Austim was machined to size with absolute perfection, where I had to remove old pieces and replace with the new pieces they fitted perfectly.once the floors are re-sanded and varnished they will be back to there former glory. Thanks again to the staff at Austim.Regards Bob Heppenstall.I've just added a finished photo after the Floor Sanding was completed.Original timber was Tassie Oak, and the new is Vic Ash, as you can see there is only a slight variation in the final product.I hope this gives anyone thinking doing the same the confidence to proceed. Regards Bob Heppenstall.

Robert Heppenstall

10:05 12 Oct 18

Great service over phone and by email. Product supplied is high quality - no issues. Staff accommodating and friendly.

M F

00:18 07 May 20

Good service with fair prices.

Colin Della Bosca

08:14 04 Jun 20

Great service and product.I struggled to find a bench top in the size and material I wanted, so was really happy when I found one with Austim.It came fully protected with wrap and was undamaged when I got it home.Thanks

Matt Harrison

06:29 08 May 23

Good selection, friendly staff, competitive pricing. Preferred over the 'hardware store'.You can hand pick if you need superior quality, Ben Price helped me with sorting through

Dirk Wachter

03:59 12 May 23

Quick responses, timber prepared to request including cutting to Size. Easy pick up. Highly recommend.

Martyn Lethbridge

06:42 05 May 23

We wanted Marri boards to make a bed - Austim provided beautiful planed and sized boards - at a good price - delivered on time......excellent service!

Mark Warren

06:53 20 Aug 21

Ordered some merbau timber through austim to replace some rotten pine stair treads. The guy on the phone was very helpful .the timber was straight and had no faults or damage. Sent a message with a picture to say the timber had been delivered. Would definitely order timber from them again

Galaxie Galaxie

05:25 29 Nov 23

Ron has help me out tremendously with designing and supplying two decks. Everything required to build them including screws Concreate, stirrups and timber. Service is excellent and at competitive prices.

Craig Bussanich

01:25 06 Oct 23

Excellent service! The gentlemen that served us was so helpful and sorted out our kitchen bench top in 15 minutes! Great product!

sophie sherlock

07:24 06 Oct 23

Wow! What amazing customer service. Ron took care of working out what I needed and guided me expertly through the product range. Invoice was raised on Wednesday afternoon and the wonderful Wade delivered my order on Friday morning. He went above and beyond what would normally be a kerbside delivery, changed the Hiab strapsTo longer ones and expertly delivered it safely over my side wall. Super impressed, he’s a keeper Austim!