Boron-based treated timber

Boron is a preservative used to protect the borer-susceptible sapwood of some hardwood species. The active ingredient of boron-based timber treatments is disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, which occurs naturally, is not toxic to mammals in small amounts and is not considered a large environmental threat.

Hazard level of boron: H1, or H2 south of the Tropic of Capricorn.

Pests repelled by boron: Lyctid borer (Powder post borer).

Typical uses of boron-based treated timber: Boron-based timber can be used in dry interiors, above ground, for

framing
flooring
furniture
joinery

Timber framing can be protected from termites with boron-based treatments, but this process is not widespread in NSW.

Boron-based timber cannot be used in water or underground because it leaches. However, it can be used externally in some situations if it is protected from the weather during and after construction.

Working with and handling treated timber safely