Fence Wood Preserver

[matt]

Any thoughts on a good wood preserver for a fence that is child, wildlife, and pond friendly?

I've built a fence around my pond to stop my daughter ending up in the drink, however, she is likely to stand at the fence and peer through at the pond. Therefore, I'm primarily after something that, once applied, is child safe. (There's a mix of sawn and planed timber).

Cheers

 

[Chris Knight]

Matt,

Tanalised stuff has a bad press these days (http://files.recycleworks.co.uk/files/W ... atives.pdf) of course every point of view has some sort of bias!

I reckon that you could do worse than simple paint if safety to touch/licking etc. is your main concern.

 

[matt]

Thanks, Chris. Trying to avoid paint if at all possible from both an ongoing maintenance/aesthetic point of view. I think I may go for something that can also be used on garden furniture on the assumption that something used on a garden table must be relatively safe.

 

[Wanlock Dod]

Matt,

My usual preference for preservatives is usually something that is classified as toxic to the environment (the orange and black label of a dead fish and tree). These things probably aren't good for your fish and other wee pond critters, especially if you treat it in-situ.

How about just leaving it untreated, I expect that you might get a good 5 years out of untreated softwood. Maybe by the time it falls down your daughter will be able to swim, or at least less likely to come into danger.

Cheers,

Dod