Treated Timber Battens

Treated timber battens can be used for a wide range of general building and outdoor applications, including supporting timber cladding, constructing lightweight frameworks, fencing, spacing and packing, fixing boards and creating support rails. Their relatively small sections make them useful wherever a full-size construction timber is unnecessary. 

The right size depends on the job and the fixing required. A 19x38mm batten provides a relatively slim section for lighter support, spacing and general fixing work. A 25x38mm batten provides additional depth, while 25x50mm provides both greater depth and a wider 50mm fixing face. Where the batten forms part of a designed construction, use the size stated in the project specification rather than choosing solely on price. 

Do not assume that a general-purpose treated timber batten is suitable for supporting roof tiles or slates. Timber used as a roofing batten should be specifically factory graded and marked as complying with BS 5534. If a product does not state that it is a BS 5534 graded roofing batten, it should not be treated as one. 

The treated battens in this range are general-purpose battens and are not sold as C16 or C24 strength-graded structural timber. If your project requires a specified structural strength grade, choose an appropriate product from our Construction Timber range instead.

C16/C24 grading should also not be confused with roofing-batten grading. Roofing battens have their own requirements under BS 5534.

Yes, treated battens are commonly used for suitable exterior applications because preservative treatment provides greater resistance to fungal decay and insect attack than untreated softwood. However, treatment requirements vary according to exposure. General treated battens should not automatically be assumed suitable for permanent ground contact or other particularly severe conditions. 

Treated timber battens are commonly used to create a supporting framework or cavity behind timber cladding. The batten size, spacing, orientation, treatment and fixings must be suitable for the particular cladding system. Good ventilation and drainage behind external timber cladding are also important to help manage moisture.

It is good practice to apply a suitable cut-end or end-grain preservative wherever pressure-treated timber is cut, drilled or notched. Cutting can expose areas with less preservative penetration, so treating the newly exposed timber helps maintain protection.

Timber battens are generally smaller sections used for fixing, supporting, spacing and lightweight frameworks. Construction timber is normally available in larger sections and may also be strength graded for load-bearing applications. If the timber needs to form a structural joist, rafter or other load-bearing member, use the grade and section specified for the project rather than substituting a general-purpose batten.

Store timber battens flat, adequately supported and protected from prolonged wetting before installation. Avoid leaving them directly on wet ground and allow air to circulate around the timber where possible. Correct storage helps reduce unnecessary bowing, twisting and moisture-related movement before the battens are installed.