Is Creosote still the right choice?

Here at Witham Group, we understand the importance of preserving and protecting your exterior timber. We stock a wide range of exterior wood treatments including the preservatives traditional creosote and its modern alternative, Creocote. We often get asked: “Which is better?” The answer, as with many things, depends on your specific needs and priorities.

Traditional Creosote: The Time-Honoured Protector

Creosote, a coal tar derivative, has been a mainstay in timber preservation for decades. However, in 2003, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) changed the law so that creosote was only available to professional users and has been withdrawn from sale for retail customers in the UK.  This is due to its toxicity and potential harmful effects on health.  Some predict that the law could change again, and Creosote could be permanently banned in the UK.

In the meantime, Witham Group have been able to secure a supply of Creosote for customers, available while stocks last. The key benefits of Creosote are:

• Exceptional Protective Properties: Creosote offers unparalleled protection against fungal decay, wood-boring insects, and weathering. It penetrates deeply into the wood, creating a robust barrier.
• Longevity: Timber treated with Creosote can last significantly longer than untreated wood, especially in harsh conditions.
• Proven Track Record: Its long history of use provides a level of confidence in its effectiveness.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge the drawbacks:

• Strong Odour: Creosote has a distinct, pungent odour that can linger for some time.
• Environmental Concerns: Due to its composition, Creosote is subject to environmental regulations, contains toxic properties, and its use is restricted in certain applications.
• Appearance: It imparts a dark, oily finish that may not be aesthetically pleasing for all projects.
• Handling Precautions: Creosote requires careful handling due to its potential irritancy and toxicity.

Creocote: The Modern Alternative

Creocote, an oil-based wood preservative, which replicates the protective qualities of traditional creosote while addressing some of its limitations. From our experience, Creocote offers:

• Easier Application: It’s generally easier to apply than creosote, with a less viscous consistency.
• Reduced Odour: While it still has the unique ‘creosote’ odour, it’s significantly less intense and dissipates more quickly.
• Lower Environmental Impact: While still a chemical treatment, Creocote is formulated to be potentially less environmentally impactful than traditional creosote. It is also available to the public and trade alike.
• Safer Handling: Creocote is considered less hazardous to handle than creosote, although appropriate safety precautions should always be taken.

Which Should You Choose?

From a Witham Group perspective, the “better” option depends on your specific needs:

• For maximum, long-lasting protection in extreme demanding environments (e.g., agricultural fencing, railway sleepers), Creosote remains a potent choice, provided you adhere to safety and environmental guidelines.
• For general timber, sheds, and fences where aesthetics and ease of application are important, Creocote offers a viable and more user-friendly alternative, along with many other more decorative based exterior products that we stock such as our popular WOCO Barn Paint Range, Ronseal, Osmo and Sadolin products.
• Remember, traditional (original) creosote can only be purchased by professional users and registered trade account customers.

You can also refer to our previous blog post: “Creosote or Creocote? Which side of the fence are you?” for more information.

At Witham Group, we’re committed to providing high-quality products and expert advice to help you achieve the best results for your timber preservation needs. We stock both Creosote and Creocote because we recognise that both products are needed for different applications. Whichever you prefer to use just, give us a call for advice we will try to help you keep all your fencing and exterior woodwork protected throughout the year.