Scaffold boards are treated if you want them to last longer. If they aren’t treated, the boards tend to rot faster especially if you’re planning to expose them to various weather elements. Apart from providing a sturdy working platform, scaffold boards can also be used to make furniture, or as decking, among other uses.
Here’s all you need to know about treating scaffold boards.
Why are scaffold boards treated
Even though it isn’t a mandatory requirement for scaffold boards to be treated, it helps enhance the longevity of the boards. If you’re planning on using the boards indoors, you can always opt for untreated ones.
However, if untreated scaffold boards are to be used for scaffolding, they’ll need to be replaced often. Considering they’re exposed to different weather elements, it will compromise their integrity when it comes to providing a sturdy working platform.
If you were planning on using scaffold boards as raised beds, then treating them is necessary because it will help avoid any rot and help it last longer.
Pressure treated scaffold boards
Scaffold boards can be pressure treated or tanalised to protect them from any rot and moisture. Most boards intended for external use are tanalised or pressure treated using tanalith E, whose specific purpose is preserving the wood. Such treatment is especially good if you intend to use the boards for purposes of fencing or decking.
How to tell if scaffold boards are treated
Treated scaffold boards have a greenish colour to them because of the chemicals used during the tanalising process. You can check for this colour if you want to determine whether a board has been treated, however, the colour can fade away after some time so a visual check won’t be enough to tell whether it was treated. Knowing where the timber came from will help you determine whether it was treated at some point.
Can you varnish scaffold boards
Yes, you can varnish scaffold boards to your liking. Since most scaffold boards have rough surfaces, you can use an electric sander to smoothen it out. Once this is done you can stain and varnish the board as you please giving it a modern and fresh look.
From the above, the purpose and desired longevity are some of the things that will help you decide whether you want treated or untreated scaffold boards. Either way, regardless of how you intend to use your boards, treating them significantly enhances their longevity.