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Timber-pole product resources
Practical guidance for comparing listed products and preparing an accurate RFQ.
K2, K3, K4 and similar descriptions indicate pole size/class in this catalogue. They are not treatment hazard classes.
Do not assume an H-class. State the intended application or required project specification. The team will confirm treatment against current stock or supplier certification.
No. Phase 1 uses “Please confirm availability.” Supplier stock is not presented as Die Pale Depot’s physical stock.
Timber delivery depends on distance, quantity, weight, pole lengths, vehicle type, access and offloading. A blanket rate could be inaccurate or unprofitable.
The VAT-inclusive selling price appears prominently, with the ex-VAT value underneath. The master selling price is ex VAT and standard VAT is 15%.
Treatment and safe handling
Pressure treatment is what lets pine stand outdoors and in the ground for years. Here is how it works, and what the hazard classes on a quote mean.
How pressure treatment works
- Load. Dried timber goes into a sealed treatment cylinder.
- Vacuum. Air is drawn out of the cylinder and out of the wood cells.
- Pressure. Preservative floods in and is forced deep into the timber.
- Fix. A final vacuum removes excess, and the preservative fixes in the wood to protect it against fungal decay and wood-boring insects.
Hazard classes (SANS 10005)
| Class | Where the timber is used | Typical examples |
|---|---|---|
| H2 | Indoors, dry, above ground | Roof timbers |
| H3 | Outdoors, above ground | Pergola beams, rails, decking |
| H4 | In ground or fresh-water contact | Fence posts, garden poles |
| H5 | In ground or fresh water where failure would be serious | Structural building poles, retaining structures |
| H6 | In sea water | Jetties, marine structures |
Standard items are supplied with the treatment specified for that product. If your project calls for a specific class such as H5 or H6, creosote, untreated timber or SABS-marked product, say so in your quote request and we will confirm before supply.
Working with treated timber
- Wear gloves, a dust mask and eye protection when sawing or drilling, and cut outdoors.
- Sweep up sawdust and offcuts, and dispose of them with general waste.
- Never burn treated timber, offcuts or sawdust.
- Wash your hands before eating, drinking or smoking.
- Do not use treated timber where it will touch food, drinking water or animal feed.
Need help matching a product to a specification?
Attach the drawing, schedule, BOQ or tender document to your RFQ.
