Calders & Grandidge

Creosote - Still Going Strong
The UK Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) decision to renew approval for creosote for a further seven years provides significant reassurance for the fencing industry. Effective from 1 April 2026, creosote will remain approved for professional and industrial applications, including agricultural, equestrian, industrial and highways fencing, with the next review scheduled for March 2033. This offers the long-term certainty manufacturers, contractors and landowners need to plan investments and projects with confidence.

Creosote has a long-established reputation as one of the most effective timber preservatives available. In demanding UC3 and UC4 fencing applications, including rails and in-ground posts, creosote-treated timber routinely delivers 40 years or more of service life. This exceptional durability reduces maintenance requirements, replacement frequency and overall lifetime costs.

From a sustainability perspective, creosote continues to offer compelling advantages. As a byproduct of coal tar distillation, it makes use of an existing industrial process rather than requiring additional resource extraction. Its long service life also means fewer replacement cycles, reducing overall material consumption and helping to lower the environmental impact of fencing projects. Compared with alternative materials such as concrete, steel and plastic, creosote-treated timber can offer favourable lifecycle carbon and energy performance.

Another key benefit is supply chain resilience. Unlike some alternative preservatives that rely on imported chemicals and complex production processes, creosote benefits from a relatively stable supply chain, helping contractors manage costs and improve project forecasting.

While the renewal is focused on essential industrial uses, with non-approved applications being phased out by 1 April 2027, the decision reinforces creosote’s value where durability and reliability are critical.

For the fencing industry, the message is clear: creosote remains a trusted, cost-effective and sustainable solution, providing the performance and certainty needed for the years ahead.

For more information or details of our stockist in your area, please call us on 01205 358866 option 1

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