On 2008-06-24 08:40:44 +0100, "The Medway Handyman"
said:

wrote:
What colour should tanalised timber fence panels be straight from the
supplier? They're the feather edged variety, not lap.

A neighbout had some installed and they're a faded orange. I was
pretty sure that tanalised (Tanalith E) stuff is green, which seems to
be confirmed by the manufacturers:
http://www.archchemicals.com/Fed/WOO..._DS_OCT_02.pdf

So I was a bit surprised when my tanaliased panels arrived and they're
that faded orange colour too. Should they be green?

Just looked at the Wickes site. They list Dipped Close Board Panels (F/E)
which they state are
"Pressure-treated to ensure durability" and are orange. They also list
Premium Fence Panels (wany lap) and don't mention any kind of treatmant at
all. They are also orange.

So I guess you can't tell by the colour.

You can also tell that they don't really know what they are selling.
Pressure treating is not the same as dipping in terms of penetration of
the preservative. However, I suppose that one might argue that it
won't make much difference with DIY store fence panels with boards not
much thicker than your Rizla papers.

I've found that it's far better to go to a specialist fence supplier,
ideally one who manufactures as well, and to select from their
products. They do the generic products at a lower price than the
supermarkets and much better quality ones for perhaps 30-50% more.
That plus a decent job with decent posts is worth the investment, I
think.