Can i build a table from H4 treated pine?

[Tomo808]

Hi,

I’m looking to build an outdoor table out of the H4 Treated Pine Sienna MicroPro sleepers. We have an existing structure the previous owner built from sleepers and stained with Cabot’s Merbau Aquadeck decking oil, and I’m hoping to match the look with the table. 

Is it okay for me to use these sleepers for a table, and would sealing with the same decking oil be okay or should I use something different? 

Thanks!

[AlanM52]

Hi @Tomo808,

Yes should be OK and I suggest do some reading first to prep for the project.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/Garden/How-to-seal-treated-Pine-sleepers-that-have-been-cut/...

https://www.reddit.com/r/AusRenovation/comments/12a7izy/can_i_use_the_h4_treated_pine_sleepers_from/

https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/Your-environment/Household-building-and-renovation/Treated-timber/working...

Cheers

[JacobZ]

Hi @Tomo808,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

We wouldn't typically recommend that any H4-treated timber be used for surfaces that are likely to have consistent human contact. Micropro is a safer treatment than CCA, but it's still probably not the best idea to use it for a table, particularly the top surface of it, where you are likely to lean on or rest plates or cups. 

Ultimately, the less contact you'll have with treated timbers, the better. 

If you built the frame from the sleepers and then used some merbau decking for the top surface, this would be better, as you wouldn't be in regular contact with the H4-treated timber.

Would this match the previous owner's structure? Does this seem like a viable option?

I am happy to work with you further towards a solution. Let me know what you think. 

Jacob

[Tomo808]

Thanks Jacob,

This could work, though we were hoping for a thicker, more sturdy top and the decking is only 19mm thick. I might need to think about it a bit more. 

Cheers

[MitchellMc]

Consider running a frame around the top from decking placed on edge @Tomo808. This gives the illusion of a thicker, sturdier top.

Mitchell