Creosote or Creocote? Which side of the fence are you?
Original creosote is a complex mixture of coal tar derivatives. Like petrol, it is a mixture of hundreds of distinct chemicals rather than one specific chemical. It has commonly been used as a wood preservative protecting against wood-destroying insects and wood-rotting fungi.
However, in 2003, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) changed the law so that creosote was only available to professional users and has been withdrawn from sale for retail customers in the UK. This is due to its toxicity and potential harmful effects on health.
Here at Witham we offer an alternative. Our approved creosote substitute ‘WOCO Creocote’ is a spirit oil-based, effective treatment for exterior wood. It has been developed as a safer (for the user) alternative to original creosote. It is still designed to be used to protect wood against rotting fungi and wood destroying insects on external timbers.
WOCO Creocote is available in a traditional ‘nut brown’ shade and is ideally suited to rough woods on sheds, fences and barns, providing excellent surface water repellency, thus restricting any weather damage.
WOCO Creocote can be used on a variety of exterior woods not only to protect and preserve but also to improve grain definition. The product also exhibits the characteristic odour familiar to traditional creosote users. WOCO Creocote can be applied exactly like its predecessor by either brush or spray, and can be used by the general public as well as the trade. It is available in either 4, 20 or 200 litre containers.
Still prefer the good old-fashioned stuff? We still stock original creosote but this can only be purchased by professional users and registered trade account customers. We can supply in a minimum of 25 litre drums or 200 litre barrels.
Whichever you prefer to use just, give us a call for next day delivery and either way we can help keep all your fencing and exterior woodwork protected throughout the year.
Lincoln – 01522 521192
Soham – 01353 723373
Lowestoft – 01502 563434
Would like an example picture of the shades available
Question……….Can I, as a “law abiding” member of the public, purchase creosote but have it delivered directly to “the professional user” so that they can apply it to my fencing & shed ?? They are prepared to apply it to my woodwork for me but are not prepared to purchase the 204 ltr minimum quantity that their supplier demands nor to purchase from another supplier !!
Hi Keith – the reason we cannot supply creosote to the general public is detailed in the link below.
https://www.hse.gov.uk/biocides/copr/creosote.htm
This specifically prohibits supply to the general public; therefore, we are unable to sell to this group regardless of the products future intended application. You can, however, purchase Creocote without any restrictions should you wish. Thanks.
Nanny state laws… Even the wording is mealy mouthed… Evidence to support the view that… Is not the same as evidence that its actually ever caused a cancer anywhere in actual use!
can i mix this with old engine oil like i used to do to give an extra waterproofing addition?
Hi John – we have heard of this practice being used in the past, to either darken the colour or get rid of oil used oil.
Creosote, like any manufactured product is a balanced formulation designed to deliver protection including from water.
The introduction of another ingredient will alter this balance with unpredictable results.
Secondly, and perhaps more important is that used engine oil is carcinogenic and should be disposed of through the approved method, most council recycling centres have a facility for this.
Nothing does the job like creosote used to in my opinion. Could you point me to some test data to make me change my opinion before purchase? Thanks
Hi Steve – Creosote is certainly a unique product but the problem is that the general public can no longer buy it, for the reasons outlined in the article above, and as such the nearest alternative to Creosote is Creocote. The feedback we have received from customers is that Creocote is a good alternative.
pity. creosote was cheap, and as far as I know, effective. Since you only used it very infrequently, the risk, imho, was minimal. I need to brush on about 7 no. 3″ square fence posts, after that I will not be anywhere near, once attached to existing concrete posts.
What the law says then is a professional user can buy Creosote in bulk to treat the woodwork of customers occupying a whole housing estate legally? But it is illegal for individual households to purchase it for their fence and garden shed. Without any proof that creosote has actually caused cancer and looking at your answers above why are we even allowed to have engine oil if it is so dangerous to health, or is there going to be some EU substitute for that?
Hi Sequa – you are correct, the law states that Creosote can only be sold to professional users and not the general public. The background to the law is not something we are able to comment on, we must however obey all current legislation.
For more information, please refer to https://www.hse.gov.uk/biocides/copr/creosote.htm
Hi, I use Creocote on my fences and, as you say, it is a great alternative to creosote. However, I want to protect the wood of my composter and wondered if it is suitable for this, being in contact with the contents?
Hi Alan – yes Creocote is suitable to protect the wood of your composter. Thank you.
Does Creocote kill woodworm infestation?
Hi Dave – Creocote isn’t strictly a woodworm killer but may have some effect on the problem. If you would like any help or advice please contact us on 01522 521192 or enquiries@withamgroup.co.uk
I find it strange that a competant DIYer who needs to treat his fence every 5 or 6 years can’t get it but a so-called professional (jobbing gardener) can use it all day every day with no special precautions (Ihave watched one)
Hi Roger- we appreciate your frustration on this issue, but can reassure you that customers find our Creocote alternative to Creosote is just as effective, and this product is available to buy online with no restrictions. If you would like any help or advice please contact us on 01522 521192 or enquiries@withamgroup.co.uk
Hi, I have about x20 6ft fence panels to treat (both sides). We erected these at different stages so there is a colour variance. I am looking for a product that is effective, will neutralise the colour, with an end result of a nice neat looking finish (I don’t want it to look rough). Is Creocote suitable, and if so how much am I likely to need. Also, is it better applied by brush or sprayer. Thank you.
Hi Lesley – this depends on what colour the fence panels are now? If you are a professional user we can supply Black Creosote.
If not, Creocote is a dark brown and should give a reasonably uniform colour. You may need to overcoat some areas to achieve a consistent colour. It can be applied with a brush or sprayer, but we could recommend a brush.
Hi, how can I tell if my fence has been treated with creosote or creocote? Thanks.
Hi Dawn – this is difficult to tell I’m afraid. However either will overcoat the other. Thanks.
I have heard that painting fences and posts with creosote deters horses from chewing them. I noticed you said Creocote smells the same as Creocote. Do you know whether it is as effective a deterrent? (One farmer I just read on a forum thought it wasn’t.)
* Creocote smells the same as CreoSOTE.
I think it probably depends on the horse! We have Creosote customers at studs in Newmarket where high end racehorses have chewed the fences.
Once Creosote is completely dry the smell is very much reduced so initially maybe but over time probably not.
Does creocote stop the fence panels going green? I have 60 panels and have to paint them every year with normal fence paint as they go green? Look forward to your reply.
Hi Rebecca, yes – Creocote is an oil based product so repels water thereby ensuring the mould doesn’t have a wet environment in which to thrive. Thanks, Lucy
Hello, I was considering to use it on my raised beds. I will be growing vegetables in them. Is it safe to use in that situation?
Hi Philip, once Creosote is dry it is perfectly fine in this application. In fact many raised beds are made from old railway sleeper that have been soaked in the stuff for decades. Thanks. Lucy
Hi, Can this be painted over? What preparation is required and what kind of paint? Thank you.
Hi Robert, yes both Creocote and Creosote can be painted over. Our Woco Barn Paint would be the ideal product, preparation would be as for normal wood. Barn Paint is water based so won’t let the Creosote bleed through. If you would like to speak to one of technical team please call 01522 521192 or email enquiries@withamgroup.co.uk. Thanks
Will creocote kill my climbing plants?
Hi David – once Creocote is dry it is not harmful to plants. It would attack the plants in its wet state. Thanks.
Can you use creosote on decking and is it safe for dogs to walk on. Please
Hi Paul – Yes creosote could be used on decking, and once dry it should be safe for dogs to walk on. But it could be harmful to dogs if they were to lick or chew the wood after it had been treated.
Will this creosote kill the thick ivy on my fence panels, not just the leaves, but the thick branch type ivy?
Hi Colin – creosote could potentially burn the ivy if not kill the leaves.
Will creocote kill redmites the same as creosote does
Creocote is less toxic than Creosote and does not contain harmful ingredients such as Biocides, so it may not kill red mites.
Hi i have a lot of barn doors which have been painted with the bitumen type paint. Now over the years a lot has flaked off. i have a professional painter coming but he suggested pressure washing all these previous bits of. i think it would be better to sand back to original wood and then creocote or something black that will soak into the wood. can I have your opinion please?
Agreed – sand back to bare wood, preparation is everything. Once back to bare wood you could use our Woco Barn Paint or Creosote depending whether they are professional applicators. Hope this helps. Thanks
Is there any evidence of harm to birds, assuming say 48 hours drying time? I thinking of treating an outdoor bird table..
Creocote is safe for wildlife once dry. I would suggest leaving it to dry for a week to ensure any trace of solvent has evaporated. Hope this helps.
Hi i used creocote on my shed both sides in and out still smells inside its that smell gonna go away
Hi Mito – the smells fade over time and the more ventilation you can give the shed, the quicker the smell will disappear.
Can Creocote be sprayed with a 5L hand pump garden sprayer?
Hi Derek – Creocote can be sprayed but a proper spray gun is required as it would be too thick for a pump up garden sprayer. Hope this helps.
hello could you tell me what is the best the traditional ot the substitute for a fence around a field
Hi John – if you are a professional user and can buy Creosote, we would recommend this for a fence around a field as it can be used below ground. If you can’t get hold of Creosote, then Creocote is a good alternative and has many of the characteristics of traditional Creosote.
Hi..I am wanting to use something to protect and enhance the grain of the wood that is going to be used by children. It seems oil based products are best at enhancing the grain of the wood but are these safe for children?
Thankyou.
Hi Beverley – Creocote is safe for children when dry. Most oil based products are plant based so tend to safe where children are concerned. Thanks.
I was told that it was it the EU responsible for the ban on coal tar in original creosote for public us or was it the UK government. A relative thinks real reason was too durable
Can I assume its alternative sold in shops today creosote is less effective in preventing rot and insect attack My Uncle used the coal tar based on fence posts and field gate posts. having placed in a large drum to soak for several days and still in the ground today many years later.years I know wood used then was mature .but suspect that coal tar helped.
Hi Philip – the reason why the original creosote was so effective was because it used to contain pyro benzenes which killed most of the bugs/fungi.
Hi i see you can use a spray gun, what do you suggest i use to thin creocote down to the correct consistency ?
Hi Stuart – Creocote is thin enough to put through most commercial spray guns without any problems. We would advise a suitable respirator to be used.
Hi, can I use Creocote to paint over wood treated with water based paint please
I have put two coats of Crecote on some stairs in my garden made from scaffold planks (untreated, rough). It looks fine but i have just been told by someone who knows about these things that I ought to put two more on, for better preservation . Is that really necessary? Could you also tell me what preservatives/preventatives there are in creocote. I’ve long since thrown away the container!
Hi Andrew, thanks for getting in touch. Our paint experts have said that 2 – 3 coats is recommended, and that the oils contained in the product act as a wood nourisher and help to waterproof the timber. The product contains no preservatives, as these would need to be controlled by the HSE and the products registered as a pesticide. Hope this helps!
I want something that discourage horses from chewing the wood. Will Creocote do that like creosote did?
Hi Barbara, thanks for your comment. Discouraging animals from chewing would be better served by Creosote, but if you need any further information please let us know and we’ll put you in touch with a member of our team.
Is Creocote the same as StudX available in Australia? (same photo used in ads)
Hi Gary, we’ve taken a look into this and StudX contains an additional product which deters animals from chewing, though we don’t have any further information on it unfortunately.
Hi
I need to put in a fence post very close to a mixed hedge, I found a an old abandoned 3″ x 4″ post 5 Feet long by that I thought I could use lying in the garden must have been outside for at least 30 years, it was very heavy and solid . One end was cut square,the other end was a bit raggy and had a small recess/hole in the centre about 4″ deep, So I cut the end off square and noticed that the new cut area was totally Dark Brown/Black except for a small untreated area in the very centre. I have cut a point on the end and the point is totally brown/black except for the tip, so I assume it has been pressure treated with something and there is a smell resembling Creosote. Could this be toxic if I use it near the hedge plants
Hi Trevor,
Thanks for your message. As it’s a preservative, Creosote is very toxic – however after 30 years it’s very difficult to know how toxic it would still be, and if it would affect your hedge plants. Sorry we can’t give you a clear answer on this one, but please feel free to give us a call if we can help any further.
Hi. Is creocote harmful to insects as I would like to use it on my beekeeping equipment (stands and hives) However I’m concerned that it make affect the health of the bees.
Thanks.
Hi Jonathan, thanks for getting in touch. Although Creocote is an environmentally friendly alternative to Creosote, we wouldn’t recommend its use as the odour could upset or aggravate the bees. We would however recommend our Barn Paint range, which you can view on our website here: https://www.withamgroup.co.uk/woco/barn-paint/. Hope this helps!
Would this be safe to use on boards used to make raised beds for vegetables? Looking for something to prolong the life of the old timber I’m using as long as it’s safe for growing foodstuffs, tomatoes etc. Thanks!
Hi Joanna, we’ve checked with our paint team and they advise that unfortunately as Creocote stays oily for some time, it wouldn’t be our first recommendation when having contact with the human food chain. We’d suggest using pre-treated wood – but check with your wood suppliers for this particular use.
Hi will creocote get rid of the wood wasps nesting in our sleepers?
Hello, thanks for your query. Creocote does not actually contain any pesticides so as far as we believe, the answer would be no. It may be worth considering Creosote as it contains a few ingredients that the wood wasps would not like. We hope this helps!
HI
I’m thinking of using creocote on the framed willow hurdle panels, fifteen of which fence my garden on one side. Would it be suitable?
Thanks
Hi Andy – yes Creocote would be suitable – we estimate that 2-3 coats will do the job. Let us know if you have any other queries. Thanks, Lucy
Good afternoon.
Is Creocote safe to use on children’s wooden play structures.
Regards
Matt Brady
MGBrady21@gmail.com
Hi Matt – Yes – Creocote is safe for children once it is dry. If you need any help or technical advice you can contact our Trade Decorative Centre at Soham on 01353 723373 or enquiries@withamgroup.co.uk – thank you.
Hi – is creocote safe for use in stables where horses potentially lick/chew the wood?
Hi Claire – The product is safe once the product is dry. Under no circumstance should the horses be allowed near the wet product because of the solvent content. Hope this helps!
Does creocote last as long as creosote would do when applied to fencing?
I dont fancy repeating the job more than i need to. I understand the legalities needed when and who can use creosote.
Thank you for your enquiry about Creosote. In 2003, the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) deemed creosote toxic to the environment and harmful to health, as it is a carcinogen. As a result, the use of creosote by retail customers was banned, and it was withdrawn from sale by many organisations due to its potential impact on the environment. Under certain circumstances, for example in the railway and agricultural sectors, where there are no viable alternatives, creosote can be used by professionals for appropriate applications. These include agriculture, railways, fencing and equestrianism.
Since 2003, timber that has been treated with creosote cannot be used in interiors, for toys or playgrounds, any outdoor facility where it could come into contact with skin, for example in parks and gardens, in the manufacture of growing containers such as planters, or in the manufacture of outdoor wooden furniture.
We do stock traditional Creosote but only to professional users mentioned above and supplied in a minimum of 20 litre or 205 litre barrels. (The sale of this wood protection is governed by EU environmental and health and safety legislation and can only be sold to trade account customers).
Traditionally Creosote is the longer lasting, more effective product compared to our Creocote product as it is an effective deterrent against timber eating insects and harmful fungi.
Creocote however, can be used on a variety of exterior woods not only to protect and preserve but also to improve grain definition. The product exhibits the characteristic odour familiar to traditional creosote users but is an oil-based effective substitute treatment for exterior woods developed as a safer, more environmentally friendly alternative. Creocote can be applied by either brush or spray, and can be used by the general public as well as the trade.
Please find a link to our Creocote brochure for more information: https://indd.adobe.com/view/8de9d4a4-acb9-4319-8890-f677ddb8315e–
Or if you would like a paint expert to call you please let us know. Thanks, Lucy
Small amount gone in pond is there anything that will get it out of the water
Hi Carol – we suggest using something like a fine paint filter – hopefully the product will stick to the filter. I hope this helps!