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When choosing a timber treatment, consider the location, the type of pests or fungi the timber will be exposed to, and the purpose of the final product. If possible, choose a timber that has not been treated with copper chrome arsenate, which contains arsenic.

Boron is a preservative used to protect the borer-susceptible sapwood of some hardwood species. The active ingredient of boron-based timber treatments is disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, which occurs naturally, is not toxic to mammals in small amounts and is not considered a large environmental threat.

Blue pine has been treated with synthetic pyrethroids to resist borers and termites. The treatment is usually water-based, and better for the environment than many other treatments.

Light organic solvent preservative (LOSP) is a waterproof timber treatment. LOSP may include synthetic pyrethroids, imidacloprid, azoles or copper naphthenates, which are all pesticides, but as it uses a solvent such as white spirit to contain the insecticides and fungicides, it is less hazardous than other timber treatments.

The two main copper based timber treatments, other than copper chrome arsenate (CCA), are alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) and copper azole (CA). Both are less hazardous to the environment and human health than CCA.

Creosote is one of the oldest forms of timber preservative. It is derived from coal or wood, contains more than 300 chemicals and is characterised by its dark, tar-coloured appearance and distinctive smell. It is only used outdoors as it can harm human health if used indoors.

Copper chrome arsenate (CCA) is a water-borne solution of up to 25% copper, up to 45% chromium and up to 37% arsenic. This treatment makes the timber highly resistant to pests and fungi but it can also be toxic when handled or burnt, and should never be used for household building or renovation.

In NSW, the EPA monitors the use of chemicals involved in treating timber, sets standards for responsible use of timber treatments and regulates the wood preservation industry.

Brands and labels on timber preserved to Australian Standards help buyers and users identify which company manufactured it, the treatment used and its hazard level. Special labelling is required for timber treated with copper chrome arsenate (CCA).