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What is H2 treated timber?

H2 is a hazard classification under AS 1604 for timber preservation. H2 treatment protects timber from lyctid borers and is appropriate for framing in above-ground interior applications not exposed to the weather.

Is H2 treated timber termite resistant?

H2 treatment provides some resistance to termite attack in above-ground applications. For full termite protection, a comprehensive termite management system (physical or chemical barrier) is still required.

Which timber treatment is better — H2 or T2?

They describe treatment under different but related standards. Both are acceptable for residential framing. Your builder will use one or the other — ask your contract to specify the treatment level.

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Frame & Structure

H2 Treated Timber: What It Means & Where It's Used

What H2 treated timber is, what it protects against under AS 1604, where it's used in Australian home framing, and how it relates to T2 and your termite management system.

4 min·Compare My Build — Independent Resource· Updated June 2025

Introduction

H2 is a hazard level classification under Australian Standard AS 1604 for preservative-treated timber. It indicates the timber has been treated to resist attack from lyctid borers and subterranean termites in above-ground, interior applications. Understanding what H2 means helps you confirm whether your builder's frame specification provides adequate protection for your region.

Hazard Class	Use	Protects Against
H1	Interior, above ground	Lyctid borer only
H2	Interior, above ground	Borers + termites (above ground)
H3	Above ground, exposed	Borers, termites, moderate decay
H4	In ground	Full protection in-ground

Common Builder Inclusions

›H2 treated framing is specified by many QLD and NSW volume builders
›T2 and H2 are equivalent — different standards, same protection level
›Confirm H2 treatment covers wall framing, roof trusses and relevant structural members
›H2 alone does not replace a termite management system (physical or chemical barrier)

Note

H2 and T2 are essentially the same — H2 is the current Australian Standard hazard class designation; T2 is an older but still used equivalent. Both indicate treatment for above-ground borer and termite protection.