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Is T2 treated timber standard?

It's increasingly standard in many volume builder contracts, particularly in Queensland. However, it is not always included in base prices — confirm with your builder.

What is the difference between T2 and H2 treated timber?

T2 is a treatment level under one classification standard, while H2 is a hazard class under a different (but related) standard. Both describe treated timber suitable for in-ground and above-ground applications respectively. Your builder should confirm which treatment their frames use.

Does T2 treatment replace termite barriers?

No. T2 timber treatment reduces the risk of termite attack on the frame itself but is not a substitute for a full termite management system. A chemical or physical termite barrier should still be installed.

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Home›Build Knowledge Hub›Building Process›Frame & Structure›What Does T2 Timber Mean?

Frame & Structure

What Does T2 Timber Mean?

T2 timber treatment explained — what it protects against, how it differs from untreated timber, and whether your builder includes it.

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

Introduction

When comparing builder inclusions, you may see references to "T2 treated timber frames." T2 is a hazard level classification under Australian Standard AS 1604, indicating the timber has been treated to provide protection against borers and decay in above-ground applications. It is commonly specified in termite management strategies for residential framing.

Timber Treatment Levels at a Glance

Treatment Level	Application	Protection Against
T1 / H1	Interior, above ground	Lyctid borer only
T2 / H2	Interior, above ground	Borers + termites (above ground)
T3 / H3	Above ground, exposed to weather	Borers, termites, fungal decay
T4 / H4	In ground (not in water)	Borers, termites, severe decay
T5 / H5	In ground, wet conditions	Full protection

Pros and Cons of T2 Treated Timber

Pros

+ Provides additional protection against borer and termite attack on framing
+ Widely available and commonly used in QLD volume builder contracts
+ Low cost relative to the protection it provides
+ Required by many builders as a minimum standard in termite-prone regions

Cons

− Not all builders include T2 as standard — some use untreated (T1) framing
− Does not replace a full termite management system
− Provides above-ground protection only — in-ground elements need H4/H5

Common Builder Inclusions

›T2 treated wall and roof framing is included by many QLD volume builders
›Some builders still use T1 (untreated for termites) — confirm in your contract
›T2 treatment should be specified in writing in your contract inclusions
›Ask: 'Does the base price include T2 or T3 treated framing throughout?'

Note

Treatment levels T and H refer to the same spectrum — T is the old designation, H is the current. T2 = H2. Both are acceptable designations in building contracts.