MICRO PRO® SIENNA SLEEPERS VS TREATED PINE SLEEPERS
, by Harry Sandhu, 3 min reading time
Choosing the right timber sleeper plays an important role in the durability, safety, and visual appeal of any landscaping project. Micro Pro® Sienna sleepers and Treated pine sleepers are both pressure-treated timbers designed for outdoor use, but they differ in treatment methods, appearance, environmental impact, and ideal applications. Understanding these differences helps ensure the right choice for your project.
General Information
What are Micro Pro® Sienna sleepers?
Micro Pro® Sienna sleepers are treated using advances micronised copper technology. This process uses extremely fine copper particles that penetrate deeply into the timber, providing long-lasting protection against termites and decay. The Sienna treatment gives the timber a rich brown colour, delivering a natural timber appearance straight away without the need for staining and painting.
What are Treated Pine Sleepers?
Treated Pine sleepers are traditionally treated using chemical preservatives such as CCA or similar compounds, depending on treatment level and regulations. These sleepers typically have a green tint when new, which fades to grey over time. Treated Pine has been widely used in landscaping for decades due to its strength, availability, and affordability.
Treatment Technology and Safety
The primary difference lies in the treatment method. Micro Pro® Sienna sleepers use micronised copper, which contains no arsenic or chromium, making them a safer and more environmentally considerate option. Treated Pine sleepers rely on older chemical treatments that, while effective, are harsher and require more care during handling and installation.
Appearance and Finish
Micro Pro® Sienna sleepers offer a warm, brown finish that blends seamlessly into garden environments and modern landscapes. In contrast, treated pine sleepers have a greenish hue that many people find less appealing initially, often requiring staining o painting for decorative projects.
Corrosion and Fixings
Micro Pro® Sienna sleepers are less corrosive to metal fixings, reducing long-term wear on screws, bolts, and brackets. Treated pine sleepers can be more corrosive, meaning galvanised or stainless-steel fixings are essential to ensure longevity.
Benefits of Micro Pro® Sienna sleepers
Micro Pro® Sienna sleepers are valued for their visual appeal and user-friendly nature. They are low odour, easier to work with, and well suited to residential settings. Their environmentally conscious treatment makes them ideal for garden beds, planter boxes, and areas near children, pets, or edible plants, while still providing excellent durability and resistance to decay.
Benefits of Treated Pine Sleepers
Treated Pine Sleepers remain popular due to their affordability and proven structural strength. They are widely available and suitable for heavy-duty landscaping applications, including large retaining walls and boundary structures. For projects where budget and strength and outweigh aesthetics, treated pine continues to be a practical choice.
Ideal Applications
Best uses for Micro Pro® Sienna sleepers
Micro Pro® Sienna sleepers are ideal for decorative retaining walls, garden edging, raised beds, and residential landscaping projects where appearance and safety matter. Their natural colour and modern treatment make them especially suited to visible areas.
Best uses for Treated pine sleepers
Treated pine sleepers are best suited to structural retaining walls, large-scale landscaping, and rural or commercial projects. They are ideal where the sleepers will be mostly functional or partially concealed.
Why choose one over the other?
Choosing between Micro Pro® Sienna sleepers and treated pine sleepers depends on project priorities. Micro Pro® Sienna is the better option when aesthetics, environmental considerations, and low maintenance are important. Treated Pine Sleepers are the better choice when cost and control and structural performance are the main drivers.
Conclusion
Both Micro Pro® Sienna sleepers and Treated Pine Sleepers offer durability and protection for outdoor landscaping projects, but they serve different needs.Micro Pro® Sienna sleepers provide a modern, visually appealing, and environmentally responsible solution, while treated pine sleepers deliver a cost-effective, time-tested option for structural applications. Selecting the right sleeper ensures your landscaping project remains strong, safe, and visually appealing for years to come.
