Dip Treated vs Pressure Treated Fence Panels – What’s the Difference?

When choosing new fencing for your garden, one of the key decisions is whether to buy dip treated or pressure treated fence panels. Both options protect timber from rot and decay, but the way they are treated – and how long they last – is very different. Understanding the difference will help you choose the right panels for your home and budget.

Fence Panel

Dip Treated vs Pressure Treated Fence Panels – What’s the Difference?

What is Dip Treatment?

Dip treatment is the most traditional and affordable method of protecting fence panels. During the process, the timber is literally “dipped” into a tank of preservative, which coats the surface.

✅ Benefits of dip treated panels:

• Cheaper upfront cost

• Attractive light brown/orange finish

• Good basic protection against insects and rot

⚠️ Limitations:

• Protection only sits on the surface of the wood

• Requires regular re-treatment (every 1–2 years) to maintain protection

• Shorter lifespan compared to pressure treated panels

What is Pressure Treatment?

Pressure treatment is a more advanced method where timber is placed inside a sealed tank. Preservatives are then forced deep into the wood fibres under high pressure.

✅ Benefits of pressure treated panels:

• Longer lifespan – often 15 years or more without re-treatment

• Preservative penetrates deep inside the timber

• Better resistance to rot, fungi, and insects

• Lower long-term maintenance

⚠️ Limitations:

• More expensive than dip treated panels

• Greenish tint at first (which fades over time or can be stained)

Dip Treated vs Pressure Treated – Which Should You Choose?

• If you’re on a budget and happy to re-treat your panels every year or two, dip treated panels can be a good choice.

• If you prefer a longer-lasting, low-maintenance solution, pressure treated panels are worth the extra investment.

For most homeowners, pressure treated fencing is the smarter long-term option, as it saves money and time on treatments while keeping your garden secure for many years.

Where to Buy Fence Panels

At AGABOS Affordable Building and Gardening Store, we stock a wide range of fence panels – both dip treated and pressure treated – at competitive prices with UK delivery available.

👉 Click here to browse fence panels on AGABOS

Conclusion

Both dip treated and pressure treated fence panels protect timber, but the difference lies in how long that protection lasts. Dip treated panels are affordable but need regular upkeep, while pressure treated panels cost a little more upfront but offer long-term durability and peace of mind.