Bird Brand Ecosote Wood Preserver 4L and 20L

Bird Brand Ecosote Wood Preserver

Bird Brand Ecosote is a water-based, HSE-approved wood preserver for exterior timber. It protects against fungal attack, algae and decay, gives a Creosote-style matt finish without the smell or hazard warnings of Creosote, and needs no pre-treatment or fungicidal wash beforehand. It’s sold in 4-litre and 20-litre containers, in six colours, and each litre covers around 4m².

Why choose Ecosote over traditional Creosote

Ecosote was developed as a modern replacement for Creosote, which has been restricted for amateur/DIY use in the UK for years. It gives a similar dark, traditional look and the same level of protection, but it’s water-based rather than solvent-based, has a mild disinfectant-type smell rather than the harsh tar odour of Creosote, and doesn’t carry the same hazard classification. If you’re after that classic shed-and-fence look without the restrictions around Creosote, this is the modern equivalent.

Key features

HSE-approved dual-action protection — Registered as both a wood preserver and a surface biocide, protecting timber from fungal decay and stopping green algae growth in one product.

No pre-treatment needed — Kills existing algae on contact, so there’s no need for a separate fungicidal wash before you start — one product, one coat, done.

Penetrates like a solvent-based preserver — Despite being water-based (easier clean-up, lower odour), it soaks into the timber grain as effectively as traditional solvent-based products, particularly on rough-sawn wood.

Fade-resistant colour — Holds its colour noticeably longer than Creosote-style products, so sheds and fences keep their finish rather than washing out after one winter.

Flexible application — Apply by brush, sprayer, or dip-treatment, whichever suits the size of the job.

Recyclable packaging — The 4L container is made from 98% recycled HDPE and can be recycled again after use.

Available colours: Light, Dark, Black

Available sizes: 4L, 20L

Coverage: Approximately 4m² per litre — a 4L tin covers roughly 16m², a 20L drum covers roughly 80m².

Best used for: Sheds, fences, gates, and other rough-sawn exterior timber where a traditional, opaque, Creosote-style finish is wanted.

FAQs

Do I need to treat the wood before applying Ecosote? No. Ecosote removes existing green algae as it’s applied, so there’s no need for a separate fungicidal wash first.

Is Ecosote the same as Creosote? No — it’s a modern, water-based alternative that gives a similar traditional dark finish and level of protection, without the restrictions and odour associated with Creosote.

What colours does Ecosote come in? Six: the original three shades — Light, Dark and Black — plus Grey, Red and Green.

How much coverage do I get from one tin? Around 4m² per litre, so a 4L tin covers about 16m² and a 20L drum covers about 80m².

Can I spray it on, or does it have to be brushed? Either — Ecosote can be applied by brush, sprayer or dipping, depending on what suits your project.

Is Ecosote safe to use at home? It’s HSE-approved and classed as non-hazardous, with a mild disinfectant-type smell rather than a strong solvent odour, making it a more DIY-friendly option than traditional Creosote products.

What’s it best used on? Rough-sawn exterior timber — sheds, fences and similar outdoor woodwork — where the preservative needs to soak deep into the grain.