If, however, the timbers are to be treated, sapwood is not a defect; in fact, because of the relative ease with which it can be impregnated with preservatives it may be made more desirable than heartwood.[25] [Footnote 25: Although the factor of heart or sapwood does not influence the mechanical properties of the wood and there is usually no difference in structure observable under the microscope, nevertheless sapwood is generally decidedly different from heartwood in its physical properties.

It dries better and more easily than heartwood, usually with less shrinkage and little checking or honeycombing.

This is especially the case with the more refractory woods, such as white oaks and _Eucalyptus globulus_ and _viminalis_.

It is usually much more permeable to air, even in green wood, notably so in loblolly pine and even in white oak.

As already stated, it is much more subject to decay.