Discusses the various causes of deterioration of wood and treatments and products aimed at increasing the durability of wood. The paper identifies deteriorative agents as: fungi, insects, marine organisms, humidity, temperature, solar light, and fire. Chemical treatments of wood are divided into two kinds: normal pressure (under atmospheric conditions); and forced pressure (where products are applied in cylinders under the influence of pressure greater than that of the atmosphere. The first category includes treatment by immersion, by brush, bath and diffusion; the second treatment involve injecting creosote or other wood preservatives under vacuum. Concludes that pressure procedures are generally more effective in penetration and product retention and distribution. Inconveniences include the cost of equipment and the training of highly qualified personnel. -- ICCROM