How Multi-Product Wood Integration Elevates a Vital Public Space

While premium natural timber is frequently specified for legacy luxury estates, its impact on commercial, community-focused architecture is profoundly transformative. A prime example is the extensive remodel of the YMCA (The Y) in Missoula, Montana. Working in partnership with Paradigm Architects and  Quality Construction Company, Montana Timber Products delivered a highly customized wood package. The materials introduce biophilic warmth, long-term durability, and strict safety compliance to this bustling community hub.

Spanning three distinct product lines across both exterior and interior applications, this build showcases strategic material selection. The design successfully elevates public infrastructure into an inspiring, welcoming environment.

PROJECT DETAILS

Location: Missoula, MT

Project Type: Commercial / Community Center Remodel

Architect: Paradigm Architects

Contractor: Quality Construction Company

Photography: Chuck Collier Schmidt 

Total Volume: 13,908 Board Feet

PRODUCTS & APPLICATIONS

The architecture required a diverse palette to define different functional zones within the facility. The design utilizes premium Select Tight Knot Cedar across three specialized product lines, configured in both wire-brushed and smooth profiles.

DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS

Counteracting Commercial “Coldness” at Both Entrances

Large commercial entrances often rely heavily on structural steel, expansive aluminum window mullions, and concrete. While these elements provide necessary durability, they can easily make a public building feel clinical.

To mitigate this, the design team created a seamless interior-to-exterior material transition at the main entrance. They wrapped the exterior soffits in smooth AquaFir™ Brown Tongue & Groove cedar. This identical material and profile carries directly through the glazing line into the interior lobby ceilings. This architecture establishes an immediate, continuous flow. The natural timber strips away the coldness of the industrial framing, ensuring the facility greets members with immediate warmth.

Calm in the Phyllis Washington Early Child Care Nursery

Interior design choices play a direct role in stress regulation within high-energy child care environments. Creating a peaceful, grounded space for early learners was a top priority for the newly improved Phyllis Washington Early Child Care wing at The Y.

The design team executed this by specifying smooth AquaFir™ Brown T&G cedar directly overhead on the nursery’s high ceilings. This natural timber ceiling provides a stabilizing acoustic and visual element. It perfectly balances the bright, vibrant energy of the custom wall mural below, created by local artist April Werle in partnership with Soft Landing Missoula. Bathed in natural light from large windows looking out to the playground, the smooth wood grain anchors the room. It brings an organic sense of security and calm to the nursery.

Exterior Safety: Soffits with FX LumberGuard XT Fire Protection

Implementing natural wood into commercial rooflines and exterior overhangs requires careful adherence to building codes. For the exterior soffits at The Y, the design required an advanced level of safety compliance.

Montana Timber Products met this need by applying FX LumberGuard XT fire protection directly to the smooth AquaFir™ Brown cedar soffits. This specialized fire-retardant coating was factory-applied in our controlled facility before shipping. This process ensures strict compliance with exterior commercial fire codes. It delivers critical flame-spread resistance without degrading or altering the rich, natural aesthetic of the wood.

Advanced Moisture Management

Western Montana experiences heavy seasonal snowpack and freezing temperatures. Because of this climate, long-term exterior wood protection was non-negotiable. All dimensional cedar siding, trim, and soffits were kiln-dried to a strict moisture content of 15% or less before profiling.

Furthermore, every board designated for exterior exposure was prefinished with low VOC, non-toxic Seal-Once Waterproofer. seals the wood entirely. It prevents the asymmetric moisture absorption that causes cupping, twisting, and premature finish degradation over time.

The Result: The Missoula YMCA remodel

The Missoula YMCA remodel stands as a definitive blueprint for modern commercial design. It demonstrates that public and community spaces do not have to sacrifice beauty for utility. Through the strategic integration of ranchwood™, Charwood™, and the fire-protected AquaFir™ cedar soffits, the project team successfully delivered a high-performance facility. The resulting space will perform assuredly under heavy public use for decades, serving as a warm center for the local community.

GALLERY

Restain Commercial Project Case Study
Zoo in Lafayette, Indiana USA

This commercial project highlight focuses on the commercial wood siding maintenance and stain reapplication at the Columbian Park Zoo penguin exhibit in Lafayette, Indiana. Installed in 2019, the project features Montana Timber Products siding that has been exposed to the elements for seven years.

We recently reviewed the results of a stain reapplication to demonstrate how the finish performs over time and to outline the specific protocols for maintaining commercial wood siding in sensitive environments.

Safe for the Penguins ? (and Future Primate Exhibit)

When working in sensitive environments like a zoo, safety is our top priority. We are pleased to note that the Columbian Park Zoo is currently expanding to include a new primate exhibit (details to come), utilizing Montana Timber Products materials to ensure a consistent and safe aesthetic throughout the park.

As standard with all our products, these exhibits are protected by SEAL ONCE, a high-performance water-based stain and sealant. Unlike traditional oil-based or acrylic stains, this non-toxic wood finish does not create a film and does not flake. This is a critical distinction for animal safety, as flaking paint or stain can pose ingestion hazards. The ultra-low VOC formula ensures a safe environment for the penguins currently inhabiting the space and the primates arriving soon.

The Role of Installation

The siding used, 1×8″ Cedar Shiplap, Aquafir™ Charcoal with a Wire Brush texture. The wood has performed exceptionally well over the last seven years.

As noted in our technical documentation, water will find any spot left unsealed. The longevity of this exhibit suggests the original installers followed the critical “End Cut” protocol sealing every cut edge during installation to prevent the wood from absorbing water like a sponge.

The Reapplication Strategy: Touch-Up vs. Full Coat

The Columbian Park Zoo engaged a professional contractor for this maintenance. It is important to distinguish between a touch-up and a full reapplication, as the techniques yield different visual results.

1. General Best Practices (Touch-Ups) For minor repairs or touch-ups, our internal guidelines emphasize “finesse.” Because the stain is water-based and tints sink to the bottom, the can must be stirred frequently. When touching up a scratch or nail hole, we advise blending the stain lightly to avoid creating a dark, saturated spot that stands out against the weathered wood.

2. The Strategy for This Exhibit (Full Recoat) For this project, the goal was not to blend, but to revitalize the aesthetic with high contrast against the exhibit’s driftwood log enclosure.

• The Approach: The contractor applied the Aquafir™ Charcoal stain without dilution.
• The Result: Because textured surfaces (like Wire Brush) may absorb the color pigment more, and the stain was applied at full strength, the result is darker and more saturated than the original installation.

While standard maintenance often involves diluting stain to match a weathered patina, this project utilized the reapplication to intentionally deepen the Charcoal tone, providing a bold, fresh look.

The 7-Year Reveal: Revitalizing Weathered Cedar Siding

After seven years, the Cedar siding was ready for a refresh. Since SEAL ONCE penetrates the wood rather than forming a surface film, the reapplication process was straightforward—no stripping or sanding was required.

The Cedar remains structurally sound, and the fresh coat has successfully updated the visual profile of the exhibit while continuing to protect the substrate.

Before & After Gallery
Columbian Park Zoo

Before AquaFir™ Charcoal

Updated AquaFir™ restain

AquaFir™ Charcoal, 7 year patina exposed high pedestrian traffic

Commercial Walkway using AquaFir™ Siding

7 year Patina on AquaFir™

saturated reStain on AquaFir™

AquaFir™ Charcoal, 7 year Patina on WRC

Zoo pedestrian traffic Penguin Exhibit

Will update with sun orientation details once confirmed. Reach out to your local rep for any technical maintenance questions with Montana Timber Products. Contact Us

Natural Beauty Cladded in our Thermally Modified Wood

Reaching New Heights in Wellbeing-Centric Living, the Velvære community, nestled between Park City’s iconic Deer Valley Resort and North America’s newest ski destination, Mayflower Mountain Resort, redefines mountain living. Blending seamlessly with the breathtaking Utah landscape, the modern mountain townhomes at Velvære showcase our new thermally modified wood product offering.

PROJECT DETAILS

Location
Park City, UT

Project Type
Townhomes

Applications + Products

• Vertical Exterior Cladding:
  • 1″x4″ | AquaFir™ | clear coat | Shiplap with ¼” reveal | raked texture
  • 1″x6″ | AquaFir™ | clear coat | Shiplap with ¼” reveal | raked texture
• Horizontal Exterior Cladding
  • 1″x8″ | ranchwood™ | Western | Shiplap with ¼” reveal | raked texture

Species & Grade

Thermally Modified Hemlock (Clear Vertical Grain)

THE VISION

Harmonizing with Nature: The Vision for Velvære

The vision for the Velvære townhomes was to create a modern mountain living experience that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding natural beauty while embodying the community’s focus on wellbeing. Inspired by the principles of biophilic design, the architects sought to foster a deep connection between residents and nature. This approach emphasizes the use of natural materials, visual connections to the outdoors, and the creation of spaces that evoke a sense of tranquility and well-being. The choice of thermally modified Hemlock was central to this vision, not only for its inherent warmth and rich texture but also for its sustainable qualities. These luxury homes are designed for discerning individuals who appreciate both refined aesthetics, environmental consciousness, and a wellbeing-focused lifestyle, offering a luxurious yet responsible way to experience the unique charm of Park City and the immersive experiences of Velvære.

THE SOLUTION

Thermally Modified Durability Meets Refined Design

Our thermally modified Hemlock was the cornerstone of this project, offering a compelling combination of performance and aesthetics perfectly suited for the demanding mountain environment of Park City. The following benefits illustrate why it was the ideal choice:

Design Considerations

• Sustainability
• Longevity
• Aesthetic Cohesion

CONCLUSION

Building a Sustainable Legacy

The Velvære townhomes stand as a testament to the power of thoughtful design, sustainable materials, biophilic principles, and a commitment to wellbeing. By embracing the natural beauty and resilience of thermally modified wood, this project offers a modern mountain living experience that is both luxurious and environmentally responsible, creating a harmonious balance between sophisticated living, a deep connection to the natural world, and a truly enriching lifestyle.

Project Gallery

Artisanal Crafted Wood Elevates Commercial Designs

Overview

Three landmark projects in downtown Jackson, Wyoming feature Montana Timber Products’ exterior and interior cladding. These developments utilize ranchwood™ Artisan, Charwood™, and AquaFir™, seamlessly merging traditional craftsmanship with modern architectural demands.

PROJECT 1: ARTS DISTRICT WEST CONDOS

Applications + Products

• Horizontal Cladding: Charwood™ Midnight | 1×6 | Shiplap w/ ¼” reveal
• Vertical & Horizontal Cladding: ranchwood™ Artisan | Glacier Grey | Raked | 1×6 | Shiplap w/ ¼” reveal
• Grain Bin Siding: ranchwood™ Artisan | Glacier Grey | Raked | 2×4 | Square Edge
• Soffit & Ceiling: ranchwood™ Artisan | Glacier Grey | Raked | 1×6 | Tongue & Groove
• Trim: ranchwood™ Artisan | Glacier Grey | Raked | 2×12 | Square Edge + Charwood™ | Midnight | 2×12 | Square Edge

Species + Grade

• Douglas Fir (#2Btr)

The Vision

Arts District West is a modern urban development of ten luxury condominiums and mixed-use spaces draws on a striking aesthetic contrast between light and dark wood tones, offering both visual depth and connection to the regional landscape.

The Solution

Ranchwood™ Artisan in Glacier Grey was chosen for its weathered, rustic character, blending seamlessly with the mountain environment. The darker Charwood™ Midnight adds a bold, modern contrast, delivering a dynamic interplay between tones and textures.

Design Considerations

The design team prioritized material selections that would complement the rugged natural surroundings of Jackson while achieving a sophisticated finish. The cool Glacier Grey and deep Midnight tones provide a durable and refined exterior suited for the alpine environment.

PROJECT 2: CLOUDVEIL MARRIOTT

Applications + Products

• Vertical Cladding: ranchwood™ Artisan | Western Red Cedar (STK) | Dusk | Raked | 1×6 | Shiplap 
• Horizontal Cladding: Charwood™ | Douglas Fir (Clear Vertical Grain) | Custom Color | 1×6 | T&G

Fire Treatment

• All materials are Fireline pressure-treated for Class A fire-rated WUI compliance.

The Vision

This luxury hotel, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, was designed to fuse mountain serenity with Jackson’s western heritage. The design demanded a refined exterior that met both aesthetic and safety criteria.

The Solution

MTP’s Fireline protection was utilized to provide an elegant, eye-catching exterior that not only looks stunning but also meets fire safety precautions. There are two distinct siding elements that were created specifically for this project to meet the inspired aesthetic vision.

Design Considerations

Balancing fire safety with architectural beauty was paramount. The combination of Charwood™ and ranchwood™ Artisan delivers a design that reflects the rustic charm of Jackson Hole, while maintaining the luxury standards expected from a world-class hotel.

PROJECT 3: RUSTY PARROT LODGE & SPA

Applications + Products

• Vertical Cladding: AquaFir™ | Hazelnut | Wire Brushed | 1×6 | Shiplap with ⅛” reveal
• Horizontal Cladding: AquaFir™ | Brown | Wire Brushed | 2×12 | Shiplap with ⅜” reveal
• Fascia: AquaFir™ | Brown | Wire Brushed | 2×12 | Square Edge
• Soffit:  AquaFir™ | Brown | Wire Brushed | 1×6 | Tongue & Groove
• Timbers:  AquaFir™ | Brown | Resawn | 4×6, 4×8, 6×8, & 8×10 | Square Edge

Species + Grade

• Siding – Douglas Fir (#2btr) | Timbers – Douglas Fire (#1 FOHC)

The Vision

The revitalized Rusty Parrot Lodge aims to retain its original charm while introducing modern luxury. The use of natural wood materials was key to maintaining a strong connection to Jackson’s wilderness.

The Solution

AquaFir™ in Hazelnut and Brown was selected for its earthy, organic tones that resonate with the surrounding environment. The finishes bring a sense of warmth and depth, creating a lodge atmosphere that feels both contemporary and timeless.

Design Considerations

Durability and aesthetic harmony were critical. AquaFir’s finishes provide resilience against the elements while offering a luxurious feel. The interplay of Hazelnut and Brown enhances the architecture, grounding the design in its natural surroundings.  All exposed materials including siding, trim, fascia and timbers were expertly milled and prefinished by MTP to the exact specifications required by the project team.

These projects exemplify how Montana Timber Products can enhance architectural vision through thoughtful material choices, merging rustic textures with modern functionality. Each project illustrates the seamless blend of durability, fire resistance, and aesthetic beauty, demonstrating why MTP is a trusted partner for architects and builders in Jackson’s evolving landscape.

Project Gallery

A Commercial Facade Stands out with Prefinished Natural Wood

PROJECT DETAILS

Location
Idaho

Project Type
Commercial

Applications
Exterior Vertical Cladding | 1”x8” | Shiplap

Product
AquaFir™ | Light Brown | Wire Brushed | STK Cedar

THE DESIGN VISION

In the competitive world of commercial spaces, making a lasting impression is key. For this dental office in Idaho, the facade wasn’t just an exterior; it was an opportunity to create warmth and distinction.

THE SOLUTION

Choosing AquaFir™ prefinished natural wood cladding wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was a strategic move. The light brown hue and wire brushed texture not only added visual appeal but also conveyed a sense of tranquility, setting the tone for a more inviting experience for patients.

By combining the natural warmth of wood with sleek black metal design elements, the result was a facade that stood out while still maintaining a professional demeanor.

MAINTENANCE MADE EASY

One of the advantages of opting for prefinished natural wood cladding like AquaFir™ is the ease of maintenance. Unlike traditional painting methods that require stripping, sanding, and reapplying coats of paint, maintaining wood cladding involves simple steps like cleaning, drying and reapplying. This not only saves time but also ensures that the facade maintains its allure for years to come.

WHY AQUAFIR™?

In the realm of commercial design, every detail matters. From creating a welcoming atmosphere to ensuring practical maintenance, AquaFir™ prefinished natural wood cladding proves to be a versatile and efficient choice for elevating commercial facades.

LEARN MORE ABOUT AQUAFIR™

Project Gallery

Transforming a Commercial Space in the Mountains

PROJECT DETAILS

Location
Montana

Project Type
Commercial

Applications

Siding: 1×12 Board & 1×4 Batten
Trim: 1×6 & 2×6 Square Edge
Soffit: 1×6 Tongue & Groove Profile
Timbers: 4×4, 6×6, 6×8, 8×8, 8×12 & 8×16 Square Edge
Exposed Rafter Tails: 2×6 & 4×10 Sq Edge

Product

ranchwood™ | Eastern | Circle Sawn | Douglas Fir

THE VISION

In many cases, municipal facilities, particularly wastewater treatment plants, tend to blend in as standard, uninspired commercial structures. However, in Big Sky Montana, they aspired to set themselves apart. Their goal was not only to construct a cutting-edge facility but also to infuse the building with the essence of its setting, a place of rugged peaks and untamed beauty.

THE SOLUTION

Choosing natural wood for the exterior of this municipal building was an obvious choice. The ranchwood™ product, in Eastern color with a circle sawn texture, perfectly encapsulated the rustic elegance that defines Montana’s character. It provided a unique and distinctive touch to a commercial space that would have otherwise been ordinary.

LEARN MORE ABOUT RANCHWOOD

Project Gallery

Where:  Montana
Products:  AquaFir™ product line in black and natural colors with wire brushed finish.  Wood substrate is douglas fir, all kiln dried.

Product Use:  2×6 vertical shiplap siding, 2×3 square edge vertical rainscreen, 1×6 tongue & groove soffits, and 1×6 shiplap interior cladding on booths.

This popular Asian-fusion restaurant in Montana was relocated and modernized inside and out with Montana Timber Products materials.  The contrast in colors and applications with clean vertical lines creates an attractive modern appeal.  By design, the abundance of natural wood and light provide a warm, biophilic feel to the structure.

AquaFir™ is offered in 3 textures: smooth, wire brush and circle sawn, each offer a different look and change the appearance to personalize the project.  Along with different textures and profiles, you can customize your wood species, with douglas fir or cedar. All of our product lines can be used for siding, timbers, trusses, posts, beams, decks, siding, trim, fascia, soffit, interior paneling/ceiling,, etc…

Our ranchwood™, AquaFir™, ranchwood™ Artisan, ranchwood™ weathered, Charwood™, and Corral Board product lines offer a full selection of exterior and interior wood materials.  All the products can be used for residential and commercial application.  Each product line is offered in two wood species, Douglas Fir and Cedar in various grades, talk to a Montana Timber Products representative to find out what fits your design and budget best.  Call 406-215-4961 for more information or fill out the contact form at:  https://www.montanatimberproducts.com/contact/.

Where: Wisconsin
Products:  ranchwood™ product line in three colors southern, western, yellowstone, and one AquaFir™ color shale for exterior siding and interior accents all in douglas fir wood.
Product Use:  1×6 shiplap (mixed equally in color) in wire brush texture.  Interior wall 1×4 shiplap (mixed equally in color) in wire brush texture.  The trim and doors are in southern color in 1×8 and 1×6 square edge material.  Faux beam wrap is all 1×10 and 1×8 material in southern color all in wire brush texture.  Window flower boxes are 1×8 shiplap mixed colors and trimmed in southern square edge boards.

Montana Timber Products offers 4 product lines in douglas fir or cedar wood species (each in three grades).  Along with corral board an authentic reclaimed wood.   Materials are available in 4″, 6”, 8”, 10” and 12″ wide boards in lengths ranging from 4ft to 16ft long (doug fir or cedar).  Available in 6 profiles (shiplap, square edge, square edge lap, shiplap reveal, tongue and groove, channel rustic) and 3 textures for the AquaFir™ and ranchwood™ products (smooth, wire brushed, circle sawn), ranchwood™ Artisan is ONE texture (raked) and Charwood™ is its own texture from the burning.  Thickness offered is 1″,5/4 (cedar only), 2″ as standards and then timbers/posts in 3+ inches.  The board will come profiled, textured, stained on one side (unless you designate needing more sides stained) and sealed on all 4 sides with our seal once.  Call 406-215-4961 for more information or fill out the contact form at:  https://www.montanatimberproducts.com/contact/.

Where:  Montana
Products:  ranchwood™ Artisan product line in ash raked texture for siding, trim, and soffit, all in cedar.
Product Use:  1×4 shiplap with 1/8” reveal vertical siding and interior wall cladding. 1×6 tongue and groove soffit and 1×6 trim.

Montana Timber Products provides natural wood materials for both commercial and residential projects of all sizes.  Our supportive sales representatives will guide you through the material selection process so that you can build beautiful structures that also meet your schedule and budget.  At Montana Timber Projects, we thrive on understanding the unique needs of every project and crafting made-to-order materials for every customer.

Montana Timber Products is a specialty wood products manufacturer of rustic, modern and contemporary wood siding, interior accents, reclaimed wood, and barn wood alternatives.  Our ranchwood™, AquaFir™, ranchwood™ Artisan, ranchwood™ weathered, Charwood™, and Corral Board product lines offer a full selection of exterior and interior wood materials.  All the products can be used for residential and commercial application.  Each product line is offered in two wood species, Douglas Fir and Cedar.  Seal-Once offers high performance long lasting waterproofing seal that is environmentally friendly non-toxic protection.  Selling direct to the customer and custom milling each order allows Montana Timber Products flexibility to create your project.  Call 406-215-4961 for more information or fill out the contact form at:  https://www.montanatimberproducts.com/contact/.

Where:  Oregon
Products:  ranchwood™ product line in Northern and Tackroom colors for siding in douglas fir wood.
Product Use:  1×6 shiplap siding and patio ceiling in circle sawn and smooth texture with 1×4 trim in smooth. The mixture is 60% tackroom in smooth, 20% circle sawn in northern and tackroom, and 20% in northern smooth texture.

Design and location are key in the retail brick and mortar space.  The architect’s creative design choices in mixing color and texture made for a warm welcoming space.  A pop of color and interest keep the space inviting all while keeping long term maintenance in mind.  The covered entry gives a warm aesthetic and invite customers to hang around.

Montana Timber Products offers 4 product lines in douglas fir or cedar wood species (each in three grades).  Along with corral board an authentic reclaimed wood.   Materials are available in 4″, 6”, 8”, 10” and 12″ wide boards in lengths ranging from 4ft to 16ft long (doug fir or cedar).  Available in 6 profiles (shiplap, square edge, square edge lap, shiplap reveal, tongue and groove, channel rustic) and 3 textures for the AquaFir™ and ranchwood™ products (smooth, wire brushed, circle sawn), ranchwood™ Artisan is ONE texture (raked) and Charwood™ is its own texture from the burning.  Thickness offered is 1″,5/4 (cedar only), 2″ as standards and then timbers/posts in 3+ inches.  The board will come profiled, textured, stained on one side (unless you designate needing more sides stained) and sealed on all 4 sides with our seal once.  Call 406-215-4961 for more information or fill out the contact form at:  https://www.montanatimberproducts.com/contact/.