This modern Boise, Idaho home features the perfect balance of natural warmth and contemporary design. Using Montana Timber Products’ prefinished Charwood Ebony siding and AquaFir Owyhee patio ceiling, the design team at Elevated Construction & Design achieved a refined exterior that pairs beautifully with white stone and smooth stucco.
PROJECT DETAILS
Location: Boise, Idaho Design + Build: Elevated Construction & Design
PRODUCTS & APPLICATIONS
Exterior Siding
Patio Ceiling
Species
STK Cedar
Douglas Fir #2 BTR
Dimensions & Profile
1″ × 6″, Random Lengths (8′–16′), Ship Lap
1″ × 6″, Random Lengths (8′–16′), Tongue & Groove
Product
Charwood™
AquaFir™
Texture / Finish
Charred
Wire Brushed
Color
Ebony
Owyhee
DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS
Modern Contrast: The deep Ebony Charwood siding defines the home’s clean lines, contrasting beautifully with the light stone and stucco.
Warm Accents:Owyhee AquaFir adds natural texture and warmth overhead in the covered patio areas.
Strategic Placement: Wood elements accentuate key architectural features—entryways, patio ceilings, and focal walls—adding depth without overpowering the design.
Precision Installation: All siding was installed to specification using stainless steel fasteners in perfect, neat alignment — ensuring secure attachment, corrosion resistance, and long-term performance.
Modern Northwest Living: Orondo WA Residence Featuring Artisan Glacier Grey
Posted on: September 25, 2025
A Riverfront Retreat Rooted in Place
Overlooking the Columbia River in Orondo, Washington, this home draws directly from its rugged basalt rock and desert surroundings. The design uses a unified material palette to achieve a seamless balance between a modern aesthetic and its natural setting. Montana Timber Products supplied the full wood package (interior and exterior) including: siding, trim, beams, fascia, soffits, and interior accents — all finished to create a complete visual cohesion.
Cladding, trim, and soffits: STK Cedar Chosen for its natural character and durability.
Structural Timbers, Beams & Columns: #1 Doug Fir FOHC (Free of Heart Center) Sourced for its strength, stability, and clean appearance in exposed applications.
The entire package, across both species, was finished in our ranchwood™ Artisan Glacier Grey. This finish was chosen for its layered, weathered tones that echo the Columbia River’s basalt cliffs. Its ability to blend with the natural stone landscape while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic makes it an ideal complement to both siding and structural elements. By applying the same finish across a range of profiles and sizes, the design achieves a sense of material cohesion.
Glacier Grey | Raked | STK Cedar
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Orondo Residence: A Modern Home Grounded in Nature
Landscape Inspiration: Grey tones resonate with the Columbia River’s rock formations, grounding the home in its setting.
Cohesion Across Applications: From broad siding runs to fine trim details, all wood elements share a unified tone.
Texture & Craftsmanship: Raked and re-sawn surfaces introduce warmth and depth to the home’s clean architectural lines.
Interior–Exterior Dialogue: Interior beams, wood wall accents – including sliding barn doors, and a custom fireplace mantel extend the exterior palette indoors, creating a cohesive, balanced design that enhances the home’s connection to nature.
THE RESULT
A Modern Home That Belongs to Its Natural Landscape
The Orondo Residence demonstrates how a thoughtful material palette can elevate architectural design. Unified by a single finish, the home achieves both strength and subtlety, grounding it in the rugged Columbia River Basin while offering a modern living space.
Would you consider this an example of biophilic design or does the perfectly manicured monoculture lawn element, pool, and concrete driveway disqualify us from this trendy call out?
The Core Idea: What is Biophilia?
The concept is rooted in the “biophilia hypothesis,” a theory popularized by biologist E.O. Wilson. He suggested that humans have an innate, genetic affinity for nature. For most of our history, we lived in direct contact with natural environments, and our physical and mental well-being is deeply tied to that connection. In our modern, urbanized world, this link is often severed, leading to stress, fatigue, and a host of other issues.
Does Modern Landscaping Distract From Core Biophilic Principles?
The key to biophilic design is not about rejecting modern elements, but about re-imagining them to work with nature, not against it. A design can be both modern and biophilic, as long as it prioritizes a human-nature connection. And connecting with your body for a delightful swim paired with bocci ball competitions surely checks that box for us at Montana Timber Products.
‘The Ranch’ In Calabasas Featuring AquaFir™ Owyhee with Fire Protection
Posted on: September 10, 2025
A Malibu Valley Estates Retreat
Nestled within the exclusive gates of Malibu Valley Estates in Calabasas, ‘The Ranch’ is a modern, new-construction home that offers a sophisticated interpretation of California countryside living. Designed by one of Southern California’s most exacting builders, the estate seamlessly blends timeless materials with effortless indoor-outdoor flow. Montana Timber Products is proud to feature this project, which pairs our AquaFir™ Owyhee wood finish with advanced FX LumberGuard XT fire protection. A combination of beauty, durability, and safety was essential to the homeowner’s vision for a retreat in the hills of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Responding to a Fiery Landscape: Peace of Mind with FX LumberGuard XT
In the fire-prone landscape of the Santa Monica Mountains, prioritizing safety is just as crucial as design. Montana Timber Products offers a variety of fire protection treatments, FX LumberGuard XT was the choice for this project. This advanced fire retardant is a non-toxic, eco-friendly treatment that penetrates into the wood fibers, significantly reducing the flammability of the Douglas Fir siding and gates. By integrating this powerful protection, the design team ensured that The Ranch is not only beautiful but also protected, offering the homeowners a profound sense of security and peace of mind in their high-risk fire environment.
AquaFir™ Owyhee Vertical Siding 1×8 Ship Lap 1/8″ Reveal
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
A Unified Design with Performance in Mind
Architectural Rhythm: Vertical shiplap siding delivers clean, elongated lines that reinforce the home’s modern style.
Custom Gate System: Precision-milled Douglas Fir provides strength and durability while matching the overall tone of the residence.
A Natural Brown Finish: The AquaFir Owyhee evokes earthy sophistication, grounding the home within Malibu Valley’s natural landscape.
Fire Protection: FX LumberGuard XT exceeds expectations in performance while preserving the natural look and feel of real wood.
THE RESULT
A Modern Ranch Masterpiece
‘The Ranch’ is a stunning example of what’s possible with the right natural materials. The exterior, featuring vertical AquaFir™ siding and custom milled gates, offers both a striking visual and advanced performance. This project proves that you can have a beautiful, durable wood exterior that is also built for fire defense.
The Carmell: Parade of Homes Winner, Showcasing ranchwood™ Artisan Ash
Posted on: July 31, 2025
A Stunning Award-Winning Showcase at the 2025 Boise Parade of Homes
Montana Timber Products is proud to feature “The Carmell,” a breathtaking 5,031 square foot residence built by Biltmore Co. This award-winning showcase from the 2025 Boise Area Parade of Homes is an example of how premier building partners and suppliers collaborate to set new standards in residential design. Winning multiple prestigious awards, including Best Overall Home and awards for Interior Design & Finish and Exterior Design, The Carmell perfectly blends modern design with natural warmth, a result of the striking exterior enhanced throughout by our premium ranchwood™ Artisan Ash products.
Elevating Mountain Modernism with ranchwood™ Artisan
The Carmell project called for natural wood accents that deliver clean lines and a unified exterior aesthetic, while ensuring lasting durability and architectural elegance. To achieve this, the authentic reclaimed-wood appearance of the ranchwood™ Artisan Ash product line was carefully selected, perfectly blending timeless character with modern sophistication.
Throughout the entire build, Montana Timber Products’ dedicated sales representative worked hand in hand with Biltmore Co., collaborating closely to meet their unique design requirements, construction timelines, and budget objectives. This partnership ensured that material selection, delivery, and finishing met the highest standards without compromising schedule or financial targets.
Montana Timber Products supplied a wide range of ranchwood™ Artisan Douglas Fir profiles, precisely milled with raked textures and expertly finished for a consistent, high-performance exterior solution. The variety of profiles and dimensions allowed for tailored application across siding, trim, fascia, soffit, and outdoor living spaces emphasizing a harmonious design language from the home’s exterior to its functional details.
PRODUCTS + APPLICATIONS
The table below outlines the specific Montana Timber Products’ ranchwood™ Artisan profiles and applications used on The Carmell:
Application
Nom. Dimensions (Thickness x Width)
Profile
Texture
Color
Product Line
Vertical Siding
1″ x 8″
Ship Lap
Raked
Ash
ranchwood™ Artisan
Window/Door Trim
1″ x 4″
Square Edge
Raked
Ash
ranchwood™ Artisan
Corner Trim
1″ x 8″
Square Edge
Raked
Ash
ranchwood™ Artisan
Garage Door Jambs
2″ x 8″
Square Edge
Raked
Ash
ranchwood™ Artisan
Fascia Board
1″ x 8″
Square Edge
Raked
Ash
ranchwood™ Artisan
Porch/Patio
1″ x 6″
Tongue & Groove
Raked
Ash
ranchwood™ Artisan
Soffit
1″ x 6″
Tongue & Groove
Raked
Ash
ranchwood™ Artisan
Garage Doors
1″ x 8″
Ship Lap
Raked
Ash
ranchwood™ Artisan
SPECIES + GRADE
Kiln-Dried Douglas Fir | #2&Btr
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Authentic Reclaimed Look with Enhanced Performance
The ranchwood™ Artisan line intentionally replicates the nuances of reclaimed lumber, offering subtle variations in color and texture that add depth and character to The Carmell’s exterior. The knotty Douglas Fir used throughout the project brings additional authenticity, ensuring the façade never feels flat or artificial. The raked texture and Ash finish achieve a warm yet modern look that works well for the home’s contemporary mountain design.
A blend of 1×8 shiplap siding and square-edge trim creates crisp, defined lines and strong visual contrasts, bringing out the home’s architectural intent. Tongue & groove soffits and porch ceilings not only provide architectural detail and a welcoming transition to outdoor spaces, but also extend the coordinated Ash finish for a unified look. Finished garage doors and fascia in the same Artisan Ash material maintain visual consistency on high-exposure surfaces.
These practical product choices help the home feel approachable while maintaining a refined presence. The prefinished, high-performance Seal-Once coating ensures durability and weather resistance, so The Carmell’s appearance will endure through all seasons. This integrated approach showcases how ranchwood™ Artisan’s knotty Douglas Fir brings together modern lines, subtle rusticity, and lasting performance for an inviting, contemporary exterior.
A Partnership for Award-Winning Results: Montana Timber Products at the Parade of Homes
The Parade of Homes is more than a showcase of beautiful residences; it’s a critical platform where the future of home design is defined. Events like the Boise Parade of Homes are where top builders and discerning buyers look for the latest in quality, aesthetics, and innovation.
For a builder like Biltmore Co., winning multiple awards, including “Best Overall Home,” is a testament to their exceptional vision and craftsmanship. For Montana Timber Products, this project highlights our role as a premier partner in achieving that vision. Our ranchwood™ Artisan siding was not just a material choice; it was a key component in a winning formula, contributing to the exterior design that impressed judges and attendees alike.
By providing a comprehensive solution—from expert consultation and precise milling to a durable, prefinished product—we empower our partners to focus on their craft. The success of The Carmell at the Parade of Homes is a powerful validation of our commitment to delivering the high-quality wood siding and seamless service that elevate projects to an award-winning standard.
THE RESULT
A Refined Mountain Modern Masterpiece
“The Carmell” stands as a testament to Montana Timber Products’ ability to provide tailored wood solutions that elevate modern mountain architecture. From refined vertical siding to distinct trim detailing, our ranchwood™ Artisan Ash Douglas Fir magnifies this home’s refined style and timeless elegance. Experience the seamless integration and natural charm of this project — where every natural wood detail has been crafted for enduring beauty.
Exterior Gallery
Interior Gallery
LEARN MORE
Want to elevate your next project with Montana Timber Products? Contact us for samples, specifications, and expert guidance on selecting prefinished natural wood products that bring your vision to life.
Custom A-Frame Home: Modern Expression Meets Black Hills Beauty
Posted on: July 24, 2025
“A-Frame of Mind”: A Custom Residence in Powder House Pass
Nestled among the pines of South Dakota’s Black Hills, “A-Frame of Mind”, built by Lighthouse Construction, redefines alpine architecture. This custom A-frame home perfectly marries geometric clarity with a meticulously layered wood palette, echoing the surrounding landscape. Montana Timber Products proudly supplied a collection of custom-milled profiles and finishes that make this residence a standout example of modern mountain living.
Crafting a Custom A-Frame with Natural Wood Finishes
The vision for this A-frame home was to create an exterior envelope that not only visually anchors its modern structure and offers exceptional protection, but also boasts seamless finishing integration, flowing from the exterior soffit directly into the dramatic interior ceiling. The key was to achieve a balanced modern rustic look across siding, trims, beams, and soffit, incorporating clean lines, subtle color blocking, and tactile contrast, all while ensuring a cohesive aesthetic from the outside in.
Interior paneling AquaFir™ Yukon
THE SOLUTION
Custom Profiles & Finishes from Montana Timber Products
Montana Timber Products delivered a suite of solutions from two distinguished product lines—ranchwood™ Artisan and AquaFir™—all crafted from sustainably sourced Douglas Fir. By combining raked, smooth, and re-sawn textures in a coordinated palette, this custom A-frame home boasts a cohesive yet multidimensional façade that celebrates both innovative design and regional character.
PRODUCTS + APPLICATIONS
Application
Product Line
Profile
Texture
Color
Dimensions
Siding
ranchwood™ Artisan
Shiplap
Raked
ash glacier grey
1″ x 6″
Trim (Black)
AquaFir™
Square Edge
Smooth
black
1″ x 4″, 6″, 8″, 12″
Trim (Accent)
ranchwood™ Artisan
Square Edge
Raked
ash glacier grey
1″ x 4″
Interior Ceiling & Soffit
AquaFir™
Custom Bevel T&G
Smooth
yukon
1″ x 6″
Exterior Beams
AquaFir™
Square Edge
Re-Sawn
black
8″ x 12″
SPECIES + GRADE
Siding, Soffit, Ceilings and Trim: Douglas Fir | Knotty #2Btr
Timber Beams: Douglas Fir | #1 FOHC
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Blending Rustic Wood Textures with Modern Detail
This custom A-frame home integrates a dynamic array of profiles and stain treatments to create dramatic shadow lines and nuanced surface character.
Striking Exterior Contrasts: The ranchwood™ Artisan siding’s raked finish in Ash Glacier Grey offers a time-worn patina that harmonizes with the setting, while bold black AquaFir™ trim and beams provide striking, contemporary contrast. This interplay is particularly evident on the garage, where AquaFir Black trim frames the wood panel garage door, which features warm AquaFir Yukon brown panels. This creates a sophisticated contrasting trio against the light Ash Glacier Grey siding.
ranchwood™ Artisan: Features a multi-step finishing process for deep color variation and a reclaimed wood aesthetic, perfect for adding warmth to a modern design.
AquaFir™: Crafted for versatility, ideal for sleek, natural wood exterior detailing that complements contemporary architecture.
Seamless Wood Integration, Inside and Out: The exterior soffit, finished in AquaFir Yukon, seamlessly extends the home’s aesthetic, visually connecting with the massive A-frame interior ceiling paneling in AquaFir Yukon. This creates a cohesive and immersive wood experience throughout the home.
Douglas Fir: Selected for its sustainability, structural dependability, and striking grain, offering both visual appeal and exceptional price value.
Custom-Milled Precision: Custom-milled siding, trim, and soffits ensure a precise fit and perfect color coordination, resulting in visually clean and architecturally rigorous transitions between planes and materials.
Built to Endure: All wood is prefinished with high-performance, Seal-Once water-based sealant, providing industry-leading resilience against moisture, sun, and seasonal changes. This finish is also ideal for interior applications, ensuring a healthy living environment. This commitment to quality ensures longevity and beauty for years to come.
THE RESULT
Distinctive Custom A-frame Architecture with Enduring Materials
“A-Frame of Mind” exemplifies how the marriage of material quality and thoughtful design delivers both immediate curb appeal and long-term satisfaction. The home’s exterior fuses mountain-modern lines with warm, natural textures and robust performance—showcasing the capacity of Montana Timber Products’ customizable wood solutions to elevate any signature project.
Mountain Modern Lake Home: Where Contemporary Design Meets Montana Heritage
Posted on: July 3, 2025
A Flathead Lake retreat showcasing the perfect blend of modern architecture and authentic Montana character
The Mountain Modern Lake Home, a collaboration between Cushing Terrell (Architect) and Gallatin Construction, is a striking example of how thoughtful material selection and architectural vision can create a lakeside retreat that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in its Montana setting. Set along the iconic shores of Flathead Lake, this custom home blends reclaimed timbers with a curated palette of Montana Timber Products’ ranchwood™ Artisan finishes, offering a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living.
ranchwood™ Artisan’s multi-step finishing process ensures each board complements the depth and patina of the architectural reclaimed elements, creating a story-rich interior and exterior that honors Montana’s building traditions.
A Wood Siding Envelope to Complement Authentic Reclaimed Timbers
Cushing Terrell and Gallatin Construction envisioned a Flathead Lake retreat that balanced modern architectural lines with the area’s natural beauty. The primary challenge was selecting a wood siding package that would seamlessly complement the home’s existing, authentic reclaimed structural timbers, which featured not just one, but two distinct color tones.
At Montana Timber Products, we meet the needs of our clients, one job at a time. This project presented a unique opportunity for our ranchwood™ Artisan line, which was meticulously crafted for this very purpose. Three specific finish combinations were selected—Glacier Grey siding, Dusk trim, and Ash for interior ceilings. This unified aesthetic not only honors the home’s heritage but also provides the durability required for Montana’s demanding lakeside climate.
Have a complex design vision or a unique material challenge? We invite you to put our expertise to the test.
ranchwood™ Artisan ‘Glacier Grey’ Siding
ranchwood™ Artisan ‘Ash’ Ceiling
THE SOLUTION
ranchwood™ Artisan Finishes | Premium Western Red Cedar Siding
Montana Timber Products delivered a complete wood package featuring three carefully coordinated ranchwood™ Artisan finishes. The Glacier Grey siding paired with Dusk trim creates subtle contrast and architectural depth across both the main house and barn. Inside, the Ash-finished ceiling brightens living spaces while showcasing the craftsmanship of the timber framework.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Authentic Wood Character, Modern Reliability The ranchwood™ Artisan series replicates the subtle variation and weathered beauty of genuine reclaimed wood without the sourcing challenges of antique materials. This approach delivered the timeless aesthetic that harmonizes with Flathead Lake’s historic architecture while providing the consistency and performance of kiln-dried Western Red Cedar.
Seamless Integration The multi-step ranchwood™ Artisan finishing process ensures each new board complements the depth and patina of the home’s reclaimed structural elements, creating a unified exterior that tells Montana’s building story.
Built to Last All materials feature Seal-Once protection—an industry-leading, non-toxic waterproofing system that provides superior moisture resistance and environmental safety. This advanced finish ensures the home maintains its beauty and structural integrity through every Montana season.
THE RESULT
Premium Lakefront Construction: Durable Wood Siding Package for Montana Climate
The Mountain Modern Lake Home stands as a testament to the power of combining contemporary architecture with authentic Montana materials. It’s a home that is as inviting as it is enduring, perfectly suited for lakeside living on Flathead Lake. Discover how Montana Timber Products can bring your vision to life.
Project Gallery
Barn showcasing Artisan ‘Glacier Grey’ vertical siding with ‘Dusk’ Trim
Westgate Modern: Where High Desert Luxury Design Meets Advanced Fire Protection
Posted on: June 16, 2025
A 2024 COBA Tour of Homes “Best of Show”
The Westgate Modern residence in Bend, Oregon, by Deschutes Custom Homes, is a testament to exceptional design, thoughtful material selection, and cutting-edge fire safety. As a 2024 COBA Tour of Homes “Best of Show” winner, this custom luxury home showcases how prefinished natural wood, paired with advanced fire protection, creates a residence that is both stunning and resilient in the high desert environment. The ranchwood™ Yellowstone finish is used seamlessly across the interior and exterior of the home, a color selected to blend with the surrounding sagebrush, creating a harmonious and integrated aesthetic.
Applications + Products: Vertical Siding: 1×8 Western Red Cedar (STK) | Wire Brushed | Shiplap with 1/4″ Reveal | ranchwood™ Yellowstone | FX LumberGuard XT
Exterior Soffit: 1×4 Douglas Fir #2 Btr | Smooth | Tongue & Groove | ranchwood™ Yellowstone | FX LumberGuard XT
Interior Ceiling: 1×6 Douglas Fir #2 Btr | Smooth | Tongue & Groove | ranchwood™ Yellowstone
Rake Fascia: 2×10 Western Red Cedar (STK) | Wire Brushed | Square Edge | ranchwood™ Yellowstone | FX LumberGuard XT
Rake Fascia Trim: 1×6 Western Red Cedar (STK) | Wire Brushed | Square Edge | ranchwood™ Yellowstone | FX LumberGuard XT
Eave Fascia: 2×6 #1 Douglas Fir FOHC | Resawn | Square Edge | ranchwood™ Yellowstone | FX LumberGuard XT
Frieze Blocking: 2×6 #1 Douglas Fir FOHC | Resawn | ranchwood™ Yellowstone | FX LumberGuard XT
Rafter Tails: 6×10 #1 Douglas Fir FOHC | Resawn | ranchwood™ Yellowstone | FX LumberGuard XT
Balcony Rafters: 4×8 #1 Douglas Fir FOHC | Resawn | ranchwood™ Yellowstone | FX LumberGuard XT
Porch Beams: 6×10 #1 Douglas Fir FOHC | Resawn | ranchwood™ Yellowstone | FX LumberGuard XT
THE VISION
A Modern Retreat with Fire-Safe Craftsmanship
Deschutes Custom Homes embarked on a mission to create a contemporary mountain residence that seamlessly marries natural textures with clean, modern lines. A critical aspect of their vision was meeting stringent fire safety requirements without compromising on design. The objective was clear: craft a home that feels timeless and deeply connected to its surroundings, with wood elements that not only echo the high-desert landscape but also stand up to its unique environmental challenges.
THE SOLUTION
Cohesive Natural Wood Palette with Class A Fire Protection
Montana Timber Products supplied a full exterior and interior wood package, all factory-finished with ranchwood™ Yellowstone and treated with FX LumberGuard XT, a transparent, Class A topical fire retardant. This approach ensures each element-from the wire-brushed cedar siding to the resawn Douglas Fir beams-delivers both visual warmth and critical fire resistance. The result is a seamless, modern exterior and interior envelope, unified by color and texture, and engineered for lasting performance in wildfire-prone regions.
FX LumberGuard XT provides permanent, ASTM- and IBC-compliant fire protection with minimal impact to the natural look or workability of the wood, supporting both code compliance and design intent.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Balancing Modern Aesthetics and Wildfire Resilience
Design Integration: The close collaboration between Deschutes Custom Homes, CKA Architects, and Montana Timber Products resulted in a home where every wood detail is intentional. From the elegant vertical shiplap siding to the exposed rafter tails, each element contributes to the overall aesthetic. The ranchwood™ Yellowstone finish was specifically chosen for its ability to highlight the wood’s inherent grain and texture, and its harmonious integration with the surrounding high desert landscape.
Material Cohesion: Utilizing a single finish and fire treatment across all exterior and interior wood elements creates a visually unified look, contributing to the home’s contemporary appeal and simplifying installation, as well as, long-term maintenance.
Fire Safety: FX LumberGuard XT is a non-toxic, non-corrosive, and environmentally safe fire retardant, meets rigorous Class A standards, offering peace of mind for homeowners in wildfire-prone areas.
Westgate Modern stands as a compelling testament to the power of combining natural wood beauty with advanced architectural envelope protection. It’s a home that is both visually stunning and impeccably prepared for the challenges of its environment, truly embodying the spirit of high desert luxury living.
Mountain Living’s May/June 2025 issue (page 95) features the “Animal Instincts” home, highlighting how thoughtful design and material choices create a strong connection between the architecture and its natural surroundings. The project in Black AquaFir demonstrates how careful attention to detail can blend a modern home seamlessly into the Wyoming landscape.
The homeowners envisioned a space that would celebrate the drama and serenity of the wild, drawing inspiration from the instinctual beauty of animals and their environments. The goal: a home that feels both timeless and contemporary, where natural wood and expansive windows invite the outdoors in.
“the 4,838-square-foot dwelling is deceptively simple, nestling into the scenery unobtrusively. It presents as a long, one-story home clad in Douglas fir with a metal roof and lots of windows. A large glass-fronted dormer, however, hints at the interior’s complexity”
THE SOLUTION
Single Story, Modern Clean Lines, Natural Wood Siding in Black AquaFir™
Black was chosen for its deep, rich finish and ability to highlight the natural grain and texture of Douglas Fir to shine through. This prefinished siding, soffit, and fascia provide a cohesive, modern look while offering durability and low maintenance-ideal for mountain climates. The consistent use of AquaFir™ Black across all exterior wood elements creates visual unity, paired with a large glass dormer, perfect for wildlife viewing.
AquaFir™ is crafted for versatility, allowing for custom profiles and applications that meet the unique needs of any design. Manufactured in the USA, each board is prefinished and sealed for lasting protection, simplifying installation and ensuring a premium result.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Harmonizing Natural Beauty and Modern Functionality
Design Integration – The collaboration between Baldrige Architects (a Forbes Top 200 Residential Architect) and Wilkinson-Montesano Builders resulted in a home where every detail is intentional. The dark, semi-transparent finish of AquaFir™ Black was chosen to create a striking silhouette allowing the natural wood grain to remain visible and tactile. This was paired with a simple gable roof to create a clean line within the landscape.
Material Cohesion – Using AquaFir™ Black for siding, soffit, and fascia creates a seamless exterior envelope, enhancing the home’s modern lines and ensuring visual unity across all elevations.
Easy, Eco-Friendly Upkeep – AquaFir™ Black’s water-based stain can be quickly reapplied (brushed or sprayed) onto siding, soffit, or fascia for touch-ups-no heavy prep or harsh chemicals needed. This makes on-site maintenance simple and environmentally conscious, with lower VOCs than oil-based stains
AquaFir™ Owyhee Brown in Flagstaff – Prefinished Douglas Fir Siding
Posted on: April 23, 2025
Natural Wood Siding Manufactured in USA with Versatility and Value
Set against the dramatic pines of Flagstaff, Arizona, this custom home is a showcase of how thoughtful material choices can elevate both style and substance. The homeowners set out to create a residence that would feel both timeless and fresh, and the result is a striking example of how prefinished natural materials can deliver on both aesthetic and value.
The homeowners wanted a home that radiated the inviting character of natural wood, but with a crisp, modern edge. Their vision was to create a space that felt both welcoming and sophisticated—where the beauty of wood could be celebrated without feeling heavy or old-fashioned.
THE SOLUTION
AquaFir™ The Art of Adaptability
This is our first design story featuring AquaFir™ in Owyhee. This brown, finished in a smooth texture, proved to be the ideal choice for this project. Its versatility allowed the design team to use the same high-quality Douglas Fir across multiple profiles and applications, from horizontal siding to board and batten, trim, fascia, and even garage door headers. This continuity of material creates a cohesive look, while the semi-transparent finish lets the natural grain and knots of the wood take center stage.
Unlike engineered products that can sometimes feel artificial, AquaFir™ brings an unmistakable authenticity. The prefinished surface not only enhances the wood’s natural character but also provides lasting protection—delivering both beauty and durability in one package. The adaptability of AquaFir™ meant the design could shift seamlessly between traditional and contemporary elements, giving the home a unique personality that stands out in any setting.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Enduring Natural Wood Appeal, Practical Value
Lasting Style – AquaFir™ prefinished Douglas Fir delivers a look that’s both fresh and timeless, infusing the home with natural warmth and a refined finish that sets it apart.
Built-In Value – Opting for prefinished AquaFir™ Douglas Fir not only ensures lasting value but also simplifies the building process with ready-to-install materials, eliminating the need for on-site staining and saving valuable time and resources.
Design Freedom – AquaFir™’s remarkable versatility empowered the design team to tailor every detail to the homeowners’ vision, resulting in a home that inspires admiration today and for years to come.
A Bold Lakeside Statement: Harmonizing Modern Design with Natural Beauty
The vision for this striking lakefront residence was to create a bold, modern statement that honors its pristine setting. d’Zign Group aimed to design a home that captures the expansive views of Coeur D’Alene Lake while harmonizing with the surrounding evergreen forest. The goal was to achieve a seamless blend of rustic warmth and contemporary sophistication through the thoughtful use of natural materials and strong architectural lines.
THE SOLUTION
Premium Wood Products Deliver a Striking, Sustainable Design
Montana Timber Products provided a comprehensive wood solution that met both the aesthetic and performance requirements of this ambitious project. The use of thermally modified Clear Vertical Grain (CVG) AquaFir for siding and trim offered the perfect combination of beauty and resilience. The charred finish added a sophisticated, modern touch while enhancing the wood’s natural resistance to weathering and insects.
For the soffit, Clear Vertical Grain Western Red Cedar was selected, providing a complementary aesthetic and leveraging cedar’s inherent resistance to decay. The Charwood finish unified the soffit with the overall design scheme.
Climate Adaptation: The thermally modified Aquafir was chosen for its enhanced stability and moisture resistance, crucial for the lakefront setting.
Aesthetic Cohesion: The charred finish and wire-brushed texture create a captivating interplay of light and shadow, unifying the home’s exterior.
Sustainability: By using locally sourced, sustainably produced materials, the project aligns with environmental stewardship goals.
This Coeur D’Alene residence showcases how Montana Timber Products’ premium materials can elevate architectural design, creating a home that is not only visually stunning but also durable, sustainable, and perfectly attuned to its environment.
Project Gallery
Coeur D’Alene Lake HouseLandscaped LakefrontFront Entrance Masonry and Wood SidingDeck ConstructionThemally Modified Wood SidingView Through to Coeur D’Alene Lake