Applications Vertical Siding: 1×6″ and 1×8″ | Shiplap with ⅛” reveal Horizontal Siding: 2×10″ | Wire Brushed
Product ranchwood™ | Western + Tackroom + Yellowstone | Douglas Fir
The Vision
The owner of this Minnesota home wanted to transform a common engineered façade into a character-rich rancher home.
The Solution
This project utilized a variety of our mill capabilities with ranging textures, profiles, dimensions, and finish colorations. The vertical siding was both 1×6 and 1×8 boards milled in a shiplap profile with a 1/8” reveal and circle sawn texture. For the horizontal siding, they selected 2×12 boards in Pioneer texture.
This home had porch columns in place, so rather than replace them, we provided specified dimensioned materials to enable the fabrication of wood post wraps.
Vertical siding was used in the gables and was finished with a combination of tackroom and western colors.
Note: The 2×12 siding in Pioneer texture utilized chinking between the boards for a natural log appearance. We can mill many variations of this look to meet your design scope without needing to build with full logs.
Product AquaFir™ | Douglas Fir | White | Wire Brushed texture
THE VISION
Tupelo Honey serves southern foods with locations throughout the US. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, so natural wood cladding with a classic channel rustic profile was a perfect fit for the design of this restaurant.
THE SOLUTION
This Tupelo location sits on the second floor of a commercial building in downtown Boise. Our white colored finish is subtle and allows for natural wood grains to pop out. This soft wood tone is an excellent choice to counteract the hustle of the streets outside the balcony.
For the siding, they selected a channel rustic profile which is milled as a shiplap with a one inch reveal between the board faces. This design provides a shadowing effect, or otherwise breaking up the surface and creating more texture and space.
Fire Retardant Wood Treatments: Pressure-Treated vs. Topically Applied Solutions (updated 7/22/2025)
Posted on: February 24, 2023
Wood brings unmatched natural beauty and versatility to homes, commercial buildings, and outdoor spaces. However, its inherent flammability makes fire protection a priority for property owners and builders. A common and critical question is: ‘Is pressure treated wood fire resistant?’ It’s vital to understand that while standard pressure-treated wood offers resistance to rot and insects, it is not inherently fire-retardant and remains combustible. Understanding the latest fire-retardant wood treatments and certification options is crucial for both safety and code compliance. This article will discuss the differences between these two treatments, their benefits, and their compliance with Class A Fire Rating and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) regulations.
Benefits of Utilizing a Fire Treatment
Enhanced safety: Reduces flame spread and smoke development.
Code compliance: Meets requirements for Class A Fire Rating and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) standards.
Durability: Treatments improve wood’s resistance to fire and weathering.
Aesthetics: Maintains the organic look and feel of genuine wood.
What Are The Fire Rating Classifications?
The following is a basic overview of the fire rating classifications. The index values measure how fast and how far flame will spread over a certain material. Selecting the right fire-retardant product depends on fire rating requirements and local building codes. The ASTM E-84 (Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics) is commonly used to certify building products.
Class A (or Class 1) Fire Rating
The best fire resistance with the slowest flame spread index between 0-25.
Class B (or Class 2) Fire Rating
Moderate fire resistance with the flame spread index between 26-75.
Class C (or Class 3) Fire Rating
Meets minimum standard with the flame spread index between 76-200.
Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Compliance
In wildfire-prone regions, meeting Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) standards is crucial. As defined by the U.S. Fire Administration, the WUI is:
“The zone of transition between unoccupied land and human development. It is the line, area or zone where structures and other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels.”
To achieve both a Class A rating and WUI compliance, materials must be ignition resistant, capable of resisting ignition from flying embers or radiant heat during a wildfire.
Pressure-Treated Fire Retardant (FRTW)
Unlike standard pressure-treated wood that protects against decay, pressure-treated fire retardant involves placing the wood in a high-pressure vessel where specific fire-retardant chemicals are forced deep into the wood fibers.. This deep-penetration method results in excellent, long-lasting protection against fire, rot, and insects.
Advantages:
Achieves and maintains Class A fire rating
Often required for WUI compliance
Durable and well-suited for demanding climates and high-risk zones
Considerations:
Typically more expensive than other methods
May slightly alter wood color, making it a shade or two darker
Is “Pressure-Treated” the Same as Fire-Treated?
Note, the use of pressure is a part of this fire retardant application process; but, “pressure-treating” wood doesn’t necessarily make it a non-combustible material. For instance, the “pressure-treated” wood at your local lumber yard might have a higher resistance to rot and decay; but, it doesn’t mean it was additionally treated for fire resistance.
Topical Fire Treatment
A fire-retardant coating is applied to the surface, typically sprayed to the wood after milling but before finishing and installation. This surface barrier slows ignition and flame spread.
Advantages:
Cost-effective solution for projects requiring only Class A certification
Minimal visual impact—any color change is usually subtle, depending on stain and wood species
Can be applied in-house, possibly shortening lead times
Considerations:
Not always suitable for WUI compliance; check with local authorities
May require reapplication if finish is sanded or removed
Will Fire Treatments Affect The Look Of Wood Siding?
Pressure treatment and spray-applied methods may both result in slight color changes. Pressure-treated wood is often a shade darker, while topical treatments can create very subtle shifts, especially with lighter stains. Always request finished samples for final approval and visual consistency.
Which Fire Retardant Solution is Best For You?
Your optimal fire-retardant wood treatment depends on:
Project location: WUI requirements vs. standard Class A compliance
Budget: Pressure treatment is generally pricier than spray-applied
Aesthetic preferences: Review control samples to assess any finish variations
Timeline: Onsite spray treatments may offer shorter lead times
While eliminating wildfires is not possible, there are viable options, while still using a renewable product like natural wood to help protect your property. Home hardening, which includes implementing fire-resistant exteriors and defensible spaces around structures, is a great first plan of action.
We have put together a free home hardening checklist full of tips and best practices to help guide you through the process of hardening your home from the threat of wildfires.
Vertical Siding: 1×8 | Driftwood | ShipLap Horizontal Siding: 1×6 | Battleship | ShipLap Soffit: 1×6 | Bronze Cedar | Tongue and Groove Fascia: 2×10 | Bronze Cedar | Square Edge Trim: 2×6 and 2×10 | Bronze Cedar | Square Edge Timbers, Posts, and Beams | Bronze Cedar | Wire Brushed
Product AquaFir™ | Driftwood + Battleship + Bronze Cedar | Wire Brushed | Douglas Fir
THE VISION
An inviting community pool house that both delivers on a traditional Colorado mountain design and complements the beauty of the natural elements that surround it.
THE SOLUTION
This project utilizes 3 different colors in our AquaFir™ line for an eye catching variance in aspect and elevation. The douglas fir substrate and handsome palette of colors was purposely chosen to fit the homeowner’s association’s architectural standards.
The contrast between the lighter Driftwood colored siding, darker Battleship, and the Bronze Cedar trim renders a unique light and brightness to this project. It welcomes guests to enjoy a day at the pool, or a warm soak in the jacuzzi after a long day on the slopes.
Applications Siding: 1×10 and 1×8 board and batten Fascia: 2×12 square edge boards Window Trim: 2×4 square edge material
Product ranchwood™ Artisan | Dusk | Pioneer texture | Douglas Fir
THE VISION
The stunning beauty of the Kootenay Rockies in British Columbia inspired the vision for a masterfully crafted residence that speaks to generations past. The intention was a harmony of new building materials with a look and texture of old world building methods.
THE SOLUTION
The client wanted the look of older hand textured wood with all of the benefits of using a new wood substrate. Our ranchwood™ Artisan was the perfect solution. For this house, the client selected our prefinished Dusk color and pioneer texture.
Our Pioneer texture is a heavily stressed hand hewn look with random cuts and adze markings.
Where: Washington
Products: Aquafir™ product line for siding and trim in brown color with wire-brushed texture, all kiln-dried Douglas fir substrate.
Product Use: Siding is 1×6 horizontal shiplap throughout the exterior. Windows and doors are trimmed with 1×4, 1×6, 2×4 and 2×6 materials. The garage doors are lined with custom milled 1×6.5” net width boards.
This northwest modern style home is located on the Columbia River with stunning unobstructed views of the high desert surroundings. Montana Timber Products siding, and trim were a natural fit on this elegant residence with expansive windows and stucco cladding. When unique specifications are integral to the design for interior or exterior wood components, Montana Timber Products shines. We take pride in having the knowledge and mastery required to custom mill nearly any wood application requested by architects and designers. Our materials arrive pre-finished, sealed, ready to be installed and beautify buildings.
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, Charwood™, and Corral Board product lines offer a full selection of exterior and interior wood materials. Each product line is offered in two wood species, Douglas Fir and Cedar. All the products can be used for residential and commercial application.
Our pre-finished materials make a big difference in project quality, aesthetics and in timing. The use of 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/.
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/.
Refined balance with Aquafir™ and Charwood™ in the Green Mountains
Posted on: July 29, 2022
Where: Vermont
Products: Aquafir™ and Charwood™ product lines. Siding and trim are a combination of Aquafir™ in Battleship color with wire brushed texture and Charwood™ in Midnight color. Wood substrate is Western Red Cedar, all kiln dried.
Product Use: Siding is comprised of 1×10 vertical shiplap and 1×8 horizontal channel rustic profiles. The two-step fascia consists of 5/4×4 and 5/4×10 square edge boards. Window trim is 5/4×3 square edge material. The patio posts and beams are wrapped with 1×6 square edge boards.
This inviting residence in the Green Mountains of Vermont was designed to be family friendly and highly functional. Montana Timber Products materials serve to enhance the symmetry and balance of the design intent. In the wetter climate of the eastern seaboard, acclimated Western Red Cedar is a great option for dimensional stability while offering inherent resistance to mold and decay. The specific needs for this project in applications of siding, fascia, trim, and post & beam wrap were all custom milled under one roof, by Montana Timber Products.
Montana Timber Products is a leading manufacturer of specialty pre-finished wood and reclaimed wood products. Our process allows us to customize each order to meet the customers design needs. The extensive line of products include: siding, trim, soffit and fascia, interior accents, timbers, fabricated trusses, decking, fencing, and glulam beams. Offering five Charwood™ colors along with over 35 pre-finished stain colors in three additional product lines. Each product line is offered in cedar and douglas fir in various grades of each wood species ranging from select tight knot to clear vertical grain product. Find out what fits your needs for design and budget by contacting us today. Customers enjoy mill direct pricing, quick delivery, exceptional quality, flexibility to customize colors and profiles. To get a quote or more information call 406-215-4961 or fill out the contact form at: https://www.montanatimberproducts.com/contact/
Where: Colorado
Products: Aquafir™ finishes were selected throughout the exterior for siding, trim, soffit, and timber components. Aquafir™ shale was selected for the majority of soffit material and the vertical siding. Aquafir™ brown was selected for a portion of the soffit, horizontal siding, trim, fascia, and timbers.
Product Use: Wire brushed texture was applied on all materials. All soffit is 1×6 T&G. The siding is a combination of 1×6 shiplap and 1×6 channel rustic profiles. Trim, fascia, and timbers are provided in a variety of thicknesses and widths. All materials are Kiln Dried Douglas Fir.
The 65,000 square foot clubhouse at TPC Colorado incorporated natural wood elements throughout both the interior and exterior for a welcoming respite after a challenging round of golf. Montana Timber Products is a nimble craft manufacturer; able to produce to scale for commercial projects just as easily as we can create accent wall materials for home remodels.
Note the seamless transition of the horizontal channel rustic siding placed on the interior of the sitting room and running through the wall to the exterior. There are grey-toned accents in Aquafir™ shale finish throughout the building gracefully integrated into the predominantly brown finish.
Montana Timber Products is a leading manufacturer of specialty pre-finished wood and reclaimed wood products. Our process allows us to customize each order to meet the customers design needs. The extensive line of products include: siding, trim, soffit and fascia, interior accents, timbers, fabricated trusses, decking, fencing, and glulam beams. Offering five Charwood™ colors along with over 35 pre-finished stain colors in three additional product lines. Each product line is offered in cedar and douglas fir in various grades of each wood species ranging from select tight knot to clear vertical grain product. Find out what fits your needs for design and budget by contacting us today. Customers enjoy mill direct pricing, quick delivery, exceptional quality, flexibility to customize colors and profiles. To get a quote or more information call 406-215-4961 or fill out the contact form at: https://www.montanatimberproducts.com/contact/
ranchwood™ Exteriors for a true western ranch-style home
Posted on: June 30, 2022
Where: Idaho
Products: ranchwood™ product line. All siding and trim in Yellowstone color and fascia and soffit in Western color. All material with wire brushed texture. Wood substrate is douglas fir, all kiln dried.
Product Use: 1×8 shiplap horizontal siding with accents of vertical board and batten (1×3 and 1×6). Soffit is a 1×6 Tongue and groove. The fascia is 2-step fascia with 2×4 over 2×10.
This home was designed to be cohesive with the natural beauty of its surroundings. The coloring, texturing, profiles, and various dimensions can all be manufactured at one place, Montana Timber Products.
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/.