Crafting a distinctive residence in Idaho, the client envisioned a home where the intrinsic beauty of natural wood would play a pivotal role in enhancing curb appeal. The goal was to tastefully integrate wood accents, particularly focusing on enhancing the gables, to create a timeless and visually striking exterior.
THE SOLUTION
AquaFir™ Olympic emerged as the natural choice to bring this vision to life. The prefinished, smooth textured Douglas Fir option not only complemented the desired aesthetic but allowed for tasteful placement on the gables, transforming them into focal points of architectural brilliance.
WHY AQUAFIR™?
Architectural Versatility: The versatility of AquaFir™ allows architects to create visually stunning exteriors by strategically incorporating wood accents, adding depth and character to the overall design.
Budget Friendly: AquaFir™ stands out as the most economical choice offered by MTP, ensuring that architects can achieve superior aesthetic results without compromising on budget considerations.
Extensive Colors: Offered in a wide range of colors, AquaFir™ provides architects unmatched flexibility to choose from a sweeping palette to complement diverse design intentions.
A home that gracefully embraces the essence of modern Belgian design. Seamless integration of sleek lines, rustic wood, and warm textures. It’s a vision of understated luxury, where each element speaks the language of sophisticated simplicity. Softer finishes are contrasted with intentionally sought rougher elements.
THE SOLUTION
In realizing this vision, AquaFir™ Driftwood takes the stage, its smooth STK Cedar finish harmonizing with the light stucco exterior.
This modern Belgian canvas extends to the interiors, where every material is curated for its ability to embody refined simplicity. Stone wainscoting, with its subtle presence, becomes the grounding element, adding a touch of authenticity to the modern narrative. Together, these elements coalesce into a solution that transcends mere design—it becomes an expression of modern elegance, turning this Midwest residence into a haven of curated sophistication.
Nestled in the idyllic Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, a homeowner dreamed of a special mountain retreat. Their vision was not just about creating a striking contemporary design, but also about ensuring that it could weather the challenges posed by the area’s recurring wildfires.
THE SOLUTION
To bring their dream to life while addressing the wildfire concern, the homeowner took practical steps to safeguard their sanctuary.
First, they established a safe buffer zone between the house and the surrounding forest, a measure that added a layer of protection.
The next crucial step involved choosing Fireline™ Pressure-Treated wood for all their natural wood materials, making their home compliant with Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) standards. This simple decision enhanced the natural wood’s ability to withstand potential threats.
Now, the homeowner could cherish the beauty of natural wood while feeling secure in the knowledge that their retreat was equipped to stand strong in the face of nature’s unpredictable challenges. This home became a testament to both aesthetics and practicality, offering peace of mind amidst its cozy ambiance.
Charwood™ | Midnight | Cedar Charwood™ | Tiger | Cedar Charwood™ | Sage | Cedar Charwood™ | Midnight | Douglas Fir (Posts)
THE VISION
In the suburbs of Illinois, the vision for a custom Chicagoland home was to create an architectural oasis, distinct and elegant. The goal was to incorporate the essence of the time-honored Japanese technique of Shou Sugi Ban for both interior and exterior elements with varied levels of charring intentionally placed throughout the design.
THE SOLUTION
To bring this vision to life, Charwood™ products were chosen. For the exterior, Charwood™ Midnight and Charwood Tiger, inspired by Shou Sugi Ban, were used to create a striking contrast that complemented the stone accents. Inside, the warm and natural wood features of Charwood™ added a welcoming ambiance, turning this home into a serene and inviting retreat. This blend of tradition and innovation transformed the residence into a standout masterpiece in Chicagoland.
ranchwood™ Artisan | Homestead | Raked | Douglas Fir
THE VISION
Nestled in the Smoky Mountains of Idaho, this custom home project was driven by a desire for seamless integration with its majestic natural surroundings. The homeowners sought a residence that exuded sturdy curb appeal, in harmony with the mountainous landscape. Every detail of the construction was meticulously planned, aiming to create a sense of personalization and belonging for its occupants.
THE SOLUTION
The homeowner’s thoughtfully selected ranchwood Artisan™ Homestead. This choice allowed them to capture the timeless beauty of natural wood, evoking the appearance of weathered elegance while ensuring the structural integrity expected of a new construction. The result is a custom-built mountain modern home that gracefully marries modern and rustic aesthetics, featuring a beautifully pre-finished exterior cladding that perfectly complements its scenic surroundings.
Beautifying a Desert Home’s Aesthetic with Prefinished Wood Cladding
PROJECT DETAILS
Location Arizona
Project Type Private Residence
Applications
Siding + Interior Cladding: 1×6 | Shiplap w ⅛” reveal Ceiling + Soffit: 1×6 | Shiplap w ⅛” reveal
Product
Aquafir™ | Cascade | Smooth | Cedar Charwood™ | Midnight | Cedar
THE VISION
Amidst the arid expanse of Arizona’s desert, the design aspiration for this residence was clear – to harmonize the architectural elements with the warmth of natural wood. The homeowner sought to cultivate an atmosphere that not only encapsulated the region’s essence but also radiated a sense of refined elegance.
THE SOLUTION
In pursuit of this vision, Western Red Cedar emerged as the natural solution of choice. Possessing inherent qualities that effortlessly withstand the demanding Arizona climate, Cedar evokes a sense of timeless splendor while mirroring the rugged grace of the desert landscape.
The pairing of the dark and the light – Charwood™ Midnight and Aquafir™ Cascade – was a deliberate selection, carefully curated to instill the exterior and interior with a captivating narrative. This aesthetic interplay not only visually connects the spaces but also serves as a testament to the nuanced design sensibilities at play.
ranchwood™ | Yellowstone | Western Red Cedar (STK) Fireline Pressure-Treated
THE VISION
A modern and elegant mountain design which embraces the natural beauty of the surroundings while prioritizing measures to safeguard against the ever-present wildfire risk. To achieve this vision the owner purposefully sought out specific building materials on the exterior facade to beautify and protect the structure.
THE SOLUTION
For this exceptional project, the owner chose Western Red Cedar, expertly finished in ranchwood™ Yellowstone, which added a visually stunning touch adjoining the natural stone facade. The selected natural wood material is fire-treated with Montana Timber Products proprietary Fireline™ Pressure-Treated. The residence stands as a testament to a perfect balance of elegance and protection.
Fireline™ Pressure-Treated Excellence: The Fireline™ Pressure-Treated wood fire treatment not only met the homeowner’s aesthetic preferences but also provided a key advantage in wildfire-prone regions. The treated wood is compliant with WUI (Wildland Urban Interface) and I-WUI (International Wildland Urban Interface) standards, offering peace of mind and increased protection against potential wildfires.
Siding & Trim – ranchwood™ | Tackroom | Circle Sawn | Cedar
Corbels, Timbers, Posts & Beams – ranchwood™ | Prairie | Hand Hewn | Douglas Fir
THE VISION
The homeowner’s vision was to create an inviting elegant residence that seamlessly blended natural elements while showcasing the beauty of handcrafted woodwork. They aimed to embrace the rustic charm inherent to the Show Me State, displaying sturdy and stalwart character.
THE SOLUTION
The homeowner made a deliberate choice of a circle sawn ranchwood™ Tackroom siding and hand hewn ranchwood™ Prairie timbers, skillfully complementing the lighter natural stone that graced the property.
This careful selection achieved a balanced and inviting aesthetic. By incorporating circle sawn and hand hewn natural wood elements, the homeowner added a touch of artistry and craftsmanship, infusing the residence with a warm and timeless elegance.
The result was a truly personalized space exhibiting the beauty of expertly crafted natural wood elements.
Applications Soffit: Douglas Fir | Charwood | Tiger | 1×6” T&G Interior Ceiling: Douglas Fir | Charwood | Tiger | 1×6” T&G Horizontal Siding: Douglas Fir | Charwood | Tiger | 1×6” Shiplap Vertical Siding: Douglas Fir | Charwood | Midnight | 1×4” Shiplap
Product
Charwood™ | Tiger & Midnight | Douglas Fir
THE VISION
The design intention of this structure was to create a modern cabin with blurred lines between inside and outside spaces. Contrasting light and dark shou sugi ban was selected to energize the living quarters and calm the resting spaces. The building location is perfectly situated on a bouldered bench in a secluded valley of Central Washington.
THE SOLUTION
Midnight and Tiger Charwood™ were intentionally selected for a distinctive natural interior and exterior envelope on this secluded cabin retreat. The divergent char colors of this shou sugi ban inspired product instills a stunning contrastive aesthetic that flows naturally with the beauty that surrounds it. The line between inside and outside is ambiguous, allowing a cozy inside feel while surrounded by a striking mountainscape.
Wood Fire Treatments: Pressure Treated vs Topically Applied
Posted on: February 24, 2023
Natural wood is a beautiful and versatile building material that has been used in construction for centuries. However, its flammability makes it vulnerable to fire damage, which can be devastating. To mitigate the risks associated with using natural wood in construction (and on exterior applications), there are two approaches to fire protection that are available: pressure-treated fire treatment and topical fire treatment. 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
As already mentioned, natural wood has been used as a building material for centuries. However, with the increasing concerns of wildfires threatening properties, some have chosen to use alternative building materials that are manufactured for fire resistance.
Some even try to look like wood.
However, although these materials try to appear like the real deal, they can’t replicate an authentic wood product’s natural warmth and beauty.
Now, with the development and use of these cutting-edge fire retardants, you can utilize wood and have the confidence your project is protected the next time fire is threatening.
Additional benefits include:
Code compliance. In many jurisdictions, fire treatments are required by building codes for certain types of construction. Compliance with Class A Fire Rating and WUI regulations can help ensure the safety of the building and its occupants.
Durability. Pressure-treated fire treatment provides long-lasting protection against decay.
Why Is The Treatment’s Fire Rating Important?
The rating of the fire-retardant solution you decide to use reflects its effectiveness against flame spread and smoke development. The higher the rating in each of these categories the more protective the material is in a fire event so long as the materials are installed in accordance with the International Build Code.
A specific fire rating or designation may be required in some jurisdictions. In that case, you want to ensure the fire solution you choose on meets the requirements for your area. Consulting with local fire code officials is the best practice to ensure compliance and to make sure your structure is safe.
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.
Class 1 (or Class A) Fire Rating
A “Class A” or “Class 1” fire rating is a material’s best fire rating. Materials with this rating do not burn well and have a flame spread index of 0-25.
Class 2 (or Class B) Fire Rating
A “Class B” or “Class 2” fire rating is a material’s second-best rating. The flame spread index of materials with this class rating fall between 26-75.
Class 3 (or Class C) Fire Rating
A “Class C” or “Class 3” fire rating is the third best rating a material can achieve. The flame spread index of materials with this class rating fall between 76-200.
Note: The above rating classifications are established through specific testing processes established by the American Society of Testing and Materials. The ASTM E-84 is the standard test method for assessing the surface burning characteristics of building products to explore how the material might contribute to flame spread in the event of a fire. The test reports the tested product’s Flame Spread index and Smoke Developed index.
Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Compliance and Standards
In specific areas under higher than normal threats from wildfires, materials and the application of fire retardant chemicals that meet WUI standards may be required.
According to 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 meet WUI standards, a material must be ignition resistant. Having the ability to resist ignition from flying embers or fire radiation during a wildfire.
Pressure-Treated Fire Resistance Treatment
The process of applying a pressure-treated fire treatment involves placing the wood in a vessel, then injecting the chemical preservative under high pressure. This process forces the chemical deep into the wood fibers, providing long-lasting protection against decay, insects, and fire.
The result?
A highly durable and fire-resistant material that can be used in a variety of construction applications.
Materials armed with pressure-applied fire treatment are an ideal choice for applications that require either Class A fire rating compliance, or Class A fire rating in combination with Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) compliance requirements.
For instance, the products we offer (in combination with our Fireline treatment) have been a popular solution to meet these requirement needs.
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
Topical (or spray-applied) fire treatment involves the application of a fire-retardant chemical to the surface of the wood. This chemical creates a barrier that prevents the wood from catching fire. Topical fire treatment is generally less expensive than the pressure-treated alternative.
The topical treatments are applied to the surface of the wood after it has been milled; but, before it has been finished and installed.
Some topical treatments carry a Class A Fire rating and are accepted in wildfire-prone areas of the country.
For instance, the spray-applied fire resistant treatment that we offer carries a Class A rating, is environmentally friendly, and is applied by our in-house production team.
Ultimately, the local authority having jurisdiction mandates code compliance pertaining to fire resistant building materials and what is required in your building area.
Will Fire Treatments Affect The Look Of Our Wood Siding?
As a result of the treatment process, we do see a slight finish variation after it has received the pressurized fire treatment.
How noticeable?
Maybe a shade or two darker when finished as compared to the material of the same product line and finished color that wasn’t treated.
Our spray-applied treatment can have a very subtle color change when combined with some of our stains. With that in mind, control samples may be needed.
This is great for areas where only Class A is required; however, if WUI compliance is required in your area, the pressure-applied solution is your only option.
Which Fire Retardant Solution is Best For You?
Choosing the best fire retardant-treated wood solution for you and your project depends on a few factors.
Your budget. Pressure-treated fire retardant is more expensive than the spray-applied option.
Your location. A fire retardant with a Class A rating is the only requirement in some areas. WUI compliance (in addition to a Class A rating) is required in other areas. You need to confirm with the authority with jurisdiction in your building zone.
Your timeline. When it comes to fire protection treatments that we provide, we apply the spray-applied protection in-house whereas pressure-treated is completed in another facility. So, ordering material with our Fireline treatment will affect your lead time.
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.
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