
Fire Retardant Wood Decking and Siding
"Working with ThermaWood™ FR was a great experience”
- Jeff Fulmer, Builder - Boise, Idaho
On this page:
What is ThermaWood™ FR Fire Retardant Treated Lumber? | What does It Look Like? | Why Use It In Your Projects? | How Does the Fire Retardant Treatment Work? | ThermaWood™ FR is different. | Fire Retardant Wood Decking | Fire Retardant Wood Siding | Critical Information about Painting or Staining Fire Retardant Treated Lumber
What Does ThermaWood™ FR Look Like?
When it comes to fire retardant wood, you don't have to sacrifice beauty for safety. ThermaWood™ FR Hem Fir offers the refined look of high-quality natural wood, similar to the upper grades of Western Red Cedar. With a clear vertical grain, lighter color range, and fire resistant properties, this fire retardant treated wood is a stunning and durable option for wood siding and wood decks.
To further customize your project, ThermaWood™ FR can be stained using many oil-based exterior stains, allowing you to match your unique design vision.
Watch the video below to see how ThermaWood™ FR was used in a wildfire-prone area, both on the exterior and interior of a newly rebuilt home, providing both aesthetic appeal and fire protection.
Click here to share this video tour from our YouTube Channel.
“I didn't want to adapt [fire retardant treated] siding material. I wanted something that was flush and looked very modern and contemporary."
- Chris Cahill, Cahill Studio Sonoma, California
Would you like to see more of ThermaWood™ FR in action?
Check out the Thermally Modified Hem-Fir Siding Photo Gallery.
Need to see it for yourself? [Order ThermaWood™ FR samples today!]
What is Mataverde ThermaWood™ FR Fire Retardant Treated Lumber?
Mataverde ThermaWood™ FR with Thermex-FR combines fire rated wood with cutting-edge technology. By using the finest thermally modified Hem Fir and the best fire retardant treatment for wood, we provide a flame retardant solution that is ideal for exterior projects requiring fire safety.
For those who value long-term solutions, ThermaWood™ FR is an excellent choice. The pressure-treated fire retardant decking and fire retardant siding maintain much of their original appearance, offering a balance of aesthetics and fire resistant properties.
Because fire safety regulations are continuously evolving, fire retardant treated wood must meet strict standards. Mataverde ThermaWood™ FR exceeds the requirements for:
- WUI (Wildland Urban Interface)
- IWUI (International Wildland Urban Interface)
- ICC (International Code Council)
An amazing exterior home renovation with the added advantage of WUI fire-code approved fire retardant treated wood siding
Get inspired! Download the ThermaWood™ FR Hem-Fir Project Portfolio featuring case studies and stunning designs.
DOWNLOAD MORE INFORMATION NOW:
Mataverde Hemlock Fire Retardant Treated Lumber Brochure
ThermaWood™ FR Two-Page Brochure
RELATED TECHNICAL DOWNLOADS HERE:
MATAVERDE FIRE-RETARDANT-TREATED WOOD ESR-1159 WUI EVALUATION REPORT
074623 ThermaWood™ FR Siding CSI Specifications
061523 ThermaWood™ FR Decking CSI Specifications
Why use Mataverde ThermaWood™ FR?
Mataverde ThermaWood™ FR offers several advantages over other fire rated wood options:
- Safe and non-toxic formula
- Environmentally friendly
- Enhances durability
- Classified as "ignition resistant" indicating that it has been tested and meets additional criteria
- Helps resist the spread of fire, protecting your home, property, and family
- The only product on the market that passes natural weathering tests for exterior use
- Covered by a limited lifetime warranty for fire resistance
How Does Fire Retardant Wood Treatment Work?
Not all fire retardant treated wood is created equal. Many exterior fire retardants use water-soluble chemicals that slow flames but fail in outdoor environments. Over time, exposure to rain, snow, and high temperatures can wash away the treatment, making the wood susceptible to fire again.
Mataverde ThermaWood™ FR offers a superior solution. Our proprietary fire retardant treatment for wood is pressurized into the wood cells, ensuring lasting protection.
See how the best fire retardant treated lumber process works.
Click below to watch on YouTube:
Watch the Chemco Thermex-FR Fire Treated Lumber Video on YouTube.
Mataverde ThermaWood™ FR Is Different
Unlike traditional fire retardant treated wood, Mataverde ThermaWood™ FR undergoes an additional kiln-drying process. This step permanently bonds the fire retardant treatment within the wood fibers, ensuring long-term fire resistant properties that won’t wash away. That’s why our fire retardant wood comes with a manufacturer's limited lifetime warranty.
RELATED: Download the Thermex-FR MSDS.
While other building materials may offer fire safety, they often require indoor use or additional fire protection methods. Mataverde ThermaWood™ FR provides peace of mind, whether for a wood deck or fire retardant siding.
Request a tongue and groove siding quote now.
ThermaWood™ FR Fire Retardant Treated Decking
Mataverde ThermaWood™ FR is available in fire retardant decking profiles, specifically in 5/4 x 6 nominal size deck boards crafted from C+ Better vertical grain Hem Fir.
In this fire resistant wood, you can expect natural mineral streaking and tight knots, adding to the wood deck's character. For those who prefer an ultra-clean look, portions of the board can be defect-cut and used in different areas.
ThermaWood™ FR is a gorgeous way to elevate your wood decking project with a better fire treatment option.
ThermaWood™ FR Fire Retardant Treated Siding

RELATED: LEARN MORE ABOUT MATAVERDE THERMAWOOD™ SIDING
Visit the ThermaWood™ FR Hem-Fir Siding Project Photo Gallery.
*Caution should be taken when considering staining or painting, as they may affect the performance of the fire resistant resins.
INFORMATIONAL NOTICE ABOUT PAINTING OR STAINING FIRE RETARDANT TREATED WOOD PRODUCTS
- Consult your local paint professional for coating recommendations specifically suited for fire
retardant pressure treated products and follow all the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Always apply the recommended product to a small test area to determine compatibility and
suitability over time in the climate where the FRTW will be installed.
- If possible, wait 3 to 6 months prior to coating to allow for natural surface conditioning; or
wash the surface and thoroughly rinse off any residue from the fire-retardant treatment
process prior to the application of any coating. Use of a power washer is not recommended.
- Be aware of product moisture levels. Let the product dry to at least 15% moisture before
applying any coating, or whatever lower moisture level the paint or stain manufacturer
recommends.
- For paints, after using the standard surface preparation listed above, use a stain blocking
oil-based primer.
- Some oil-based stains have been used successfully over Thermex-FR. Consult a coating
specialist or inquire for further details.
- Water-based paints or stains are not recommended, unless tested and confirmed for
suitability by the manufacturer.