Frequently asked questions
Timber Forge
Q: What wood species and sizes are available with Timber Forge?
A: For exterior performance, we offer Premium Cedar and Fir. For interior applications, Pine, Spruce, and Hemlock are also available. Standard sizes range from 1x4 through 1x12, and we can build to spec if your project requires custom species or dimensions.
Q: Can Timber Forge be used for both interior and exterior applications?
A: Yes. Timber Forge is highly versatile. Common applications include exterior siding, fascia and soffits, as well as interior accent walls, T&G ceilings, and wood accents.
Q: How do I clean Timber Forge siding?
A: Clean Timber Forge annually with a low-pressure hose. Avoid soaps, chemicals or high-pressure washing (stay at least 2 feet away). We recommend a quick inspection every six months — especially around windows and doors — to catch moisture or movement early. More care and maintenance tips can be found in this guide.
Q: Is Timber Forge resistant to weather and pests?
A: Thanks to the shou sugi ban (burning) technique, the wood’s natural resistance to moisture, UV damage and pests is enhanced. This increases its lifespan and reduces maintenance expenses over time.
Q: Is Timber Forge a sustainable choice?
A: Absolutely. Our process relies on wood and fire rather than heavy synthetic chemicals or toxic coatings. By increasing the wood’s natural durability, we extend the lifecycle of the material, reducing the frequency of replacement and the long-term demand on forest resources.
Q: Are custom colors available?
A: While we offer a variety of standard finishes like Burnt Ember and Graphite, we specialize in "built to spec" projects. If you have a specific tone in mind, our team will work with you to create a custom finish that matches your vision. You can also request a sample to see the colors in person.
Q: Are there any special installation considerations for Timber Forge?
A: To ensure the best result, boards should acclimate on-site in a dry, ventilated area for 7–10 days. We strictly recommend stainless steel fasteners to prevent "bleeding" or black streaks on the wood. Additionally, all field-cuts must be sealed immediately with our factory-provided touch-up kit to maintain the 15-year limited warranty and block moisture.
Revenant
Q: What wood species and textures are available with Revenant?
A: For exterior projects, we offer Fir, Cedar and Hemlock. For interior designs, Pine and Spruce are also available. The signature Revenant texture is Rustic Brush, a hand-brushed finish that highlights the wood's grain. For a more historic or rugged look, you can add Circle Sawn, Band Sawn or Rough Sawn textures.
Q. Can Revenant be used for exterior and interior applications?
A: Yes. It is a highly versatile line designed for siding, trim, fascia and soffits, as well as interior accent walls and tongue-and-groove ceilings.
Q: What exactly are "Multi-Tonal Patinas” featured in Revenant?
A: Unlike standard staining, which applies a single uniform color, our proprietary process layers different pigment densities and hues. This creates a "patina" with depth and movement — mimicking the natural, uneven aging of wood exposed to the elements — without the structural decay found in actual reclaimed timber.
Q: How do I maintain the Revenant finish?
A: Revenant features a PPG ProLuxe finish and a 15-year limited warranty. For maintenance, simply clean exterior boards annually with water and a soft-bristle brush to remove debris. Avoid high-pressure washing, which can damage the hand-brushed texture. Interior surfaces only require occasional dusting or a damp cloth. More details can be found in our wood maintenance guide.
Q: Are custom colors available?
A: Yes. While we offer a curated palette of multi-tonal blends, Glacier Millworks can provide custom color matching to ensure your Revenant boards complement the specific material palette of your project.
Q: How well does the Revenant line hold up against insects and decay?
A: By using premium species like Western Red Cedar and Fir, Revenant utilizes the wood’s natural oils and tannins to resist fungi and insects. Unlike reclaimed wood, which can carry dormant pests or rot, Revenant starts as fresh, kiln-dried timber, ensuring material integrity from the start.
Q: Are there any special installation considerations for Revenant?
A: Proper installation requires "shuffling" boards from multiple bundles to evenly distribute the multi-tonal patina. Stainless steel fasteners are mandatory to prevent tannin staining, and expansion gaps must be calculated to allow for seasonal movement. For exterior use, we require a rain-screen system with proper flashing to ensure adequate drainage and ventilation
Alpine
Q: What wood species and sizes are available in the Alpine line?
A: Alpine offers a broad range of species depending on the application. For exterior use, it is available in Fir, Cedar and Hemlock. For interior use, options include Fir, Cedar, Pine, Spruce and Hemlock. Alpine is available in 1x4 through 1x12 nominal sizes.
Q: How is the Alpine finish created?
A: We use a single-coat PPG ProLuxe stain and an in-house mechanical brushing process. This creates a clean, modern aesthetic that highlights the natural grain without the heavy charring found in other lines.
Q: What are the primary applications for Alpine?
A: Alpine is value-engineered for versatility in both residential and commercial projects. Common applications include exterior siding and trim, as well as interior accent walls, ceilings and decorative finishes.
Q: Is Alpine durable enough for harsh climates?
A: It is highly durable, featuring factory-applied coatings and a 15-Year Limited Warranty. For increased safety, an optional fire treatment is available upon request.
Q: How do I maintain Alpine products?
A: Rinse annually with low pressure to remove debris. To maintain the factory color, reapply a UV topcoat every 3–5 years, depending on sun exposure. Without maintenance, the wood will naturally silver, though the brushed texture will remain. Our wood maintenance guide covers more details.
Q: How is the Alpine line sustainable?
A: Unlike vinyl or composite siding, Alpine is 100% biodegradable and stores carbon throughout its lifespan. Glacier Millworks also prioritizes ethically harvested timber, ensuring the Alpine line supports healthy forest management.
Q: Are there any special installation considerations for Alpine?
A: To maintain the 15-year warranty, boards must acclimatize on-site for 7–10 days and have all field cuts sealed with PPG ProLuxe. Use stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized fasteners (blind-nailing preferred) and ensure a rainscreen system is used for exterior ventilation.
Terra Therm
Q: What is Terra Therm?
A: Terra Therm is thermally modified wood created through a high-heat, chemical-free process. This modification alters the wood's cellular structure to enhance durability, stability and resistance to rot.
Q: Does Terra Therm use chemicals to achieve its durability?
A: No. Unlike traditional pressure-treated wood that relies on chemical injections, Terra Therm uses only heat and steam to modify the wood fibers, making it a natural, high-performance alternative for both interior and exterior use.
Q: How does thermal modification improve the wood?
A: The process significantly increases dimensional stability, meaning the boards are much less likely to warp, cup or shrink. It also enhances the wood’s natural resistance to the elements, resulting in a rich, permanent color and exceptional long-term performance.
Q: Is Terra Therm maintenance-free?
A: While the thermal modification protects the wood's structural integrity, it is finished with a PPG ProLuxe system. To maintain the "toasted" factory color, a UV-protective coat should be reapplied periodically. If left unmaintained, it will naturally weather to a silver-grey while remaining structurally sound.
Q: What wood species and sizes are available?
A: Terra Therm is available in four primary species with sizing tailored to each: Knotty Spruce (1x4 through 2x8), Radiata Pine in a Clear Flat Grain (1x4 through 1x8), Ayous in a Clear Vertical Grain (1x4 through 2x12) and Hemlock in a Clear Vertical Grain (1x6 and 1x8). While most species offer standard 1x thickness, both Ayous and Spruce provide additional 2x thickness options for more robust applications.
Q: What are the best applications for Terra Therm?
A: It is ideal for high-exposure environments. It is frequently used for exterior siding and interior spaces requiring elevated longevity and minimal maintenance.
Q: What are the requirements for acclimatization and storage?
A: To ensure stability, boards must acclimatize on-site for 7–10 days in a dry, ventilated area. Materials must be elevated off-grade on an even base and protected from rain and UV radiation with a waterproof cover. Keep cover ends open to avoid moisture entrapment and don’t loosen bundles until installation. Interior products must be stored in a heated indoor space.
Company & Process
Q: Where is Glacier Millworks located, and what is their background? Frequently asked question
A: We have over 40 years of experience in custom milling and finishing. We run everything out of our 40,000-square-foot shop in Montana’s Flathead Valley, so you know every piece is handled with care by experts who know their craft.
Q: Are Glacier Millworks’ products used for residential and commercial projects?
A: Yes, our wood products are designed for both high-end residential homes and large-scale commercial spaces.
Q: Does Glacier Millworks ship outside of Montana?
A: We ship nationwide, so architects and builders anywhere in the country can bring authentic Montana craftsmanship to their luxury projects. Whether it’s a residential home or a commercial build, we make it easy to get our custom-finished wood delivered right to your site.
Q: How should I begin my project with Glacier Millworks?
A: We recommend starting by requesting samples to ensure the wood's texture and color align with your design vision.
Q: How does the ordering process work for a new project?
A: Our simple, six-step process starts with you getting physical samples and ends with a custom-milled, hand-finished product delivered right to your site, ready to install. This keeps the journey clear and ensures the final result is exactly what you envisioned.
Q: Does Glacier Millworks offer a warranty on its products?
A: Yes, we back our products with a 15-year limited warranty. This covers you against fungal decay and common finish issues like peeling or blistering on our semi-transparent finishes, as long as the wood was installed and maintained according to our official guides. It’s our way of ensuring your investment stays protected and looks great for years to come. Full warranty information can be found here.
Q: Can I earn continuing education credits related to wood finishing or wood design?
A: You can explore our AIA-approved course, Art of Wood Finishing: Techniques, Applications and Biophilic Design, which covers advanced finishing methods, sustainability and real-world applications. The course also includes case studies to help architects and designers specify wood products with confidence.
Samples & Customization
Q: How long does it take to receive standard samples?
A: We ship our standard color samples fairly quickly, usually within just a few business days. This quick turnaround keeps your project moving so you aren't stuck waiting on us to make a decision.
Q: Can I get a custom color match for my specific design?
A: Custom color matching is a specialized service for unique project requirements. These samples require a longer preparation time of up to two weeks. Contact our team for more information.
Q: Will I receive professional guidance after ordering a sample?
A: Our project consultations typically follow up after a sample request to confirm specific architectural details. We want to ensure the final product perfectly matches the intended application.
Sustainability & Quality
Q: What are Glacier Millworks’ timber sourcing standards?
A: We prioritize premium, responsibly harvested timber to ensure that every board is both environmentally conscious and structurally superior. By selecting only high-grade logs from managed forests, we provide a sustainable product that is built to last.
Q: Are Glacier Millworks’ finishes safe for indoor environments?
A: Our finishing chemistry focuses on low-VOC and zero-VOC water-based stains to protect indoor air quality and reduce the environmental impact of the manufacturing process. By using these eco-friendly formulas, we ensure our products are safe for your home while minimizing our footprint on the planet.
Q: Are Glacier Millworks’ products mass-produced or handcrafted?
A: While we use modern technology to ensure precise milling, our professionals hand-finish every order to ensure it is a unique piece of architectural art.