Glacier International Airport

Location: Kalispell, Montana
Partner: Swank Enterprises (General Contractor)
Glacier Millwork Products: Custom fir slat ceiling and wall system with Class A fire-rated, low-VOC finishes

At Glacier Millworks, we are dedicated to crafting premium, artisan-quality wood products tailored to the vision of high-end architects, builders, and designers. With a focus on precision, intentional craftsmanship, and sustainable practices, our products are designed to elevate your projects with unmatched beauty and performance.

When the Glacier International Airport in Kalispell set out to modernize its terminal, the goal was clear: create a warm, biophilic environment that reflected Montana’s natural beauty — without compromising performance or safety.

Swank Enterprises, one of Montana’s largest commercial general contractors, oversaw construction and self-performed all rough and finish carpentry. After challenges with their initial millwork supplier, they turned to Glacier Millworks to fabricate more than seven miles (over 14,000 linear feet) of custom 2″×3″ fir slats for the airport’s ceilings and accent walls.

Challenge

We don’t just create wood products—we craft solutions for high-end designs. From hand-selecting each board to applying our proprietary colors and stains, every piece is as unique as the space it’s designed to elevate. Executing a complex, high-visibility installation in a fully operating airport meant that every phase demanded precision and coordination. Deliveries had to be scheduled around TSA security windows and passenger traffic, with materials arriving just-in-time to avoid on-site storage issues.

The design requirements were equally demanding — long, continuous ceiling lines with virtually zero tolerance for warping or twisting. Because the fir slats needed Class A fire-rated coatings, moisture control and stability became a major concern.

“Fire-treated materials can be tricky,” Shawn explained. “They’re wet and prone to warping, so getting them to dry straight and ready to install was one of the hardest parts”

Solutions

Our commitment to sustainable practices ensures that every product is crafted with the environment in mind.
Glacier Millworks partnered directly with Swank’s team to ensure communication, precision, and performance at every step.

Collaborative problem-solving: Glacier’s craftsmen worked with Swank to refine drying and finishing methods, stabilizing the fire-treated wood before delivery and ensuring each slat maintained its form and finish.

Phased production & labeled delivery: Materials were pre-labeled, bundled by installation zone, and shipped in coordinated phases to keep the active jobsite organized and efficient.

Sustainable, locally sourced wood: All fir was responsibly harvested through Oregon Pacific and Idaho Forest Group, supporting reforestation and environmental balance.

Low-VOC, water-based finishes: A custom multi-tone stain enhanced the natural grain while maintaining healthy indoor air quality.

Fire-safety compliance: Glacier applied Class A fire-rated coatings tested to NFPA 703 and ASTM standards — ensuring the same protection level as Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood (FRTW).

Transparent communication: As Glacier scaled to meet growing demand, adding Annette Dentlus to oversee client coordination proved transformative.