When it comes to building in wildfire zones, “fire-safe” isn’t just a feature — it’s a requirement.
That’s why we’re proud to announce that several of our Thermory decking and cladding materials have officially passed CalFire’s Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) testing — making them approved for use in high fire-risk zones across the state (and beyond!).
What’s Now WUI Certified?
Benchmark Pine, Kodiak Spruce, and Benchmark Oak have now passed the SFM 12-7A-4A test, meeting the official CalFire requirement for decking materials to be WUI listed.
They join our Benchmark Ash Decking and Cladding, which were both previously certified in 2019.
In simple terms: these materials aren’t only beautiful — they’re proven to perform safely in wildfire-prone environments.
What “WUI” Really Means
“WUI” stands for Wildland-Urban Interface — areas where homes, decks, and buildings meet natural vegetation. Because these zones are most vulnerable to wildfire, building materials must meet stringent fire-resistance requirements outlined in specific building codes, such as in the California Building Code (Chapter 7A).
A WUI fire rating means a material has been tested and approved for ignition resistance — it won’t easily ignite from embers or direct flame, and it helps prevent fire from spreading.
Thermory Product Engineer Eric Britson explains:
“Our recent testing was a great success! All of our decking species passed the SFM 12-7A-4A, which is the CalFire alternative test for decking. The ash cladding had already been tested and passed for the SFM 12-7A-1A cladding test. This will give our clients in vulnerable locations many more safe, real wood options.”
Real Wood. Real Performance.
For years, architects and builders in WUI zones have faced a tough choice: safety or aesthetics. Composite and non-wood alternatives often meet fire standards, but they lack the warmth and authenticity of real wood.
Now, Thermory offers a different option — natural, thermally modified wood that meets CalFire’s fire safety standards.
Matt Stansell, Thermory’s Building Products Director, puts it best:
“There may be some market anxiety about using wood, but we can deliver with WUI-rated products. It allows us to offer real-wood solutions to customers who require a natural look without compromising on fire performance.”
Leading the Way in WUI-Certified Wood
As more regions across the West adopt WUI requirements, Thermory continues to lead in the availability of CalFire-approved, thermally modified wood solutions. Compared to competitors, we hold the most comprehensive set of WUI certifications — setting a new standard for thermally modified wood in wildfire-prone areas.
With our expanded list of approved species, we’re proud to provide architects, builders, and homeowners with peace of mind — and the natural beauty of real wood — in places where it matters most.
Madison Stone, Architectural Consultant at Royal Plywood, works with architects in the San Diego area. She reports, “So many of my clients design in WUI zones, and this certification removes a huge hurdle. It’s great knowing that we can offer Thermory as both a high-performance and compliant solution.”
Building for the Future
Wildfire-resistant construction is here to stay, and Thermory is helping shape what that future looks like — sustainable, safe, and stunningly natural.
If you’re building in a WUI zone or working with strict fire codes, ask your Thermory representative about our WUI-certified decking and cladding options.
With our newly updated certifications, you don’t have to choose between beauty and resilience.
California Thermory Distributors:
Mount Storm Forest Products (San Francisco Bay area)
Royal Plywood Company (Outside SF Bay)
WUI-Certified Thermory Products:
- Benchmark Pine Decking – SFM 12-7A-4A (2025)
- Benchmark Oak Decking – SFM 12-7A-4A (2025)
- Kodiak Spruce Decking – SFM 12-7A-4A (2025)
- Benchmark Ash Decking – SFM 12-7A-4A (2019)
- Benchmark Ash Cladding – SFM 12-7A-1A (2019)
Photo Credits: Allan Leppikson.
