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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsSustainable Lumber Company has introduced Montanafied Spruce, its brand of thermally modified Montana spruce siding and soffits. The company’s June 22, 2026 launch announcement describes 1×6 and 1×8 tongue-and-groove boards in smooth and wire-brushed textures; its product page lists additional profiles, sizes and finish options. Samples are available, but buyers must contact the company for current pricing and to confirm availability.
What Montanafied Spruce is
Montanafied Spruce is the manufacturer’s name for spruce siding and soffits that Sustainable Lumber Company says are made from Montana-grown wood and thermally modified in Montana. A later company-authored article identifies the spruce as Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii), though the product page and launch announcement describe it more generally as Montana spruce.
The product is intended for exterior use. The company also markets a Class A fire-treatment option, subject to the qualifications on its product page.
Published product specifications
The manufacturer’s product page lists these options. The company’s product information may have changed since the June 2026 launch, so confirm stock and selections before specifying the material.
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#1 Best Overall
- Spruce is a type of tonewood commonly used for guitar soundboards and other stringed instruments.
- Size The soundboard consists of two parts, as shown in the photo. Size for each part size 21.85”x8.9”x0.16” 554.99mm x 227.21mm x 4mm
- Spruce-top guitars produce a rich tone with pronounced highs and lows. Unlike cedar, which radiates sound, spruce projects it more linearly. Spruce guitars feature a crisp high end, substantial bottom end, and impressive volume.
- Spruce wood is a whitish yellow, which turns golden yellow when finished. Red spruce features wider grain lines, a warmer color, and more color variation. Higher grades of red spruce possess more even color and closer grain lines.
- LA grade tops, commonly known as paint grade, exhibit the highest level of variance. Each grade is designed to group similar individual quality attributes. While some variation in characteristics is expected within each grade, this variance decreases as the quality level increases.
| Specification | Manufacturer-published options |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 21/32 inch |
| Widths | 1×6 and 1×8 |
| Lengths | 8 to 16 feet |
| Surface texture | Smooth or wire-brushed |
| Profiles | Nickel-gap or butt-joint |
| Finish | Unfinished or prefinished |
| Installation | Blind or face nailing |
The June launch announcement specifically listed tongue-and-groove boards and said prefinished stain colors were coming soon. Because the product page now lists prefinished options, ask the company which finishes and profiles are currently available. Sustainable Lumber Company also cautions that color, texture, grain and sheen can vary naturally from board to board.
How the company says the wood is thermally modified
Sustainable Lumber Company says the process uses heat and steam without chemicals or preservatives. Its product page describes a sequence of drying, steaming, heating in a low-oxygen or oxygen-free environment, then cooling and reconditioning. The stated process temperature is 180–250°C (356–482°F).
Rank #2
- WOOD SPECIES: Engelmann Spruce soundboard, known for its light, responsive tone and natural pinkish tan color.
- GRADE B QUALITY: A solid tonewood choice for guitar building, offering good acoustic properties at an accessible grade.
- BOOKMATCHED TOP: Two-piece construction provides a symmetrical grain pattern ideal for acoustic guitar soundboards.
- DIMENSIONS: Each set measures 22 x 8 x 0.130 inches, suitable for standard acoustic guitar top construction.
- TONEWOOD CHARACTERISTICS: Fine, even grain structure delivers balanced resonance and projection for handcrafted guitars.
The company says this treatment changes the wood’s cellular structure and reduces its ability to absorb water. These are the manufacturer’s explanations of the process and its effects; the product information reviewed does not establish them as independent test findings. Buyers evaluating performance should request the applicable technical documents and ask a building professional whether the product suits the project and exposure conditions.
What the fire-rating information says—and what to verify
The product page cites ASTM E84 and ASTM E2768-11 for a Class A fire treatment, and publishes a flame-spread index of 10 and smoke-developed index of 5. It also says the treatment meets WUI code requirements except in California and Colorado. These are manufacturer-published claims, not a substitute for checking the current test documentation or the code that applies to a specific site.
Rank #3
- A-Grade Engelmann Spruce: Selected for classical guitar soundboard use, offering a good combination of light weight, stiffness, resonance, and visual quality.
- Traditional Luthier Tonewood: Engelmann spruce is widely used for guitar tops because of its responsive sound, balanced tone, and natural acoustic properties.
- Clean Natural Grain: Features an attractive spruce grain pattern suitable for visible guitar tops and custom instrument builds.
- Responsive Soundboard Material: A strong choice for builders looking for clarity, projection, note separation, and a lively response.
- Luthier-Ready Wood: Ideal for classical guitar construction, repairs, restoration work, student builds, and handmade instrument projects.
Before relying on the treatment for permitting or material selection, request the current test reports and confirm the applicable requirements with the local building official or design professional. The June launch announcement states that a Class A-rated option is available but does not provide the product-page figures.
Sourcing and environmental claims
The company says its spruce comes from SFI-certified forests and is processed in Montana. It presents local processing and sourcing as a way to support Montana jobs and reduce transportation emissions. Sustainable Lumber Company also reports that its Montana-grown spruce averages 25 or more growth rings per inch.
Rank #4
- Including:4 pieces of veneered MDF board with double side paulownia wood
- Dimension: Each board measures 12" x 17" with thickness 1/4th inches (6.4mm)
- Material: MDF sheets NOT SOLID WOOD, NOT BALSA WOOD
- Quality:Sturdy and smooth without nicks, gouges or scratche. The double sides covered with paulow ria wood are easily customized by using paint, wood stain, stencils and laser engraving.
- These versatile unfinished wood squares are ideal for DIY projects, party decorations, or home decor. The unfinished wood surface allows you to easily use paint, wood stain, stencils to create your amazing artwork.
Those sourcing, employment, emissions and growth-ring statements are company claims. The reviewed material does not provide an independent lifecycle analysis, quantified emissions comparison or third-party assessment of the environmental benefits. Treat them as the manufacturer’s description rather than independently established comparisons with other siding.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to evaluate it for a project
The published specifications give a useful starting point for comparing siding options: dimensions, board lengths, profile, surface texture, finish and whether a fire-treatment option is offered. They do not establish how Montanafied Spruce compares with other materials on delivered cost, installed cost, maintenance, service life or performance in a particular building assembly.
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- Engelmann Spruce guitar tops Grade B soundboards offer a good balance of tone and affordability for acoustic guitars.
- Grade B soundboards typically have some imperfections, like color variations, minor streaking, or slightly less uniform grain patterns. However, these imperfections generally do not affect the sound quality.
- The soundboard consists of two parts, as shown in the photo. Size for each part size 21”x8.5”x0.130”
- Engelmann spruce Grade B soundboards produce a tone that is often described as warm, mellow, and rich in the mids. They can also be touch-sensitive, meaning that the sound responds well to the player's fingerstyle.
- Engelmann spruce is a good choice for fingerstyle players, classical guitarists, or anyone seeking a warm and nuanced sound.
- Ask for current stock, lead times, available profiles and finish samples before finalizing drawings or schedules.
- Request the current technical specification, installation guidance and fire-treatment documentation relevant to the selected product.
- Confirm code compliance with the building official or project design professional, especially where wildfire-interface rules apply.
- Compare delivered and installed costs, expected maintenance and documented performance with the alternatives under consideration.
- Review a physical sample where appearance matters; the manufacturer notes that boards can vary in color, grain, texture and sheen.
Samples, pricing and contacting the company
Sustainable Lumber Company says samples are available and directs prospective buyers to contact it for current pricing; the reviewed product information does not list a price. Its showroom is in Missoula and appointment-only. The June launch announcement gives the company’s phone number as (406) 642-7120 and email as [email protected]. Product details and inquiry options are on the Montanafied product page.
Sources: Sustainable Lumber Company’s June 22, 2026 launch announcement and its Montanafied product page.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
