Safety and compliance are paramount in commercial construction and public-space millwork. Our selection of fire rated plywood and panels is engineered to meet stringent building codes while providing the structural integrity required for professional cabinetry and wall cladding. These panels are treated with specialized flame retardants that significantly reduce the rate of heat release and smoke development. By utilizing certified fire rated sheet goods, you ensure that your projects meet the safety requirements of facility managers and building inspectors, providing peace of mind and long-term security in high-occupancy environments.
From plywood and fasteners to finishing supplies and shipping materials, we stock a full range of cabinetry essentials. One supplier, one delivery – less time sourcing, more time building.
With decades of experience, we understand what it takes to keep shops running smoothly, and we back that up with expert support and consistent supply.
We don't just carry product, we know how it's used. Our team speaks your language, with deep knowledge across cabinetry, millwork, and finishing applications.
With thousands of materials, hardware lines, and custom-order options in stock, not everything fits neatly on a single category page. If you're looking for a specific item – like a certain drawer slide, hinge system, or finish option – just let us know.
Our team works closely with cabinetry professionals every day, and we're happy to help you track down the right solution fast. Whether it's in stock, special order, or part of a bundled system, we'll make sure you get what you need, without the runaround.
Certified Safety Standards
Navigating fire safety regulations requires materials that are both compliant and workable. We provide fire rated panels that maintain excellent machining properties, allowing your shop to produce custom millwork and cabinetry without compromising on safety. These substrates are selected for their predictable performance under stress, ensuring that your production remains efficient even when working with specialized materials. By sourcing your fire rated plywood through our integrated supply chain, you benefit from a consolidated procurement process that provides the necessary documentation and certification for your commercial projects.
Our fire rated plywood is manufactured to provide the same load-bearing capacity as standard structural panels while offering advanced protection against fire spread. The pressure-treated wood fibers are infused with fire-retardant chemicals that remain stable throughout the life of the panel. This makes them ideal for wall sheathing, ceilings, and interior partitions in commercial buildings where fire-resistant construction is mandated by law. These panels are engineered to resist ignition and maintain their structural stability longer than untreated wood, providing critical time for evacuation and fire response in emergency situations.
Explore the CollectionFor interior applications where aesthetics are as important as safety, we offer fire rated MDF and particle board panels that provide a superior surface for finishing. These panels are the industry standard for wall paneling in hospitals, schools, and government buildings where Class A fire ratings are required. The uniform core density allows for precise CNC routing and clean edge detailing, ensuring that your architectural millwork meets both the design specifications and the safety codes of the project. This versatility allows shop owners to fulfill specialized contracts with confidence in the material's performance and compliance.
Explore the CollectionWe understand that commercial millwork involves complex specifications and high stakes. By offering a comprehensive range of fire rated plywood and panels as part of our core inventory, we provide cabinetry professionals with a reliable source for high-performance, compliant materials. Our one-stop-shop model ensures that you receive the correct certifications alongside your materials, simplifying your project management and audit trails. Trust our expertise to provide the specialty sheet goods that help your business maintain its reputation for delivering safe, high-quality, and code-compliant commercial installations.
Explore the CollectionFor decades, McFadden's has been a reliable partner to shops and teams across North America. Our customers count on us for consistent quality, expert service, and materials that show up when and where they're needed. Don't just take our word for it – hear what real professionals have to say about working with McFadden's.
"I needed some really hard to find product information and Bruce Earl went way out of his way to help me getting what I need. His help was very much appreciated."
Khalil Saade
"Truly one of my favourite suppliers, customer service is always on their game and everyone working for the company is willing to help in any way possible. I've never had a problem they couldn't quickly solve. Great company!"
Micaela St. Cyr
"Good work!"
Brian Love
"I ordered a spice rack online. Shipping was fast. Arrived in excellent shape, great price too! Thanks!!"
Tim Rabak
Understanding the ratings and handling requirements of fire-treated wood is essential for a successful commercial installation. Below are common questions regarding our fire rated plywood and panels.
These ratings refer to the Flame Spread Index of the material. Class A (or Class 1) is the highest rating, indicating the lowest flame spread and smoke development. Most of our fire rated interior panels are manufactured to meet Class A standards, which are typically required for hallways, stairwells, and assembly areas in commercial buildings to ensure maximum occupant safety.
Yes, fire rated panels can be cut and machined using standard woodworking equipment. However, it is important to note that the fire-retardant chemicals can be abrasive on tools. Using carbide-tipped blades and ensuring proper dust extraction is highly recommended. It is also important to check the specific manufacturer's guidelines, as some pressure-treated panels should not be ripped or planed in a way that removes the treated outer layers.
Fire retardant chemicals can sometimes react with certain stains or coatings. It is vital to use compatible primers and topcoats, and to ensure the panels have a moisture content of 15% or less before finishing. We recommend performing a test sample to ensure the desired aesthetic is achieved and that the finish adheres properly to the treated wood fibers.
Certified fire rated panels are typically marked with a stamp or a color-coded stripe (often red or orange) along the edge or on the face of the board. This marking includes the certification body's logo and the specific fire rating achieved. Always ensure these markings are visible or documented for building inspectors to verify compliance during the installation process.
While primarily used in commercial settings to meet specific codes, fire rated panels can certainly be used in residential applications for added safety. However, they are generally more expensive and heavier than standard panels. For residential use, they are most common in multi-family dwellings or as a protective substrate behind ranges and other heat-producing appliances where local codes may require enhanced fire resistance.