Columbia Forest Products launches FireBrand fire-rated veneer core platform

Columbia Forest Products has introduced FireBrand, a certified Class A fire-rated veneer core platform for interior wall and ceiling applications. The product is available now in North America and is designed to help commercial projects meet fire codes without giving up real hardwood aesthetics.

Why it matters: - FireBrand gives architects, designers and builders a code-compliant wood option for interiors where fire performance and natural appearance both matter. - The platform targets commercial and residential spaces that often need Class A interior finish ratings, including hospitality, healthcare, education, government, multifamily and public gathering projects. - Columbia Forest Products says the certification can give extra confidence to Authorities Having Jurisdiction, contractors and distributors because the product is backed by third-party testing and ongoing audits.

What happened: - Columbia Forest Products announced FireBrand, a certified Class A fire-rated veneer core platform, on July 20, 2026. - The product is made for interior wall and ceiling finish applications. - FireBrand is available now through Columbia Forest Products sales and distribution channels across North America. - Columbia Forest Products also published product information and technical resources on its website: the FireBrand product page.

The details: - FireBrand is certified by ICC-ES. - The platform meets ASTM E84 Class A requirements under Section 803 of the International Building Code. - FireBrand also meets CAN/ULC S102.18 Class A requirements for Canada. - The product is sourced and manufactured in North America. - Available thicknesses range from 7/16 inch through 1 inch. - Panel sizes include 4' x 8' and 4' x 10'. - FireBrand uses PureBond formaldehyde-free technology. - The platform is available with decorative hardwood veneer faces. - Columbia manufactures the product in Craigsville, West Virginia, and Chatham, Virginia.

Between the lines: - The launch addresses a long-running tradeoff in commercial design between fire-rated materials and the look and workability of real hardwood plywood. - Columbia is positioning certification, not developmental testing, as the main differentiator. - The company is leaning on its hardwood plywood manufacturing base to extend into more code-driven interior applications.

What's next: - Architects, fabricators and building owners can now specify FireBrand for projects that need Class A performance and hardwood aesthetics. - Columbia says additional technical documentation, specification resources and product information are available online. - The company is likely to use the platform to expand its role in fire-sensitive interior finish markets.

The bottom line: - FireBrand is Columbia Forest Products’ new certified path to bring decorative hardwood plywood into stricter interior fire-code environments without sacrificing the wood look.