Exposed wood in commercial buildings is beautiful, warm, and on-brand for everything from farmhouse restaurants to grand theatres. It is also combustible — and Toronto Fire Services holds places of assembly to specific flame spread requirements that untreated wood does not meet. FlameShield Toronto applies penetrating wood flame retardant that brings exposed timber to Class A or Class B flame spread compliance, fully documented, certificate issued.
Why Wood Flameproofing Matters in Toronto
Restaurants in Toronto are increasingly built with reclaimed barnboard accent walls, exposed beam ceilings, dense wood bar fronts and decorative wood panelling. Theatres rely on wood stage decking, masking flats and scenic backdrops. Hotels feature timber ballroom ceilings and lobby wood feature walls. All of this exposed wood — without treatment — fails the flame spread requirements that the Ontario Fire Code applies to places of assembly.
A single untreated wood wall in a busy restaurant can transition from a small ignition to full-room involvement in under 2 minutes via wood flame spread alone. Treated wood, by contrast, char-forms protectively and limits propagation to the immediate area of ignition long enough for evacuation and suppression.
Flame Spread Classifications
The Ontario Building Code and Ontario Fire Code reference ASTM E84 flame spread classifications for interior finishes in places of assembly:
- Class A (FSR 0-25) — required for exit corridors, stairwells, and high-risk areas. Lowest flame spread, highest smoke control.
- Class B (FSR 26-75) — acceptable for most assembly room interiors including restaurants, theatres and ballrooms.
- Class C (FSR 76-200) — limited acceptable use; most commercial assembly applications require Class B or better.
Untreated softwood is typically FSR 100-150 (Class C); untreated hardwood is FSR 75-200. Both fall short of Class B requirements without treatment. Our penetrating wood flame retardant brings most wood species to Class A or B compliance.
Penetrating vs Surface Coatings
Penetrating fire retardants are aqueous chemistries that soak into the wood cells and modify combustion behaviour at the molecular level. They are invisible (no visible film), do not affect wood appearance or stain compatibility, are permanent once dry, and do not need re-application after refinishing. We recommend penetrating treatments for most restaurant and theatre wood.
Intumescent surface coatings are clear or pigmented films that swell when heated, forming an insulating char layer. They are visible (clear film is often acceptable but pigmented may not match desired wood appearance), need re-application every 5-10 years, and are better for substrates that don't accept penetrating treatments well — like dense exotic hardwoods or sealed pre-finished wood.
Common Applications
- Restaurants — bar fronts, accent walls, ceiling beams, panelling, host stand wood, reclaimed barnboard installations.
- Theatres — stage decking, masking flats, scenic backdrops, dressing room wood, lobby wood feature walls.
- Hotels — ballroom ceiling timber, lobby feature walls, conference room panelling, suite millwork.
- Event Venues — wooden dance floors, decorative timber installations, backdrop structures.
- Banquet Halls — ceiling timber installations, decorative wood walls, stage areas.
- Schools — auditorium stage decking, masking flats and scenic wood.
Our Wood Treatment Process
- 1. Wood Species AssessmentWe identify wood species, finish condition and substrate compatibility for the appropriate treatment chemistry.
- 2. Surface PreparationExisting finishes that block penetrating treatment may need light sanding. We test inconspicuous patches first.
- 3. ApplicationSpray or roll application of penetrating flame retardant. Multiple coats for full saturation; drying time 6-24 hours depending on conditions.
- 4. Compliance CertificateWritten certificate documenting the wood treated, square footage, treatment product, flame spread classification achieved, and inspection-ready compliance documentation.