Jan
2023
Five Timeless Interior Design Trends
When it comes to interior design, it may feel daunting to keep up with the ever-evolving trends that come with each passing season. Well, we're here...
Jan
2023
Lumber Textures Defined
Lumber comes with the benefit of versatility. One of the simplest ways to create intrigue with lumber products is by using different textures. Circle...
Dec
2022
Tips for Using Radiant Heating with Wood Floors
One of the best parts of living in Montana is experiencing all the seasons – and yes, we include wintertime. However, as much as we may love the...
Dec
2022
Mountain Home Design Trends
Mountain homes tend to give off cozy, inviting, and relaxing vibes. Ranging anywhere from the trending mountain modern style to classic cabins,...
Nov
2022
Log to Lumber: A Look Inside Our Newly Renovated Sawmill
Things looked a little different here at Marks Lumber in 2022, with massive improvements being made to our sawmill. Starting in April, preparations...
Nov
2022
Forestry Infrastructure: Sustaining Montana's Forests and the Timber Products Industry
Maintaining healthy forests in Montana is the ultimate goal of the forest products industry. Despite strong efforts to restore our forests to diverse,...
Oct
2022
What is Circle Sawn Lumber and What Can I Use it For?
If you're new to our site or just new to woodworking and construction in general, you may have found yourself wondering – what in the world is circle...
Oct
2022
Five Reasons to Choose Circle Sawn Flooring
Circle sawn flooring holds a host of benefits for any building project. From durability and low-maintenance perks to a classic look that you’ll love...
Sep
2022
Why Choose Circle Sawn Material
Rough-textured lumber can give your home a unique, mountain modern look that can’t be replicated. However, authentic circle sawn material can be...
Sep
2022
Come Tour Our Newly Renovated Mill on October 21st, 2022
Event Details What: Mill Tour and Customer Appreciation Day When: Friday, October 21, 2022, from 9 am - 3 pm Where: Marks Lumber: 30 Lump Gulch...
Sep
2022
Materials that Pair Well with Wood in Your Home
Wood has it all: style, strength, timelessness, and the ability to compliment just about any decor. Whether you’re incorporating tongue and groove...
Aug
2022
What is Board and Batten Siding?
Board and Batten siding is a classic siding that can be found on old barns and houses all throughout Montana and the entire U.S. It is a style that...
Aug
2022
Forest to Flooring: Making Wood Products Even More Sustainable
At the forefront of our attempts to find the most environmentally friendly building materials are wood products. Wood, unlike its concrete and steel...
Aug
2022
Is Unfinished Wood Flooring Right for You?
If you've recently been in the market for wood flooring, you may have been surprised by just how many options are available. From various textures and...
Aug
2022
Tips for Buying Wood From a Sawmill
If you work with wood products frequently, you may have thought about purchasing lumber directly from a sawmill. While there are many advantages to...
Jul
2022
Project Planning: Replacing Your Wood Siding
Homeowners often dread when major home maintenance projects hang over their heads. But that doesn’t have to be the case with proper project planning....
Jul
2022
Forest Health and Human Intervention
“I think people philosophically question whether man has a role in managing forests or if letting nature take its way is the best route. The reality...
Jul
2022
5 Reasons to Choose Shiplap Siding
Shiplap is classic – this style of joinery dates all the way back to the 15th century. But it has also swelled in popularity in recent years to become...
Jul
2022
6 Benefits of Choosing Wood Flooring
Wood floors offer a timeless look that can change the entire feel of your home. Even with the many different flooring options now available, the look...
Jun
2022
Mill Reopening Inventory Reduction Sale - July 23, 2022!
The past few months have been one for the books here at Marks Lumber, as we continue to anticipate the start-up of our mill. We have been overwhelmed...
Jun
2022
How Forest Managers Actively Help Minimize Impact on the Forest Floor
There tends to be a general misconception about what really goes on on the forest floor during logging activities. So much of the propagated narrative...
Jun
2022
Back to Basics: Timber Frame Terminology Defined
Timber frame design is a unique and intricate type of construction that truly stands the test of time. If you are looking into timber frame...
Jun
2022
Montana's Choice Siding: Marks Lumber's Circle Sawn Shiplap
At Marks Lumber, we believe in highlighting the natural beauty of wood products. Call it our Montana roots, but why mess with simple, natural...
Jun
2022
Summer Project Inspiration: Upgrading Your Home's Exterior
Summer is just around the corner, which means it's time to get outside and make sure your home’s exterior is up to snuff. If you're looking to do...
May
2022
The Forest Products Industry: Providing Necessary Support for Active Forest Management
The connection between forest management and the timber products industry is often misunderstood by the public. We all know that sawmills need trees...
May
2022
Marks Lumber Assists in New Playground at Ryan Park
Last month, Marks Lumber was happy to be involved in helping the Helena Babe Ruth Baseball Association (HBRBA) with the construction of a new...
May
2022
Progress Report: 2022 Mill Upgrade
Things are starting to look very different here at Marks Lumber as we approach the fourth week of our mill improvement project. We are so excited...
Apr
2022
Guide to Circle Sawn Wood Flooring
At Marks Lumber, our number one selling product is our circular sawn wood flooring. With years of experience manufacturing circle sawn Douglas fir...
Apr
2022
How to Prepare Your Deck for Spring
Spring is finally near, and you want to be able to sit in the sun and enjoy your deck as soon as the temperatures allow. When the snow finally thaws...
Apr
2022
How Active Forest Management Can Aid in Carbon Sequestration
Active forest management is an excellent way to minimize the risk of catastrophic wildfires, protect air and water quality, and provide...
Apr
2022
Spring Firewood Special: Get Stocked Up and Show Support for Active Forest Management!
This spring, Marks Lumber is partnering with a non-profit dedicated to sustainable forest health initiatives. Now through June 1st, for every...
Mar
2022
The 5 Most Popular Types of Wood and What to Use Them For
When it comes to types of wood, there are certain species that builders swear by, the fan favorites of the construction world. But you don’t...
Mar
2022
Why Shiplap Siding is the Choice Siding for Your Custom Home
Siding is the shell of a building and is often one of the first things people notice about your home. There are many things to consider...
Mar
2022
How Forest Management Can Help Prevent Damage Caused by Catastrophic Wildfires
Catastrophic wildfires are one of the most detrimental events forests face. Unlike low or mixed-intensity fires, large-scale wildfires burn at...
Mar
2022
How to Turn Your Dream Timber Frame Home Into a Reality
Marks Lumber is your choice for sustainable forest products, including circle sawn timbers, flooring, siding, and rough sawn lumber. In addition...
Mar
2022
Wood Products: The Healthy Choice
Human health and well-being have been hot topics for decades now. Exercise, sleep habits, food choices, hydration, and self-care are things that...
Feb
2022
After the Fire: The Effects of Catastrophic Wildfires
Over the past year, catastrophic wildfires have wreaked havoc on the Western United States and across the world. These large-scale forest fires...
Feb
2022
Marks Lumber Wins Helena Chamber Small Business of the Year Award
In January, Marks Lumber was honored with the Small Business of the Year Award at the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Luncheon....
Feb
2022
How to Customize Your Spec Home
While there is a common misconception that spec homes are often small, cookie-cutter homes, this isn't necessarily the case. Spec homes can...
Feb
2022
5 Reasons to Build a Custom Home
If you are starting to look for a new home, you may be stuck trying to decide if it's worth it to build a custom home or if you should try to find...
Jan
2022
Sustainable Forest Management in Action at the Sterling Ranch
In this video, Marks Lumber profiles John Ottman of Ottman Forestry Consultant, discussing his largest endeavor as a private forestry consultant - a...
Jan
2022
How to Choose Materials for Your Custom Home
Building a custom is an exciting and challenging task. You'll be faced with many difficult decisions throughout the entire design and build...
Jan
2022
What is Sustainably Harvested Wood?
Wood products are on the rise, not only because of their natural beauty but also because they are naturally sustainable. Wood products are one of...
Jan
2022
Stunning Home Details For Your Custom Montana Home
There’s no question that Montana is a special place to live. With its natural, rugged beauty, there’s really no place else like the Big Sky state....
Dec
2021
Paneling Products for Your Next Winter Project
Looking for a project to keep you busy this winter? Accent walls are the perfect winter project that can quickly transform an entire room. Natural...
Dec
2021
How to Properly Finish Wood Siding
Natural wood siding is a beautiful and eco-friendly siding option that, in many cases, is fairly easy to install. However, when installing natural...
Dec
2021
Tips for Purchasing Lumber from Out-of-State
At Marks Lumber, we serve everyone, from homeowners to professional builders locally in Montana and across the entire nation. In fact, many of our...
Dec
2021
How to Remove Black Marks on Lumber
If you frequently work with wood, you may have come across pieces that have black spots or streaks on them. These streaks tend to look like ink or...
Dec
2021
Tongue and Groove Paneling Terminology, Decoded
If you haven’t had much (or any) building experience, wood product terminology can be pretty confusing. Though it may not seem necessary for the...
Nov
2021
Ottman Forestry and the Sterling Ranch
John Ottman, Founder of Ottman Forestry Consultants, has worked in the woods for nearly 40 years - learning, educating, protecting, and advocating...
Nov
2021
Forest Health Defined
What is a healthy forest? The phrase “healthy forest” is used so often in literature and propaganda surrounding forest management decisions,...
Nov
2021
Skip Sawn, Wire Brushed, and Circle Sawn Flooring: What Does it All Mean?
Choosing flooring can be one of the hardest decisions you're faced with while building or remodeling your home. Not only do you have to decide on...
Nov
2021
What's the Best Way to Store Your Wood Products?
As construction season starts to ramp up, you may be thinking of getting your materials early in order to ensure you'll have them in time for...
Oct
2021
Marks Lumber Receives the Governor’s Inaugural Forest Products Award
Last week, Marks Lumber was honored to be presented the Governor’s inaugural Forest Products Award. Governor Greg Gianforte created the Forest...
Oct
2021
Creating and Managing Healthy Forests: A Video for Montana Forest Products Week
This week, October 17-23, is Montana Forest Products Week. Established in 2011, Forest Products Week is dedicated to honoring the forest products...
Oct
2021
Tips for Burning Firewood Safely in Your Home
There’s nothing more comforting than the warmth and scent of a wood-burning fireplace or stove in the wintertime. Using wood as your home’s heat...
Oct
2021
Solid vs. Engineered Wood: How to Choose What's Right for You
When it comes to flooring, solid wood and engineered wood are both popular choices for home and commercial buildings alike. There are pros and cons to...
Sep
2021
Why Rocky Mountain Douglas Fir Makes Excellent Wood Products
At Marks Lumber, we manufacture high-quality, circle-sawn lumber, timbers, siding, and flooring – all from locally-grown Douglas fir timber. Rocky...
Sep
2021
Is Wood Flooring or Carpet a Better Investment for Your Home?
When it comes time to install or replace flooring in your home, you're met with several options, from wood flooring to carpet, vinyl, concrete, and...
Sep
2021
Wood: The Way of the Future
Wood products are no longer a thing of the past. In fact, many say this renewable resource is the future of the building products industry. This...
Sep
2021
4 Tips for Making Your Timber Frame Home Look its Best
Timber frames add the ultimate level of craftsmanship to the place you call home. Timber framing has a long history, with evidence of timber frame...
Sep
2021
What Contractors Can Expect From Working With Marks Lumber
At Marks Lumber, we've been partnering with both residential and commercial building contractors for decades. When homeowners and...
Aug
2021
On the Ground: The Forester's Role in Forest Management Decisions
"The profession of forestry serves society by fostering stewardship of the world's forests. Because forests provide valuable resources and perform...
Aug
2021
Celebrate Montana Forest Products Week With Us On October 15th
Event Details What: Mill Tour and Customer Appreciation Day When: Friday, October 15th, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Where: Marks...
Aug
2021
Three Unique Ways to Use Board and Batten Siding
Board and batten siding is one of the most popular wood siding options out there. It is highly versatile and works well for various types of homes,...
Aug
2021
Common Timber Frame Joinery
Timber framing is a unique type of construction where the wooden frame supports the entire weight of a building. While post and beam construction...
Jul
2021
Everything You Need to Know About Waney Edge Siding
Waney edge siding – also called wavy edge or live edge siding – is incredibly popular in the Rocky Mountain region for its unique look. A...
Jul
2021
How Wood Flooring Can Help Reduce VOCs In Your Home
In this new age of choosing sustainable building products, many homeowners are not only concerned with the health of our forests and communities...
Jul
2021
5 Reasons to Build a Timber Frame Home
Timber frames homes are some of the most stunning structures out there. Exposed timbers, intricate wood joinery, and stand-out trusses are all design...
Jul
2021
Summer Project Inspiration with Circle Sawn Timber Products
With the snow melted off and the sun finally shining, you're probably starting to dream of all the upcoming home improvement projects this summer will...
Jun
2021
How to Use A Rustic Grade Siding
Rustic siding options are an economical way to side cabins and outbuildings. They can be a great option to consider when looking for a no-fuss...
Jun
2021
Log Yard Manager Troy Morse Leaving Marks Lumber After 25 Years
Last week, we said goodbye to one of the longest-serving members of the Marks Lumber team, Troy Morse. Troy has been working at Marks Lumber for the...
Jun
2021
Biophilic Design: The Health Benefits of Using Wood Products in Your Home
Now more than ever, people are spending more time indoors due to the rise of urbanization and the evolution of technology. Today, the majority of...
Jun
2021
Why Developers Are Opting for Wood in Commercial Buildings
Wood is perhaps the longest used building material in human history, with the first timber dwelling built more than 10,000 years ago. Timber has...
Jun
2021
Representative Rosendale Visits Marks Lumber
This week, United States Representative Matthew Rosendale stopped by Marks Lumber to take a tour of our facility and discuss the current state of...
May
2021
5 Things to Know About Marks Lumber
You may or may not have heard about Marks Lumber until now, but chances are, if you've made it this far, you might be considering doing business...
May
2021
The Versatility of Circle Sawn Wood Flooring
Circle sawn wood flooring may have a rustic appearance, but it’s being used by builders and homeowners to achieve a variety of unique looks. From...
May
2021
Sustainability Benefits of Using Wood in Your Home
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword. Using sustainable materials like wood helps protect our planet, and it can also protect you from high energy...
May
2021
Should You Paint or Stain Wood Siding?
Once you've chosen a product for your exterior siding material, your decisions don't stop there. Your next step is to decide what type of finish to...
Apr
2021
Why We Love Douglas Fir
At Marks Lumber, you'll find that we deal exclusively with Douglas fir for our premium wood products, and there's a good reason for that. With a...
Apr
2021
Why Do People Choose Rough Cut Timbers?
There is a common misconception about what you can and can’t do with rough-cut lumber and timbers. Many people are surprised to learn that rough...
Apr
2021
Log, Timber Frame, and Post and Beam Homes
Log homes, timber frame homes, and post and beam homes are classic building styles that feature large logs or timbers as their main attraction....
Apr
2021
Playground Time is Coming — That Means EWF Time at Marks Lumber
The snow is melting off, and spring is finally in the air! While students are dreaming of summertime, it's time to start thinking about...
Mar
2021
When's the Right Time to Replace Your Siding?
A home is one of the biggest investments most people make, so it makes sense to protect it and maintain a happy space for your family to grow. Your...
Mar
2021
The Good Neighbor Authority: A Step in the Right Direction for Montana Forest Management
"Our forests give us countless benefits: clean drinking water, millions of jobs, recreation opportunities, and more. Keeping these benefits requires...
Mar
2021
Who Buys From Marks Lumber
Marks Lumber is a mid-sized specialty sawmill located in Clancy, Montana. Because of our size, we have the opportunity to work with many different...
Mar
2021
Why Builders Trust Marks Lumber
Warm weather is just around the corner, which means the start of many more builds. As plans start to come together and you begin to search for...
Mar
2021
Eric Obrigewitch Leaving Marks Lumber After 14 Years
If you’ve worked with Marks Lumber before, you’ve probably had the pleasure of working with Sales Manager Eric Obrigewitch. Eric has been working at...
Feb
2021
Wood Trends You'll Love in 2021
A new year brings new home improvement projects and wood trends to discover. When it comes to wood, we see some deviations from past trends, but the...
Feb
2021
How You Know It's Time to Replace Your Wood Floors
Quality wood flooring can last for centuries, and its longevity gives it unmatched character. But like any natural material, it still degrades over...
Feb
2021
Why Choose Wood Siding- The Contractor Edition
Wood siding is a tried and true favorite for upscale homes, resorts, and commercial buildings alike. A crowd-favorite in the Rocky Mountain region and...
Feb
2021
4 Inviting Entryway Design Ideas
Whether you realize it or not, your entryway sets the tone for your entire home and can make or break your home's curb appeal. Timber frame entryway...
Jan
2021
Free Local Firewood Delivery Through February 28
You asked we delivered… literally! From February 1st through February 28th, Marks Lumber is offering free delivery within a 20-mile radius of...
Jan
2021
Frequently Asked Questions About Wood Flooring
In our more than 75 years of selling quality wood, we've heard hundreds of questions about our flooring products at Marks Lumber. Whether you're...
Jan
2021
Save On a Shiplap Siding Package from Marks Lumber
Marks Lumber is now offering 5% off your shiplap siding package with the purchase of 500 square feet of 1x8x8 or 1x8x10 shiplap through February 28th!...
Jan
2021
Maintaining Your Circle Sawn Floors
There's nothing that quite matches the beauty and character of Marks Lumber's circle sawn, Douglas fir flooring. While circle sawn floors may...
Dec
2020
How Marks Lumber Stacks Up Against Other Sawmills
Marks Lumber is a family-owned, specialty sawmill located in Clancy, Montana. Our owners still come to work each day to carry on the 75-year family...
Dec
2020
Montana’s Best Management Practices: Protecting Water Quality and the Entire Forest Ecosystem
Water is one of our most precious natural resources, which is why protecting and maintaining our water quality is so important. The current rise...
Dec
2020
Why Choose Shiplap Siding
If you’re looking to boost your home’s curb appeal and increase the value of your home, shiplap siding is a simple and affordable way to go....
Dec
2020
Common Defects to Consider in Timber Grading
At Marks Lumber, we look carefully at each timber, studying it for defects and characteristics that help us decide how it will be graded for use....