Japanese Burned Cedar Siding

Shortly after beginning the craft we realized we were reviving the japanese tradition of shou sugi ban this process is used to preserve the wood by charring it.

Japanese burned cedar siding.

Originating in 18th century japan shou sugi ban is a particularly striking method of preserving wood by charring it with fire. Charred wood siding and fencing are the products of an ancient japanese technique that makes a unique beautiful and durable exterior wood product. The japanese invented this technique centuries ago calling it shou sugi ban or yakisugi. One might say that this hip yet traditional method is catching fire.

As a result of its porous nature cedar japanese cedar in particular readily chars to the depth needed for a protective and appealing burnt wood finish. The essential idea is to burn the surface of wood to a varying degree of char. A light brushing process knocks down the heavy soot layer and leaves a smooth silky appearance. The technique simultaneously makes the wood beautiful mold resistant pest resistant and ironically fire resistant.

Basically it s a way to speed up the weathering process and make a wood plank naturally weatherproof. The wood is burned until the surface is charred and then coated with natural oil. Traditionally this practice is used with japanese cedar in order to weatherproof it. Shou sugi ban is the westernized term for what is known in japan as yaki sugi ita or just yakisugi which translates loosely into burned cedar board although in english sugi is.

Select the level of char that brings out the desired black gray silver and brown tones to achieve your desired aesthetic. Shou sugi ban is an old japanese method of preserving wood by burning it. Gendai is the most commonly specified yakisugi shou sugi ban surface for exterior applications. Thanks to its stunning beauty and durability shou sugi ban is making a comeback.

Don t quote me on this but my research indicates that shou sugi ban means burnt cedar board and it s a centuries old japanese technique for preserving wood with fire. The final product is also known as yakisugi yaki means to cook burn and sugi is the japanese name for cedar but shou sugi ban seems to have won as the most commonly used term in english and it is sometimes simply known as a carbonized wood finish. The burnt fiber crevasse shadows are subtle and gendai can either be installed with or without an oil prefinish.