Japanese Burned Cedar Siding

Delta millworks began burning wood in 2007 and we were instantly enthralled by the beautiful textures and grain patterns achieved by taking torches to timbers and boards.

Japanese burned cedar siding.

The essential idea is to burn the surface of wood to a varying degree of char. Shou sugi ban is an old japanese method of preserving wood by burning it. Basically it s a way to speed up the weathering process and make a wood plank naturally weatherproof. Our charwood siding shou sugi ban is one of our two flagship products the other being our charwood fencing our charwood siding comes in five different finishes midnight ebony char silvertip sage and lightest tiger char.

Charred wood siding and fencing are the products of an ancient japanese technique that makes a unique beautiful and durable exterior wood product. Originating in 18th century japan shou sugi ban is a particularly striking method of preserving wood by charring it with fire. One might say that this hip yet traditional method is catching fire. Thanks to its stunning beauty and durability shou sugi ban is making a comeback.

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 wood is burned until the surface is charred and then coated with natural oil. 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 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.

Traditionally this practice is used with japanese cedar in order to weatherproof it. A light brushing process knocks down the heavy soot layer and leaves a smooth silky appearance. 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 technique simultaneously makes the wood beautiful mold resistant pest resistant and ironically fire resistant.

However other softwoods including pine and. 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. 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.