Yakisugi is a traditional Japanese technique for preserving cedarwood by charring it. This is known as ‘Shou Sugi Ban‘ in Europe and the USA. This technique has been used in Japan for several hundred years for exterior wood cladding, siding, and fencing. Recently it has become very popular in the USA and Europe because of its striking color, texture, and its superior performance.
In Demand Aesthetic
The charring gives the wood a blackened exterior and this aesthetic has become highly desirable for architects to incorporate into modern buildings. Polishing will fade the colour, weathering turns the wood grey or a rich brown and applying oils and some surface treatments will bring out the grain more.
Shou Sugi Ban is also known as; Yakisugi, charred cladding or burnt timber cladding.
Superior Performance
Flames are used to charr the outside of the wood and this converts the outer layer of the wood into charcoal. This gives the timber several important improved qualities which make it a stronger, safer, and more long-lasting material.
- Firstly, the outer charcoal layer waterproofs the timber. Preventing water from entering the interior of the timber greatly slows down rotting and insect attack which means the wood will last longer in every application.
- Water is also one of the main reasons wood swells and contracts in response to temperature changes and humidity. So stop this swelling and contracting and you make your furniture, fence posts, windows, and doors much less likely to warp.
- The outer layer acts as a fire retardant. The wood isn’t fireproof but it is less likely to combust.
How To Make Shou Sugi Ban
The Japanese use a specific cedar variety called Cryptomeria japonica. You are highly unlikely to be able to get this wood in Europe or the USA. You should choose a similar variety that will charr well and give the wood the look and longevity of the real deal. Suitable alternatives are Western Red Cedar, Southern Cypress, Pine, Maple, or Oak. You can also use some sustainable treated woods like Accoya.
Traditionally, three boards were tied together into a triangle and a fire is lit at one end. Air is pulled up through the triangle which spreads the fire up the planks of wood. The ideal temperature range is 250°-400°C which can take only 5 minutes at which point the wood is separated and cooled with water. This is an art form and for a novice, you will get very uneven charring. A more practical method that will yield more uniform results is simply to use a blow torch. You will of course need gloves, goggles, eye protection, and a professional grade mask. You should use flame retardant clothing and have on hand plenty of water and an ideally a fire blanket. Choose where you do it carefully. You need to be somewhere with plenty of space, excellent ventilation and no man-made or natural objects close by which will catch fire! Keep the boards flat until they cool to prevent misshaping. Once cooled, brush the surface lightly for a blistered ‘Aligator skin’ surface finish. If you want a smoother finish then use a harder brush. Finally, seal it with oil or a polyurethane sealant.
Of course, a simpler option is simply to buy pre-charred wood from a manufacturer like IRO Timber. A big benefit (other than a lot less dangerous work for you) is that IRO has a range of charred timbers in 15 distinct colors; Charcoal, Chestnut, Claret, Dolphin, Dragon Fruit, Driftwood, Forest, Lagoon, Mountain, Natural, Piglet, Poppy, Sunflower, Sunset and Woodland.
Projects Using Shou Sugi Ban
Barangaroo House, a three-story restaurant in Sydney. I love this project. The colour of the wood is modern yet organic and contrasts brilliantly with the thick planting and the skyscraper backdrop. The wood cladding forms these voluptuous curves which are reminiscent of a ships hull which is perfect for the restaurant’s harbour setting.
In contrast to the smooth finish achieved in Sydney, this romantic lounge in Malaysia used the bubbled ‘Alligator skin’ finish which is also possible with this charring technique. The style is totally different with a warmer feel which is perfect for a cosy lounge. I can’t help thinking about chocolate when I look at the wood paneling!
A radically different look is achieved with the Shou Sugi Ban cladding on the ‘Sleeve House’ which is an ultra-modern and unique home built in the State of New York. This doesn’t;t even look like wood at the moment. Over time as the wood weathers, the color will soften and change the look and feel of the home whilst still fittin in perfectly to its wooded landscape.
Thanks to Accoya for allowing us to use their Shou Sugi Ban project images.
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