Charcoal is the last component of wood to burn, as it requires higher temperatures than cellulose to ignite. This is the key to why shou sugi ban is
naturally flame resistant
: the cellulose has already been burned away, leaving a surface that requires much more extreme heat than non-heat-treated cypress to ignite.
Why would you shou sugi ban wood?
While shou sugi ban (焼杉板) originated in Japan in the 18th century primarily
as way to treat cedar siding to make it weatherproof
, the technique—which involves charring a wood surface to render it a deep charcoal-black—has caught on recently as a treatment for contemporary exteriors and indoor furnishings alike.
What are the benefits of shou sugi ban?
Shou Sugi Ban siding is
very low maintenance and naturally resistant to insect as well as moisture damage
. These benefits are made even more apparent when Shou Sugi Ban is used to enhance modified wood boards, which already are more dense, durable and long-lasting than many other wood types and species.
How does shou sugi ban protect wood?
Originating in 18th century Japan, shou sugi ban is a particularly striking method of preserving wood
by charring it with fire
. Traditionally, this practice is used with Japanese cedar in order to weatherproof it. The wood is burned until the surface is charred, and then coated with natural oil.
How long does shou sugi ban wood last?
Durable and long lasting: the life expectancy of shou sugi ban is estimated
at more than 80 years
when properly maintained.
Is shou sugi ban expensive?
The price of Shou Sugi Ban varies but you can expect to pay anywhere from
$5.00- $10.00 per square foot for materials
. The cost varies based on your region, whether you do the labor yourself or hire a contractor, and the cost of the wood you choose.
Do you need to oil shou sugi ban?
Boards can be left au naturel, or one can also finish the planks by oiling them with a natural wood sealant like Penofin. Boards will need to
be oiled annually
to preserve their character. From different angles the finished boards can look black, silver, or dark brown.
Can you shou sugi ban pine?
Pine is a less common choice of wood
for shou sugi ban, but it is a versatile softwood that withstands the firing process and looks nice when charred.
Can you shou sugi ban a deck?
Shou Sugi Ban Decking?
We do not recommend using true Shou Sugi Ban for decking or flooring
. Even with various treatments after the charring, this unique material remains more susceptible to wear & tear from frequent traffic.
Will termites eat charred wood?
Termites fed charred wood were shown to be less healthy than termites fed fresh pine shavings, although when given nothing else to eat,
the termites still did eat the charred wood
. The charring therefore, is a deterrent, but not a complete solution for termites and other wood pests.
What oil is used for shou sugi ban?
You can use any of our finishing oils, including Hemp Oil to seal your charred wood. To complete the shou sugi ban
tung oil
process, apply liberal amounts of Pure Tung Oil or Outdoor Defense Oil to the charred surface and then allow it to soak in and dry.
Does burnt wood rot?
Charred Wood Is Incredibly Resistant to Rot
The charring process makes the wood resistant to fire, insects, fungus, rot, and (as recently discovered) harmful UV rays. That means that Yakisugi wood will not weather or fade when exposed to sunlight.
Is shou sugi ban fire resistant?
Charcoal is the last component of wood to burn, as it requires higher temperatures than cellulose to ignite. This is the key to why shou sugi ban
is naturally flame resistant
: the cellulose has already been burned away, leaving a surface that requires much more extreme heat than non-heat-treated cypress to ignite.
Does shou sugi ban fade?
Will the surface last/how does it wear over time? Shou Sugi Ban is a dynamic finish which means that
it is guaranteed to change over time
. Even on traditional Japanese Shou Sugi Ban siding the black char will eventually erode away depending on its exposure to the elements.
What is the Japanese wood burning technique?
Shou sugi ban
is an ancient Japanese technique for waterproofing and preserving wood. It involves charring the cedar wood surface until it turns black. While shou sugi ban originated for the purpose of weatherproofing wood, it has recently become popular as a rustic, textural design element inside the home.
