Charred Cladding: A Practical UK Buyer’s Guide

Charred cladding has a deep black, textured surface that no paint quite copies. This guide covers how it is made, what we supply, and the limits you should know about before ordering. For the design case, see why charred wood is such a popular trend.

What is charred cladding?

Charred cladding is timber whose surface has been deliberately burned, then cooled and finished. It is often called shou sugi ban, after the Japanese technique, and also burnt or scorched wood. The result is a dark, cracked “alligator” texture that looks different on every board.

How our charred cladding is made

Our product pages describe two main finishes on charred SertiWOOD:

• Charred, brushed and oiled. The boards are profiled, heavily charred, then the charred layer is brushed back, textured and oiled in a tone: Ebony (black), Misty Grey, Brown or Antique White.
• Deep charred. The boards are heavily charred, oiled and sealed in black oil, leaving a rustic, heavier-looking surface.

Our category page lists charred larch and Accoya boards. Ask us if you need a different timber.

Profiles and sizes

Examples listed on the site include a tongue and groove shadow gap profile and a planed square profile, with 4m lengths shown on the product titles, and cladding that can run horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Check the product page for the exact size of the profile you choose. Bespoke profiles are available, with a 30m2 minimum on non-stock items, according to the product page.

Matching L corners are listed on the category page. Charred wood sealers and black-head stainless screws are sold alongside.

Important limits to know

We would rather you hear this from us. Our charred cladding product pages carry this notice: the cladding is designed for non-permanent applications only and is not certified under the Construction Products Regulation 2013 for permanent construction use.

That affects where it suits best, for example features, garden buildings and similar projects. Ask your designer or building control about your case before you commit. For fire performance, do not assume charring helps; see our fire retardant cladding options and fire guide.

The pages also say orders below 30m2 incur an extra small-order handling and delivery charge.

Does charred cladding need maintenance?

Ask us about any warranty terms before you order. In general, good practice applies:

• Charred surfaces can mark or shed a little soot early on, especially if brushed lightly.
• The oil finish will fade over time in sun and weather.
• A sealer can refresh the look. We sell charred wood sealers: grey for Misty Grey cladding, and black for Ebony and Deep Heavy Charred cladding. Ask us which suits other tones.

Do not use pressure washers close up on a charred surface.

Charred cladding on a budget

If you want the look but need to manage cost, see charred timber cladding does not need to be expensive. Some projects also suit the factory-finished “charred effect” alternative, covered in our post on charred effect cladding.

How to choose a tone

• Ebony for classic black.
• Misty Grey for a softer, weathered look.
• Brown and Antique White for warmer or lighter schemes.

Colours vary by board and by screen. Order a sample.

Installing charred cladding

Some general points apply to any charred board:

• Fix on battens with a ventilated cavity behind.
• Use stainless steel fixings. We list black-head stainless screws made for charred timber.
• Handle boards with clean gloves and keep them dry on site.
• Cut ends expose raw timber, so seal and touch up with a suitable sealer. Ask us which one suits your boards.

Plan for the 30m2 order threshold too. Below that, our pages say a small order handling and delivery charge applies, so it can be cheaper to order the full area in one go.

Matching it to the project

Charred cladding works well as a feature on a garden room, extension or outbuilding, and suits both contemporary and traditional designs. For garden rooms we supply timber only, so your builder or installer handles the fit. If you are unsure about the building regulations position, ask building control before you order.

Trends to watch

Buyers increasingly ask about maintenance, sealers and what the finish looks like after a few years, not just on day one. A sample helps, and so does asking us about upkeep before you order.

Regulation is the other thing to watch. In December 2025 the government published research on the fire hazards of timber cladding (applies to England). It found that fire-retardant treatment reduces the external fire spread hazard of new timber cladding, but made no statement on aged or weathered cladding, and that slatted configurations showed a greater external fire spread hazard than flat or lapped cladding. It is research intended to inform future guidance, not a change to the rules in itself, so check the current Approved Document B and speak to building control about your project.

Charred boards are sold for non-permanent applications on our pages, so check the position for your building early.

Sources: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-timber-cladding/fire-safety-fire-hazards-of-timber-cladding-summary-and-recommendations

FAQ

Is charred cladding the same as shou sugi ban?
Yes, shou sugi ban is the Japanese name for the technique. Finishes and quality vary by maker.

Is charred cladding suitable for every building?
Not necessarily. Our pages state it is for non-permanent applications and not certified under CPR 2013 for permanent construction use.

Can I have charred cladding in a bespoke profile?
Yes, bespoke profiles are available with a 30m2 minimum on non-stock items per the product page.

Will it leave soot on my hands?
A brushed and oiled finish is designed to reduce this, but some marking can happen at first. A sample will show you.

Next steps

See the full charred timber cladding range, order free samples, then request a quote or call 0161 504 0011.