Shou sugi ban and yakisugi
Charred wood cladding: the complete guide
Charred timber cladding gives a dramatic, deep black finish with a texture unlike any paint or stain. It draws on a Japanese technique, known in the West as shou sugi ban and in Japan as yakisugi, in which the timber surface is deliberately burned, cooled, brushed and sealed.
We supply charred cladding in a choice of species, profiles and finishes, for both external and internal use. This guide explains how it is made and what to expect.
What is charred timber?
Charred timber is wood whose surface has been burned in a controlled way to create a carbonised layer. The char gives the board its colour and texture, and, after brushing and sealing, a durable, low-maintenance surface.
The traditional Japanese method used cedar (sugi) boards, charred by binding three boards into a chimney and burning them from the inside. Modern production uses controlled gas or industrial charring lines to give consistent results at scale.
How charred cladding is made
- Charring: the board surface is burned under controlled conditions to the required depth.
- Cooling: the burning is stopped and the board cooled.
- Brushing: loose soot is removed, which also reveals the grain. The amount of brushing changes the look, from deep matte black to a softer, silver-toned grain.
- Sealing: an oil or protective coating is applied to lock in the char, reduce rub-off and protect the surface.
Finishes available
We offer several charred looks. Availability depends on species and profile, so ask for the current range and samples.
| Finish | Look |
|---|---|
| Ebony | Deep, dark black with a rich texture |
| Misty Grey | Soft grey tone with the grain showing through |
| Deep Charred Larch | Heavily charred larch with pronounced texture |
We also offer DragonWOOD® charred effect cladding, a factory-finished alternative that simulates the charred look.
Species
- Larch: a popular option, with distinct grain and good durability.
- Cedar: the traditional species for yakisugi.
- Accoya® and thermally modified timber: stable bases that take a char well.
- Other species on request for larger projects.
Species affects the pattern of the char: some give a pronounced alligator-skin texture, others a finer, flatter finish.
Durability and performance
Charred cladding is chosen for its look, and the surface layer is more water-repellent than bare timber. The underlying durability still comes from the species and the detailing, so specify as you would for any external timber cladding: a ventilated cavity, a clear gap from the ground and good end-grain protection.
Installation tips
- Handle boards carefully and wear gloves, as unsealed soot can transfer.
- Use black or colour-matched stainless fixings so they do not stand out.
- Cut ends expose bare timber. Seal them with a matching black end-grain treatment.
- Allow the same ventilated cavity and ground clearance as for other external cladding.
- Order a little extra for cutting wastage and repairs.
Maintenance
- Expect some fading of the black surface over time as UV and weather act on it.
- Refresh with a suitable oil when the surface begins to look dry, to restore depth of colour.
- Brush off dirt and cobwebs, and rinse gently with water.
- Avoid abrasive tools and pressure washers, which can wear the char.
Shop and specify
Frequently asked questions
Talk to our timber team
Tell us about your project and we will recommend the right species, profile, finish and fire performance. Free samples are available, and we can quote for bespoke milling.