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Shou Sugi Ban Technologija (Yakisugi)

🌳 What Is Shou Sugi Ban?

Tradicinis japoniškas medinis namas su Shou Sugi Ban (Yakisugi) apdeginta medienos apdaila, apsuptas ramios sodo aplinkos saulėlydžio metu

The Shou Sugi Ban technique is a traditional Japanese method of wood charring (also known as Yakisugi), which originated in the 17th–18th century during the Edo period. The surface of the wood is intentionally burned with flame, then the carbonized layer is brushed off and the wood is treated with natural oil. This process gives the wood exceptional durability, resistance, a distinctive aesthetic appearance, and natural protection against pests.

🧬 Origins and Historical Significance of the Shou Sugi Ban Technique

Even if you haven’t heard the name before, you’ve likely seen Yakisugi cladding. In the Western world, this ancient Japanese technique is known as Shou Sugi Ban — a loosely translated term meaning “burnt cedar.”

This wood-treatment method emerged in Japan around the 17th–18th century, when it was discovered that charring the surface of wood naturally protects it from:

  • insects and rot,

  • fire (ironically, the charred layer ignites more slowly),

  • moisture and UV rays.

Traditionally, the technique used Japanese cedar (sugi), but today it is successfully applied to other species as well — including spruce, pine, and larch.

For more information, please refer to the Wikipedia article on Yakisugi.

🔑 Why Choose the Shou Sugi Ban Technique?

  • Fire resistance: Charred wood is harder to ignite, making it a safer choice.
  • Aesthetics: The appearance of the wood transforms — it darkens and its natural grain becomes more pronounced.
  • Low maintenance: Charred façade boards do not require annual upkeep. It is recommended to refresh the oil layer every 6–8 years.
  • Pest protection: The charring process destroys harmful organisms in the wood, such as fungi and insects.
  • Durability: The boards become more resilient, weather-resistant, moisture-resistant, and UV-resistant, ensuring a significantly longer lifespan.

*However, it is important to note that surface charring alone does not always provide consistent protection against rot or ignition — scientific studies confirm that the effect can vary significantly depending on the wood species and specific charring parameters. Sources: ResearchGate, PubMed.

You can find more information about the benefits of charred wood here.

🎨 Available Shades Using the Shou Sugi Ban Technique

Sweden Red®

NEBELGROU burnt larch boards with cold grey tones and highlighted wood grain texture

Nebelgrou®

LIGHT PISTACHION burnt larch boards with soft greenish-grey tone and highlighted grain texture

Light pistachion®

HEMLOCK burnt larch boards with warm brown tone and pronounced wood grain patterns

Hemlock®

BEIGE BROWN burnt larch boards with warm beige-brown tones and natural wood texture

Beige Brown®

Toscana Grey burnt larch wood surface with natural grain and knot patterns

Toskana Grey®

Pine shade burnt larch wood surface with strong grain contrast and warm brown tones

Pine®

GRAPHITE GREY+ burnt larch boards featuring deep graphite grey tones and enhanced wood grain texture

Graphite Grey+®

Platinum Grey burnt larch wood surface with subtle grey-blue tone and natural grain texture

Platinum Grey®

White®

DARK GREEN burnt larch boards with deep green tones and pronounced wood grain

Dark Green®

Clay Grey burnt larch wood board with visible grain texture and natural knot patterns

Clay Grey®

🔧 How the Shou Sugi Ban Process Works

  1. Storage: We use premium-quality, fully dried Scandinavian spruce, pine, or larch stored in controlled conditions at our facility.
  2. Charring: Boards cut to the required dimensions are charred at high temperatures using specialized machinery. This step gives the wood a rich tone and highlights its natural texture.
  3. Brushing: Once the wood has cooled, the carbonized surface layer is brushed off with special tools. At this stage, the wood reveals its distinctive grain pattern.
  4. Cleaning: All remaining residue and impurities are carefully removed.
  5. Oiling: The final step is applying natural oils and tinting the wood in the shade of your choice.

📌 Where Can the Shou Sugi Ban Technique Be Used?

  • Facades: An attractive and long-lasting exterior finish with minimal maintenance.

  • Terrace boards: Withstand harsh weather conditions and are naturally resistant to insects.

  • Fences, outdoor decor: An excellent choice for various outdoor applications.

  • Interior design: Wall cladding, furniture accents — a warm, unique, and visually striking wood pattern.

If you are interested in the Shou Sugi Ban technique and want to apply it in your project, we are ready to help bring your ideas to life. Contact us to receive a professional proposal today.

We apply the highest quality standards

Order our charred wood samples and evaluate the true quality of the colors, textures, and surface finishes before making your decision. The sample box includes our full color collection, allowing you to easily compare different shades and choose the one that best fits your project.
Get Samples

📌 Frequently Asked Questions About the Shou Sugi Ban Technique

Is this technique suitable for the climate in Europe?
Yes. Properly treated charred wood performs exceptionally well in our climate — it is resistant to moisture, cold, mold, and insects.

How long does charred wood last?
When maintained correctly, charred wood is highly durable. Under normal conditions and with regular oiling (façade boards every 5–8 years, terrace boards every 1–2 years), our products can retain their quality and appearance for decades.

Does Shou Sugi Ban wood require maintenance?
Yes, but very little. Periodic oiling is enough to maintain the color and preserve the longevity of the surface.

What is the price of charred wood?
You can quickly and accurately check the price of charred wood here.

Charred façade boards (per m²):

  • Spruce or pine: €17.50 (+VAT) to €26 (+VAT)

  • Larch: €28 (+VAT) to €44.50 (+VAT)

Charred terrace boards (per m²):

  • Spruce or pine: €22 (+VAT) to €32 (+VAT)

  • Larch: €40 (+VAT) to €44 (+VAT)

Charred fence boards (per m²):

  • Spruce or pine: €20 (+VAT) to €30 (+VAT)

  • Larch: €40 (+VAT) to €44.50 (+VAT)

Charred battens / slats (per linear meter):

  • Spruce or pine: €2.90 (+VAT) to €15.00 (+VAT)

  • Larch: €6 (+VAT) to €40.00 (+VAT)

Pricing varies depending on the order quantity, wood dimensions, and the chosen shade.
For an exact quote, feel free to contact us.

🔎 Sources and Scientific References

  1. Hasburgh, L. E. et al. (2021) – Durability and Fire Performance of Charred Wood Siding, USDA Forest Products Laboratory. Read source.
  2. Machová et al. – Studies on surface carbonization across various wood species. Read on PMC.
  3. Minamisawa, T. et al. (2025) – Laser-induced Shou-Sugi-Ban process, ISWST Conference. View.
  4. Nakamoto Forestry (2025) – Overview of fire-resistant properties and the fundamentals of carbonization. Read.
  5. Wikipedia: Yakisugi – Historical and cultural overview. Open.

Special offer

Discounts are applied to the pine assortment! Take advantage of this temporary offer and get wood for up to 24% cheaper! We will send the special price list by email.