What Is Shou Sugi Ban (Yakisugi)?

By 

Kristin Hohenadel

Updated on 06/22/24

 Fact checked by 

Sarah Scott

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The Japanese craft of yakisugi or shou sugi ban is a decorative and architectural 18th-century wood-burning technique that has been used for centuries in Japan. Using this technique, wood planks are charred, preserving them and strengthening them.

Everyone, from master craftsmen to DIY enthusiasts, can do this process manually or using machine automation. This unique technique has caught hold in modern architectural circles, increasing in popularity worldwide. Here’s what to know.

What Is Shou Sugi Ban (Yakisugi)?

This traditional Japanese wood preservation method involves voluntarily charring clean wood to create a textural surface that is beautiful to look at and that, when executed correctly, offers practical advantages.

• The process: Virgin wood is carefully selected, cut into planks, dried in the sun or open air, burned on the surface to create a thin layer of char, and then cooled, brushed, washed, and sealed with oil to make it more durable.
• Meaning: Yakisugi means “charred cedar or cypress,” while “shou sugi ban” translation is meant to translate to “charred cedar/cypress plank.” Yakisugi is the term most often used in Japan. Cedar is in the cypress botanical family. Japanese cypress is considered the gold standard for purists, although other wood types can be used to varying degrees of success.¹
• Qualities: Yakisugi is waterproof, weatherproof, rot and mold-resistant, fire resistant, and protects against termites and other insect infestations.²
• Appearance: The charred appearance highlights natural wood veining, creates textural interest, and varies in appearance according to how much fire is applied and which type of wood is used.
• Architectural use: This treatment is used for outdoor architectural elements such as siding and indoors on walls and furniture. The aesthetic qualities of shou sugi ban have inspired a revived interest in the wood-charring technique in recent years, which has become a prominent trend in architecture and interior design globally.³

The Origins of Shou Sugi Ban (Yakisugi)

Shou sugi ban in traditional Japanese architecture predates the practice of using chemicals to treat cedar cladding to make it weatherproof and protect wood siding. It emerged in the 1700s and is traditionally tied to the Edo period.

The act of “fire-hardening” is not new; people have used it for over 400,000 years.⁴

While it might seem counterintuitive, charring wood doesn’t make it structurally weaker but has the opposite effect. Burning the surface of the wood under controlled conditions fortifies and protects the wood against future damage, making it an excellent preservation technique.⁵

Uses of Shou Sugi Ban (Yakisugi)

This centuries-old technique lends a fresh and contemporary edge to modern architecture. The distinctive look of deeply saturated charcoal black wood has an understated but powerful presence that creates instant drama and interest in even the most minimalist structures and applications.

In recent years, the look of shou sugi ban has become so on-trend that it has inspired designers to experiment with charred wood in surprising ways.

Dutch designer Maarten Baas is known for his Smoke series for the luxury brand Moooi, which includes a charred armchair and a blackened wood chandelier sealed with transparent epoxy resin. Inspired by shou sugi ban, Baas and Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek designed “burnt wood wallpaper” for NLXL, which offers an accessible trompe l’oeil way to incorporate the look.

You can now find faux shou sugi ban panels made from treated (but not charred) and reclaimed (rather than new) wood on the market.

Applications for shou sugi ban:

• Siding, fencing, decking, and door or window frames on the exterior of homes or other buildings
• Interior wall and ceiling cladding
• Outdoor furniture, such as tables and chairs
• Indoor furniture, such as chairs, tables, dressers, and cabinetry
• Designer creations such as chandeliers and even jewelry
• Interior and exterior accent walls and panels

Shou Sugi Ban vs. Yakisugi

Shou sugi ban is the term most often used in the United States for this wood-burning technique, but in Japan, where this process originated, it is called yakisugi. The American term resulted from a mistranslation of the kanji or Chinese characters. “Shou” is a misspelling of “yaki,” meaning to burn or char. The rest translates easily into Japanese, “sugi” means cypress or cedar wood, and the last word, “ban,” means plank.

Pros and Cons of Shou Sugi Ban (Yakisugi)

Pros

• No- to low-maintenance material, not requiring chemicals
• Wood develops a patina over time and can be re-oiled to maintain its color
• Durable, weatherproof, waterproof, and fire retardant
• Mold, rot, and insect resistant
• Sustainable process although burning wood can have environmental implications
• Adds textural elements to the wood

Cons

• Requires time, patience, and care to execute
• Must be used on clean wood, such as Japanese cypress
• Not all woods can be used to achieve the desired effects
• Safety issues and proper use of materials such as a blow torch is a factor for DIYers⁶
• Wood can flake over time if not maintained, oiled, or refinished

FAQ

• What kind of wood should you use for shou sugi ban?Cedar is the traditional wood of preference for shou sugi ban. But you can also use woods such as pine, oak, spruce, or larch to varying shades and effects depending on the quality of the source material. It’s a good idea to test it out first to make sure you are using the right wood to achieve the depth of color and look you want.
• Do you have to seal wood after shou sugi ban?While the process of charring wood makes it stronger than untreated wood, it’s still a good idea to seal wood that’s been given the shou sugi ban treatment. Apply mineral or linseed oil with a paintbrush to protect charred wood, particularly if it is being used outdoors and exposed to elements such as sun and rain.
• What is the lifespan of shou sugi ban wood?Shou sugi ban wood will last longer indoors than out. HomeAdvisor says your shou sugi ban wood siding should last 30 to 50 years with regular maintenance.⁷ Keep an eye on the wood for signs of damage and reapply oil as needed to preserve and protect it. Indoor shou sugi ban wood can last even longer, with some estimates at more than 100 years.

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