Shou Sugi Ban Siding

What is Shou Sugi Ban Siding?

Picture a traditional Japanese home and its surroundings in your head. What do you see? Blooming Sakura trees with blossoms blowing in the wind? Pointy roofs reflecting the sunset light? Mount Fuji somewhere in the distance? However, let us add some detail to your picture – wood. Yes, the traditional Japanese home has a wood siding.

And trust us, it never was just an ordinary piece of siding. It was Shou Sugi Ban, a wood processing or wood charring technology which has its roots in the distant past. Thanks to Shou Sugi Ban siding, Japanese homes look more distinct. It gives wood a more expressive colour, more visual appeal.

That isn’t it. Japan is known for a wild and unpredictable climate. So, the cladding has to withstand difficult tests of the environment – wind, heat, moisture. And it does all that, because the charring process makes wood fireproof and waterproof. However it remains breathable which is a fascinating feat of engineering.

A technique and know-how from the Heart of the Orient

The culture of the Far East and technology from this region have that certain allure, that undeniable charm which is sort of enchanting. Even though Europe sometimes gets referred to as the ‘Cultural Heartland’ of the world, we all know that Japan has a much longer and much more diverse history. As a beautiful ripe fruit, hanging from the cultural tree of the Orient – Yakisugi is one of those things which prove the beautiful and intricate nature of lifestyle in Japan.

This wood processing technique has been in practice for centuries. Depictions of charred wood cladding and Shou Sugi Ban being shown in movies, pop culture, and illustrations portraying Japan. Luckily, this celebrated and remarkable wood processing technology has made its way across the globe.

It isn’t just for show, either. Yakisugi enhances timber and burnt Shou Sugi Ban wood siding becomes much more resistant to environmental factors, moisture, vermin as well as other threats that might befall on a façade.

Artisans in Japan had centuries upon centuries to refine this technology. We took it a step further and integrated 21st-century equipment and tools to improve production outputs without having to compromise the quality of charred timber sidings/claddings or any other burnt timber details for the exterior.

two house projects with Thermowood siding

Burnt Wood – Japanese Siding

Artisans of the Orient first developed and modified this technique over time so it is essential to call this a Japanese wood technique.

By making the finish of the wood look unique, they have created an exclusive trend of appearance that people tend to associate with the Land of the Rising Sun. With that being said, a lot of Westerners and people from all over the world are intrigued and fascinated by the cultural and engineering achievements of Japan. Thus you can find homes with Yakisugi cladding in Sweden, the UK, the US, Canada and the rest of the developed world.

Shou Sugi Ban Siding allows anyone to bring that history, uniqueness and exclusivity to their doorstep. Regardless of the selective look, it does fit in seemingly everywhere. So, with all of its perks of being a rare and premium-quality product, Shou Sugi Ban burnt wood cladding/siding boards remain surprisingly practical and functional in most climates and environments.

The Technique of Burnt Wood Cladding

Wood charring technique, also called Yakisugi, differentiates from all other techniques by its longevity, therefore, it is perfect to use for house exterior elements such as siding. This technique has been widely used and proven in Japan for centuries, where the climate conditions range from semi-tropical to northern.

As we mentioned, the roots of this technology span back centuries. It is worth noting that a large percentage of the homes which were built before the industrial revolution hit Japan, and created the traditional image of the Japanese home which we have instilled in our minds. It is also worth to note that the houses with Cedar burnt wood siding elements are still intact to this date. Here, better than anywhere else, Shou Sugi Ban boards showing their true potential in terms of longevity and durability.

The technique itself is mostly focused around careful and calculated exposure of individual wood boards to scorching hot flames. Highly competent specialists at Degmeda use appropriate, state-of-the-art tools and treatment techniques to process the wood with fire without damaging it. It is essential not just to improve the aesthetics, but when it comes to exterior elements of the façade of the house just like cladding boards, bolster the wood and give it additional protection from challenging environmental conditions.

After treatment with fire, Yakisugi boards are sanded and the excess carbon removed to make for a more desirable appeal and pleasant to touch texture. Finally, charred wood siding is treated with varnish for extra protection and glow.

Huge apartment building with charred Accoya wood siding

An Ancient process, optimised for the 21st century

The Yakisugi wood charring process is really a marvellous development. If you are wondering about how it is done – bear with us for a little while.

Everything begins with the selection of the right wood. In the past, Ancient and Medieval Japanese craftsmen used to work with Cypresses. They were abundant in lush forests all over the island, but are quite rare anywhere else. The technology can be adapted and has progressed over the years. Now, we are able to process and char the Siberian larch, Pine, Spruce, Accoya wood and use it as marvelous cladding for a house.

The next phase is properly exposing wood to scorching flames. Regular fire is not hot enough. To turn regular timber into Shou Sugi Ban, you need to achieve a staggering – 1100 degrees Celsius. Since it is much hotter than the regular flame, you need well-trained personnel and adequate equipment as well as time to carry out burning with precision.

After the wood is burned, it becomes sterile and waterproof. Hence it turns to a perfect material for the exterior finish of the house. Flames eliminate organic compounds and shrink the many pores, present on the surface. Shrunk pores are not able to absorb water, thus making regular wood very well defended from decomposition, moisture-damage, rotting, and thanks to the dissolution of sugar, also – vermin.

Charred timber is expressive and looks unique

Finally, there is the aesthetic side of things. Most people notice it before being familiar with the alterations in the physical characteristics of Shou Sugi Ban siding. Despite this, Yakisugi wood charring technique allows us to turn regular planks into miniature works of art. Every line, every circle, ring, groove, and the color is enhanced, enriched, and much more noticeable. Instead of being covered by cheap paint or infused with chemicals, Yakisugi allows the natural beauty of the wood to surface.

This is natural. This is real. This is what premium quality feels and looks like.

So, all in all, this technique for making Shou Sugi Ban or charred wood cladding is multi-purpose. Firstly, it makes wood water-resistant and quite resilient against environmental and climate challenges. This is a must-have feature for cladding pieces. Secondly – the charred wood cladding looks much brighter, more profound, and has a more premium feel when compared to regular wood.

Shou Sugi Ban – House Exterior Siding

Homes with Shou Sugi Ban exterior siding look distinct. They are unique from most other houses in the world. If your eye is trained to separate high-quality exterior design technologies and materials then the Japanese wood will definitely catch your attention. If not – all the same because Shou Sugi Ban Japanese cladding is supremely elegant and beautiful at the same time.

You have probably noticed the huge trend of naturalness in interior and exterior design. Wood charring is an absolutely natural way of treating wood, also ensuring a pleasant aesthetic vision of the project. During the wood charring process, all the natural colors and patterns of the wood are intensified and made richer. Also, the burnt wood becomes highly resistant to environmental factors (fire, water, insects, decay). All in all, Shou Sugi Ban is not only visually appealing but also very practical.

Benefits of Charred Wood Cladding

Charred wood cladding/siding does come with a wide array of benefits and other perks. Let us describe you the most notable and unique benefits of wooden exterior boards of Japanese style.

Durability

Due to the fact they are treated with fire, these boards are hardly affected by even the harshest environmental conditions.

Safety

By being resistant to fire, Shou Sugi Ban façade cladding boards are a much safer decorative option when compared against regular wood.

Elegance

The style has been around and trendy for 4 centuries. To say that it is still elegant and relevant is an understatement. The look of these wood boards will remain in style for years to come. Few come close to this supreme blend of luxury and high-quality design

Naturalness

The wood processing technique Yakisugi (or the way we do it) is entirely natural.

Consciousness

Degmeda is a company that encourages and promotes responsible forestry. We make high-quality wood and timber goods without abusing the environment. This means that premium Shou Sugi Ban cladding boards are made from sustainable resources

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Timeless value in more ways than one

Burnt wood, especially Shou Sugi Ban has values that reach far past cost and price. It can be an emotional addition to the façade of the house. Even though it fits great in both contemporary or retro interiors, when we focus on cladding and siding, charred wood is a great choice.

Because the technical aspect of things is a definite homerun, we probably need not dive any deeper into that. Let’s instead focus on the value that charred timber siding adds besides being very practical.

To begin with, it’s timeless. If you would look at centuries-old homes in the Land of the Rising Sun, decorated with Shou Sugi Ban, you would definitely notice one thing in common. They do not look beat down or even dull, so to speak. Years later, they still stand out because the quality of the material shines through. Depreciation is not a concern with charred wood cladding because of its incredible technical characteristics. Whether it is 10, 20, or 100 years old, charred wood always attracts the eye and catches interest.

Best Wood for Shou Sugi Ban Siding

Japan is an isolated island in East Asia with very limited resources. So, the choice of wood for artisans from the Orient in the old days was obvious – Cedar wood. It was pretty much the only sort of timber abundant in the region. If you ask us, this is not a bad limitation whatsoever because cedar wood is appreciated for its look, smell and quality of wood. For a long time, Shou Sugi Ban charred timber siding and other façade boards were only available as a product of cedar timber.

Nowadays you have a lot more choice, and Degmeda offers plenty of different options for Shou Sugi Ban cladding boards. You can choose between different colours of the very same Cedar, the beautiful Spruce, widely appreciated Pine, super popular Accoya as well as the time-tested Siberian Larch.

There is no single ‘best’ option. They each have unique constructional and physical properties. However, our processing technology rounds out the technical specs pretty well and makes all wood types pretty even in terms of durability and other related factors. It all probably comes down to your aesthetic and visual preferences.

Maintenance of Charred Wood Cladding

In order to ensure the natural preservation properties of the charred wood and preserve the initial result for as long as possible, it is essential to periodically treat the wooden facade with specific oils. This way the long life (up to 100 years) of your charred wood cladding will be ensured.

We sell high-quality oils that you can use for Yakisugi Charred wood cladding. Make sure to apply them regularly and you can enjoy a prime-quality product which looks great for a very long time.

Shou Sugi Ban Siding for Sale

If you are looking to purchase Shou Sugi Ban siding for your home, you have come to the right place. When it comes to high-quality goods, you should look for a reputable supplier that can ensure more than just delivery of your burnt wood siding/cladding boards.

Degmeda can offer an experience which manifests in the form of know-how and technology mastery. In addition, you can find a lot of different wood types ranging from Siberian Larch to Pine, colours, extending from bright tones to darkest shades, and many unique wood profiles and other configurable options that can allow us to produce top-notch Japanese Yakisugi exterior and interior boards for all clients all over the world.

Finally, buyers can look at our social media profiles and the gallery on our website to see the projects we have helped finish during our working experience.

Shou Sugi Ban Siding Price

We offer flexible cost and pricing options for all of our clients. We can send you an exact quote which will contain all of the information about the cost and price of your order.

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Born in Japan, loved all over the world

The whole philosophy of Japanese artisans was to find the perfect solution which is durable yet beautiful. Dependable yet captivating. Through many years of refinement, they have created Yakisugi.

This is not an everyday product that can be found right around the corner. It is the crème de la crème. Top of the range. Upper echelon. We can boldly guarantee that any house, condo, project or establishment will stand out from the pack as long as it has Shou Sugi Ban siding, or any exterior as well as an interior accent with charred wood for that matter.

Every homeowner or project developer can be proud of the solution they made. Why? Because you cannot go wrong with something that has been around for millennia…

Wide range of application possibilities

Even though we emphasized the best qualities of charred wood cladding on paper, we feel like we have to back those claims up. By nailing down the traditional Japanese wood-burning technique called Yakisugi, we have been supplying charred wood sidings, deckings, claddings, fencings, and floorings to clients all over the world.

Our clients’ have very different ideas and visions. Some of them were serene, contemporary, very minimalistic. Others, however, were bold, completely out of the box even. Luckily, we’ve been fortunate enough to help all of our clients turn their dreams and visions into reality.

Since Shou Sugi Ban makes the wood much more resistant to dynamic climates, they can be fitted all over the world, seems like. Whether it be the mild, rainy UK, Scandinavian winter wonderland, or anywhere else in the world – burnt wood cladding and siding will fit in. It will stand out as a beautiful, top-shelf material, but remaining durable and fully intact for years to come.

Burnt Wood Cladding Installation

We can find appropriate solutions to help with the installation of Burnt Wood Cladding boards. If you do it alone, we highly recommend that you only hire contractors with proper work experience because Burnt Wood should be handled delicately and fitted correctly to ensure the highest quality and the most longevity.

Charred Wood Vertical Cladding

The vertical orientation of Japanese charred wood can look amazing on rural houses and contemporary buildings situated slightly away from the city as well as condos. It provides a reassuring; homey and cosy look which homeowners can appreciate. Both bright and dark tones of Shou Sugi Ban wood can appear stunning in a vertical orientation.

Shou Sugi Ban Horizontal Cladding

Horizontal layouts are more frequent in home and building construction. But the fact that it is more common does not mean it has anything to do with being bland or mundane. Shou Sugi Ban façade is automatically an attention magnet which will add exclusivity and beauty to every building it is added to.

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Stylish house with burnt wood

Natural is beautiful

In today’s society of excess wealth and too little time, we rarely stop and appreciate the genuinely beautiful things. We have too few opportunities to soak in the beauty of nature that surrounds us, to say ‘I love you’ to the people we hold dear, and to value the essential things, we could not do without.

Superficial values and products overshadow the truly important things – beauty and comfort. Shou Sugi Ban – charred wood – siding is both of those things. It is beautiful and comfortable, meaning it can be marveled at and lived in. Trust us, even in our times, such a combination of properties is hard to find. Versatility is becoming somewhat misunderstood and overlooked.

We, on the other hand, know how important it becomes, once you consider something as complicated as your livelihood. Things cannot be just nice; they have to have meaning, value, and add quality because otherwise, they are just useless.

And nothing is more amazing than having something which fits into the qualities we described and is also natural. Something that allows you to live in comfort with your body and soul.
It is a beautiful feat that only Yakisugi achieves, and no one can duplicate. That is of great value to us and can be to you as well.

If you have any more questions

If you happen to have any questions, suggestions, comments, or if something seems wrong – write us an email! Your comments and thoughts are always genuinely appreciated, especially if it is on how we can make our service and your experience better.

Furthermore, if you are interested in purchasing charred wood siding or have any questions related to this product – get in touch via email by dropping a line to info@degmeda.eu or by filling out the quote from our shop!