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Yakisugi
What is Yakisugi?
Yakisugi is a traditional Japanese technique in which wooden planks are charred to protect them from the elements. The process involves controlled burning of the wood, resulting in a blackened surface layer that not only highlights the natural beauty of the wood but also protects it against rot, insects, and weather conditions.
The technique originated in 18th-century Japan and was initially used for cladding homes and temples. Today, Yakisugi is making a comeback as a stylish, eco-friendly way to enhance architectural projects.
Does the wood give off?
Unfixed wood gives off after charring. For indoor use we always fix the charred wood. The charred layer becomes a bit more matt in appearance and will stain less. For the exterior we often advise not to fix the wood. This ensures that the charred wood retains a beautiful, natural shine and is also more durable than when the wood is fixed.
In the course of time the release of the wood will decrease and for a number of variants this will eventually stop. Most burned types of wood, also for exterior use, can also be fixed if desired. We will be happy to advise you about this.
How do I maintain the wood?
Unfixed planks with a carbon layer require low maintenance.
Planks that have been burned and brushed have a stain or oil layer. This wood requires periodic maintenance every three to six years. If you do not maintain Kyushu / Nakatado / Sakaide / Shodoshima / Takamatsu exterior, the stain layer will eventually harden and flake. Below this, the white wood will emerge and ‘age’.
The product specification sheet that you will find on each product page explains exactly if and what maintenance the different products need.
Does the carbon layer always stay the same?
This depends on the type, but in principle the carbon layer of our burnt wood weathers under the influence of wind, rain and hail. The lifespan of the carbon layer depends on the orientation of the facade and the location of the building. The black carbon layer of our burnt wood ages over the years and then acquires a beautiful patina (weathering), such as a light sheen, or a craquelé surface, for example. The natural aging and weathering over time does not detract from the visual appeal, on the contrary, it contributes to it! This fits within the Japanese philosophy of life of Wabi Sabi.
On the product data sheets of our products (downloadable on the product page), you can see how the wood ages.
In the non-fixed variants of our charred wood, the carbon layer remains vulnerable. Small pieces can break off on impact.
Is a lot of gas consumed while charring wood?
During the charring of the top layer, the gases released are collected in the oven. At another point in the process, oxygen is added to these gases, causing them to ignite. This provides the heat needed for charring the wood.
Gas is only added at start-up, after that the wood burns almost entirely on the gases released during the process.
Why choose Yakisugi?
Durability and Protection
Charring the wood makes it resistant to mold, insects, and weather influences such as rain and sunlight. The natural barrier ensures the wood lasts for many years without requiring additional maintenance.
Unique Aesthetic
Yakisugi’s black, textured finish creates an elegant and timeless look. Each plank is one-of-a-kind due to the way fire interacts with the wood, ensuring no two surfaces are exactly alike. It adds character and depth to your home or garden.
Natural Materials
Yakisugi uses locally sourced wood such as cedar, which is favored for its natural resistance to decay and its visual appeal. The use of environmentally friendly materials also makes Yakisugi a sustainable choice.
Long Lifespan
Thanks to the charring process, the wood becomes highly resistant to moisture and mold, significantly extending its lifespan. This means fewer replacements and less maintenance, making it both cost-effective and environmentally beneficial.
Applications of Yakisugi:
Yakisugi is highly versatile and can be used for various purposes:
– Cladding: Give your home, garden, or shed a modern yet rustic appearance.
– Interior Design: From wall coverings to furniture, the texture and contrast of charred wood can completely transform your interior.
– Landscape Architecture: Think fences, pergolas, and gates.
How does the Yakisugi process work?
Essentially, the Yakisugi process combines the “charring” and “pyrolyzing” of wooden planks. Pyrolysis refers to the process of producing pure charcoal, using parameters such as temperatures over 1,000 degrees Celsius, low oxygen levels in the oven, time, and precise cooling.
Each wood type and batch requires a different approach to ensure a consistently high-quality Shou Sugi Ban plank. The goal of Yakisugi is to create a hard, pure carbon layer that adheres firmly to the wood underneath. Genuine Yakisugi planks charred in the ovens of Zwarthout | Shou Sugi Ban are deep black and remain black, thanks to the UV resistance of the carbon layer.
As a result, little to no maintenance is required to preserve the black finish. The planks have minimal rub-off and emit a mild, pleasant scent.
Ready to bring the timeless beauty of Yakisugi to your next design project?
FAQ
Latest reviews
The “Paradox.” Burning wood to protect it.
It sounds contradictory — but it’s brilliant.
At ORGA, we’re big fans of biobased materials that truly prove their worth. Take our collaboration with Zwarthout | Shou Sugi Ban, for example. By charring wood using the centuries-old Shou Sugi Ban technique, a natural protective layer is created — without the need for paint or chemicals.
The result is a façade with character, built to last for generations. In the three recent projects, we’ve seen how it creates a robust, timeless appearance, while simultaneously contributing to refined, high-quality architecture.
Less maintenance, and a building that only becomes more beautiful with age.
That, to us, is what truly future-proof design looks like.
“We recently replaced the potted decked timber on our farmhouse in the Beemster region with Shodoshima semi-gloss from Zwarthout l Shou Sugi Ban. With special planks 25 cm wide, it looks great on a farmhouse. A very beautiful product and great service from Zwarthout l Shou Sugi Ban!”
”We chose Yoroi for several reasons. First of all, we like the Japanese classical technique used for burning the bamboo. Due to the burning technique Shou Sugi Ban, Yoroi has a fire class B and is maintenance-free. Finally, the black charred bamboo is a regrowable material and aesthetically matches our design perfectly.”
”As a gardener, it is an honour to work with such beautiful traditional products.
The delivery times are also great and you get friendly service.”
