Yakisugi, or Shou Sugi Ban as it's referred to in North America, is a traditional Japanese method of preserving and weatherproofing wood siding by charring it on one side.

We use a deep penetrating, water-based sealer that provides a long lasting finish while still allowing the natural texture of the wood grain to show through. This seals the charred surface to help prevent soot transfer, increase durability and prolong the life of our products. 

Each board receives two coats of sealer on the face and one on the back to help protect the char layer and the structural integrity of the wood by limiting water/moisture penetration. 

Absolutely, for interior applications, depending on the application, we may recommend adding clear coats on top of the sealer for additional cleanability.

Shou Sugi Ban can be installed vertically, horizontally or diagonally. Direct contact with vapour barrier may cause the siding to rot and we recommend installing Shou Sugi Ban using a rain screen method. Use a sharp ultra-fine finishing carbide-tipped saw blade for cutting our products. Shou Sugi Ban rips, and installs the same as standard wood siding. After installation, simply wipe down the Shou Sugi Ban with a damp cloth.

For exterior installations, we recommend using 2” stainless steel ring or screw-shank headed nails, or exterior rated equivalent fastener. Heads should be flush nailed by hand, do not drive fasteners below the surface. For interiors, finish nails and a urethane, commercial grade adhesive can be used to install Shou Sugi Ban over a drywall or plywood substrate.

Untreated softwoods can last more than 30 years, but when you properly apply the charring technique and use a good quality penetrating sealer, with minor maintenance the lifespan can be dramatically extended.

Installation is the most important factor in the longevity of any siding product, especially natural wood, which is why we recommend using a rain screen or other method of installation that allows air circulation and drainage.

Shou Sugi Ban is a maintenance-optional type of product - depending on site conditions etc, after several years of being installed, the color may start to change. At this point the owner would decide whether to embrace the patina of how the wood ages, or re-apply the penetrating sealer in a maintenance program to keep the color fresh over time.