Yakisugi: Why You Should Choose Japanese Burnt Timber Cladding
Creating a striking image for your project often feels like it could be expensive, or that the materials you use wouldn’t be suitable for a long-lasting building. Sometimes, going back to our roots is the answer. Yakisugi – a traditional Japanese method for creating burnt timber cladding – could be your solution.
At NORclad, we’re experts in all kinds of timber cladding, from the rich European Redwood to the versatile Hardie Plank. In this article, however, we’re going to focus specifically on burnt timber cladding, methods of creating it, and the benefits it brings to your builds.
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What is Yakisugi or Burnt Timber Cladding?
Yakisugi can be literally translated as “burnt Japanese cedar”, but as a concept it is applicable to many different types and textures of wood and timber cladding. Similar to Yakisugi is Shou Sugi Ban – this term uses the same kanji as Yakisugi, but with an alternative pronunciation and the addition of the word “Ban”, meaning “plank”. Shou Sugi Ban is a more modern interpretation of the burnt timber techniques pioneered by Yakisugi.
All that is to say, that Yakisugi is a method of creating burnt timber cladding for your projects. These charred timbers are an incredibly popular choice, offering cracked, intriguing experiences in a range of shades from deep black to mild greys.
Despite the fragile appearance that the cracked timber cladding gives off, it is actually still durable – even more so than standard timbers, as the charring process tempers the timber and provides additional benefits.
All the burnt timber cladding provided by NORclad is hand-charred, which gives the additional advantages of a bespoke finish and an expert eye on the product’s quality. This, in turn, provides a hand-made feel to your project while retaining a professional, beautiful appearance.
Find out more about burnt timber cladding from NORclad >
How does Shou Sugi Ban Differ from Original Yakisugi?
Generally, Yakisugi and Shou Sugi Ban are the same. In fact, the latter term only came about more recently, likely due to a mistranslation of the original term. However, as Shou Sugi Ban has grown in prevalence as both a technique and term in the West, with is has come changes in the techniques applied to the timbers.
The main difference between Yakisugi and Shou Sugi Ban are the types of timber used, and the types of oil used to treat them. While Yakisugi refers to the original method using Japanese cedar and natural oils, Shou Sugi Ban is a more general method of charring wood in combination with natural and synthetic oils.
By applying Shou Sugi Ban to different types of wood, you can create vastly different results. For example, in our timber profiles we can offer a wide range of textures and finishes such as:
- Sleek black Accoya© Charred
- Rustic cracked Oak Honshu
- Subtle markings of Douglas Fir Kuro
The limits of Shou Sugi Ban and Yakisugi are practically endless, and burnt timber cladding is a beautiful addition to any build – be it historic or contemporary.
What are the Benefits of Burnt Timber Cladding?
As a controlled application of the volatile Yakisugi technique, burnt timber cladding undergoes specific changes to its cell structure which both strengthen it and improve its appearance. Some of the main benefits of charred cladding include:
- Natural preservation
- Protection against the elements
- Minimal maintenance requirements
- Fire resistance
- Controlled weathering
- Insect and pest resistance
How Burnt Timber Cladding Can Suit Any Project
Burnt timber cladding is incredibly adaptable and customisable, allowing it to fit any project. You can add a beautiful, robust appearance to any historic or modern build, adding uniqueness to interior or exterior façades.
More akin to an art than standard construction, Shou Sugi Ban can be treated in various ways – or use different types of timber – to achieve a highly specific look and feel. Appearances can include:
- A traditional burnt and delicate-yet-durable look
- Modern, smooth, and sleek, with a fine grain
- Intense cracking with deep black colouring
These are just a handful of examples of the versatility of burnt timber cladding. The results you want to achieve will drive the selection and processing of the timber you use. Through soft or heavy brushing to exaggerate the grain and different applications of the Yakisugi techniques, you can have a bespoke look to align with any façade. As an added bonus, all the Shou Sugi Ban cladding we offer is sustainably sourced and hand-crafted.
Bespoke Burnt Timber Cladding from NORclad
Incredibly versatile, extremely customisable, and offering anything from a smooth and subtle to an intense cracked appearance, Shou Sugi Ban timber cladding is a perfect addition to any project.
At NORclad, we help architects, specifiers, designers and more to make their buildings stand out through advice and supply of timber cladding. Our burnt timber cladding options allow you to refine the appearance of your build and make it truly stand out. Get a quote today, or read on with some articles below!
Learn about fire protection regulations for timber cladding >
Check out our ultimate guide to timber cladding for architects >
