Shou Sugi Ban: Japanese Wood Preservation Method

The Shou Sugi Ban technique is used on many types of wood such as larch, spruce, accoya, cedar, pine, and many others. The wood can have varied appearance and color depending on the type of wood used and the intensity of charring.

The Shou Sugi Ban technique has been used in Japan for hundreds, if not thousands, of years, but it has recently become much more popular in Western countries. There are many ways to create the charred wood effect. The original charring process involved joining three boards into a triangular tube, then burning the wood from the inside to achieve a black-silver finish. After cooling, the wood was brushed and washed. Currently, the charring process of Wood of Fire products is fully mechanized, ensuring uniform flame distribution and consistent charring, which in turn allows for achieving an even brushing level and perfect protection through uniform distribution of impregnants and varnish.

The Shou Sugi Ban charring process, also known as Yakisugi, was originally applied in Japan to impregnate the side walls of buildings to increase their durability. Currently, boards subjected to this treatment are also used as decking, wall cladding, furniture fronts – while charred boards using the Shou Sugi Ban method are used for their durability and aesthetics.