Japanese Cedar Siding

November 3 2017 while shou sugi ban 焼杉板 originated in japan in the 18th century primarily as way to treat cedar siding to make it weatherproof the technique which involves charring a wood.

Japanese cedar siding.

Our exterior charred siding products deliver superior performance and distinctive beauty. A very interesting variety of japanese cedar with very dense compact green foliage. However the pickets are thinner and less sturdy than western red cedar and have a tendency to split or break during installation. All of our exterior products are designed to preserve the tradition of shou sugi ban while meeting the high demands of modern architecture.

The essential idea is to burn the surface of wood to a varying degree of char. Charred wood siding and fencing are the products of an ancient japanese technique that makes a unique beautiful and durable exterior wood product. The japanese invented this technique centuries ago calling it shou sugi ban or yakisugi. Not only that but japanese cedar is kiln dried which helps stabilize the wood as well as limit split boards and end checks.

Japanese cedar a newer product on the market in the us that shows promise as being a quality lower cost alternative to western red cedar. Cryptomeria japonica is sugi in japanese and is a monotypic genus in the cypress family indigenous to japan. The wood is burned until the surface is charred and then coated with natural oil. The final product is also known as yakisugi yaki means to cook burn and sugi is the japanese name for cedar but shou sugi ban seems to have won as the most commonly used term in english and it is sometimes simply known as a carbonized wood finish.

It is often called japanese cedar and is utilized primarily for construction lumber due to high rigidity and quick drying. The burning process creates a layer of carbon resulting in elegant finishes that protect the wood from the elements. We specialize in the hachiko variety used specifically for siding in western japan. Takes on a slight coppery bronze color during the winter months.

It is waterproof and contains tannins within the wood to help it withstand bugs rot decay and much more. Traditionally this practice is used with japanese cedar in order to weatherproof it. Used for centuries in japanese construction work and exterior architecture japanese cedar is exceedingly durable. A great addition to any conifer or evergreen collection.