Any structure gets a beautiful and classic appearance with Shou Sugi Ban cladding. Other names for this kind of cladding are yakisugi, Japanese charred wood, or dark timber cladding. A traditional Japanese fire-charring method is called shou sugi ban. The process coats the wood boards with thick black carbon, preserving them and reducing maintenance requirements. This is what shou sugi ban cladding is.
What Exactly Is Shou Sugi Ban Cladding?
Shou Sugi Ban, a technique for charring cedar to colour, weatherproof, and preserve the timber while also making it resistant to fire, rot, insects, and the sun’s UV rays, was invented in Japan in the 18th century.
The panelling has a dark, uniform appearance, although each timber piece is unique. A fantastic variety of delicate purple, blue, and silver tones that contrast with the charcoal black bring out the texture and grain of the wood. After that, the resulting surface texture may be brushed or left raw.
What Type of Wood Do You Use In Shou Sugi Ban cladding?
The following types of wood are suitable for charring:
- Oak
- Western red cedar
- Fir Douglas
The more durable the wood is, the better it will withstand the environment while keeping its look. The wood that is used the most often is Siberian larch. However, two other timbers are proposed, and they are by far the best in strength and appearance.
How Does the Process of Shou Sugi Ban Cladding Work?
The method begins by equally grilling the wood on both sides to prevent it from warping due to the heat. The wood may then be cleaned and given texture by removing the extra carbon. The hardwood timber battens may be treated with natural oil to seal and protect them against mud, water, and variations in humidity once they have cooled down. Because the procedure is not scientifically precise, there will be tiny surface burn differences over the board’s length, enhancing its distinctive features.
Furthermore, varying the severity of the burning process results in diverse finishes, from a classic, profoundly charred appearance to a sleeker, more modern brushed touch, bringing out the richness of the wood and the grain structure. Some finishes are more long-lasting than others, and brushing produces smoother boards. Further brushing will reveal the genuine wood. Traditionally, untreated, burned items may be delicate and must be carefully handled and preserved. Even after brushing and treating, hardwood battens must be held carefully.
What Benefits Does Shou Sugi Ban Cladding Offer?
Here are a few benefits it provides:
There are several textures and colours to choose from.
While burning wood may seem simple, many steps are involved in attaining Shou Sugi Ban. To obtain a variety of colours inside a single piece, most sets need a modest bit of wood scorching or distressing. The fact that not all items are created equally—just as not all wood burns in the same way—must be understood.
It has countless styles and structures.
Shou Sugi Ban cladding has almost infinite forms and patterns since it is constructed of natural wood siding. Ancient and contemporary Japanese architecture is characterised by the use of thin cut boards that are enhanced by the appearance of burned wood. Burnt wood cladding is an excellent choice for unique siding and wall covering ideas since it can be used in various ways.
It is applicable outside.
The dark external timber cladding method doesn’t pollute the environment or damage the ecosystem. This siding is safe for houses with children since it contains no pollutants that could leak into the atmosphere.
It is a great option for black stains
Use protective coatings in black or dark tones, such as stains and paints, to create a dramatic impression quickly. Usually, painting or staining the wood hides the natural grain. With Shou Sugi Ban, you can give your artwork a stunning black finish without using any hazardous chemical surface treatments.
It improves the wood’s scenic appearance.
Dark wood cladding is an excellent choice for external wood cladding and designs that call for the warmth of wood and a feeling of mystery. Numerous charring techniques bring out the natural grain, making them an excellent complement to classic wood and strikingly contrast to more contemporary materials like metal and glass. A quick and easy approach to creating a distinctive design is emphasising the lovely grain using the Shou Sugi Ban technique.
It produces complementary and opposing mixed materials.
Determining the materials to be used in conceptions may take some time. Predicting what will and won’t go well together may take some time. This process is simplified because any architectural style may be produced using black wood cladding and other construction materials. Shou Sugi Ban may go well with any strong, hospitable, contemporary, or traditional style.
In Summary
Shou Sugi Ban Cladding was highly valued for its dark-burning appearance and all-natural attributes. The burning process provides an extra layer of defense against insect assault and degradation, increasing the wood’s durability. Additionally, this wood cladding may be used on any external wall.
