What is ‘yakisugi’?

From the viral Kintsugi method of repairing broken ceramics to the centuries-old art of making Sushi, Japan is celebrated for perfecting cultural techniques. The consciousness, discipline and skill which go into these art forms is second to none. So it is no surprise that in the timber world, we are fascinated by Yakisugi, the ancient Japanese method of preserving wood.

What is Yakisugi?

Yakisugi literally translates as ‘Burnt Cedar’. This is a very descriptive name for the method at hand, which involves preserving and distressing timber with fire.

Yakisugi (otherwise known as Shou Sugi Ban) is mainly carried out on timber destined for exterior uses. It is commonly used, for example, as cladding for traditional Japanese homes, and is quickly becoming a popular architectural feature for unique, contemporary Western homes.

The Yakisugi Process

Traditionally, Yakisugi was only ever carried out on high-quality cuts of Japanese Cedar. Now, though, other timber species are frequently used in this unique preservation process, including Larch and European Redwood.

Before beginning, the timber boards are carefully selected based on their quality and structural integrity. They are left to dry in the sun, removing much of the natural moisture from the timber.

The timber is then burnt using fire. This creates a layer of black charring on the surface of the wood for a distinctive look, while also changing the properties of the wood. After charring, the timber is carefully cooled and brushed, before an oil is applied to finish the process.

The Benefits of Yakisugi

There is a reason this age-old technique has withstood the test of time, and that is down to the many benefits it brings to timber.

Charring the Cedar (or other timber species) changes the structure of the wood, creating a more durable surface with a better resistance to insect infestation, fungal infestation and general wear and tear. It can also prevent the timber from absorbing water, reducing the chance of rot and swelling even when used outdoors, thus helping the timber last longer.

It is also pretty amazing that using fire on the timber actually creates a more fire resistant product. The outer, blackened surface is far less flammable than untreated timber, making it a safer option for cladding and other uses indoors.

As sustainable timber enthusiasts, we love that Yakisugi is a chemical-free method of preserving and enhancing timber. Completely natural and without any toxins, it is a fantastic eco-friendly option.

Yakisugi Vs. ThermoWood

If you have been keeping up with the EcoChoice community for some time now, you probably will have drawn comparisons between Yakisugi and ThermoWood. While both methods use heat to create more durable timber, they are not quite the same.

ThermoWood does not charr the surface of the timber. Instead, it utilises heat and pressure in a controlled environment to change the structural properties of the wood without affecting its appearance.

Yakisugi, on the other hand, burns the timber directly. This does change the appearance of the wood, leaving it with a very distinct burnt outer layer which looks almost to be cracked (though it is not), and is one of the reasons it is such a popular technique among architects.

Find ThermoWood at EcoChoice

While we do not currently offer Yakisugi-treated timber at EcoChoice, we do supply ThermoWood in the UK. As a sustainable way of treating timber, this is a fabulous choice for construction projects which need wood with a little extra oomph.

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