Shou Sugi Ban

The Traditional Japanese Art of Charred Cedar

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  • Home ホームページ
  • Overview 概要
    • History
    • People
    • Architecture
    • Design
  • News ニュース
  • Techniques 技術
    • Shou Sugi Ban 101
    • DIY Projects
  • Video ビデオ
  • Shop 日本 店

Overview

Shou Sugi Ban 焼杉板 (or Yakisugi) is an ancient Japanese exterior siding technique that preserves wood by charring it with fire. Traditionally, sugi 杉 (Cryptomeria japonica L.f.), also called Japanese red-cedar, was used. The process involves charring the wood, cooling it, cleaning it, and finishing it with a natural oil.

Today Shou Sugi Ban is an environmentally friendly way to preserve timber and, paradoxically, make it fire-resistant. Chemical preservatives, paints and retardants are therefore unnecessary. In addition to exterior uses, the popular technique is now found in interior rooms, furniture, and artwork.

Learn more…

Design, DIY, News, Showcase, Techniques

Shou Sugi Ban Industrial Chic Bathroom

Susie Davis calls the style of her powder room “Charles Dickens Meets Jack the Ripper.” It exudes an Industrial Revolution era vibe with a factory chic aesthetic. Lamenting that “vanities…

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October 9, 2020
Architecture, Design, DIY, News, People, Showcase, Techniques

The Appeal of a Burnt Wood Finish

This Old House’s Bob Vila addresses the hottest trend in design—which is also an ancient Japanese technique— and offers his list of surprising benefits for siding, furniture, and more. Whether…

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March 9, 2020
Architecture, News, Showcase

Two Shou Sugi Barns in Rural New York State

Architecture firm BarlisWedlick collaborated closely with the homeowner on this country compound located two hours north of New York City in Ancram, New York. The complex is underscored by the 1,800 square foot passive…

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September 9, 2021
  • Design,  News,  Showcase

    Serpentine Pavilion in Freeform Shou Sugi Ban style

    Serpentine Pavilion designs come along in cycles – if we’ve had a few years of circular parkland rotundas, an inevitable contrariness mean it’s the turn of something more freeform. So it is this year. The 23rd annual pavilion is not one object but a ring of five timber-framed volumes gathered around an empty circle where in other years a rotunda might be. It is called ‘Archipelagic Void’ and the architects are Minsuk Cho and his practice Mass Studies – the first Korean studio to be invited to the task. The five varied structures were originally billed to house, in turn, a miniature ‘Library of Unread Books’, an auditorium, an exhibition…

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    In England, Couple Builds a Serene Shou Sugi Ban Retreat

    With accessibility and sustainability top of mind, architect Oliver Leech designs a garden dwelling that brings a family closer together. Five years ago, geologist Nikki Earthrowl and her husband, Richard, approached architect Oliver Leech with an idea firmly planted in the future. “The brief was to create a house that would enable accessible living,” Leech says. Nikki and Richard live just outside London in the town of Esher, and they wanted to construct a home on their property where her mother could live independently and comfortably for many years to come. The dwelling would be modest in size—just two bedrooms and a compact living space—although the couple had big goals…

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    Making a DIY Shou Sugi Ban Cedar Fence

    May 9, 2017

    Rising from the Hawaiian Volcanic Ashes

    November 8, 2021

    Gaijin adds Shou Sugi Ban for Authentic Vibes

    February 20, 2020
  • Architecture,  Design,  DIY,  News,  Showcase

    Farmhouse Fixer find Shou Sugi Ban Barn Doors a Delight

    On “Farmhouse Fixer,” Jonathan Knight and Kristina Crestin renovate older homes so they feel fresh and modern. In many cases, that even means adding daring designs and colors. In the episode “Barn Burner,” the design duo drive to Candia, NH, to help Kris and Ben work on their 1820s home. They want to convert the main floor into a primary suite, with a new bathroom, walk-in closet, bar, and bedroom. Knight is also building a unique barn for Kris and Ben, which Ben makes even more unique. “What are you doing?” asks Knight as he comes across Ben taking a blow torch to some wooden planks and searing them black.…

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    Escape to a Tiny Cabin on an Icelandic Lava Field

    July 1, 2021

    Off-grid Tiny House in Shou Sugi Ban Style

    May 2, 2017

    Making a DIY Shou Sugi Ban Cedar Fence

    May 9, 2017
  • News

    Hawaiian Getaway Elevated with Shou Sugi Ban Inside and Out

    When a Vancouver-based couple was planning their dream home in Hawaii, they sought to build a residence near their favorite surf break in Kauai‘s picturesque Hanalei Bay. Once they found and purchased a perfect parcel of land, they razed the existing home and tapped San Francisco-based architecture firm Walker Warner to create a simple but bespoke home. Completed in 2022 and dubbed Wahi Lani, or ‘heavenly place’ in Hawaiian, the low-slung, flat-roofed abode spans 2,384 square feet with three bedrooms and four bathrooms. The home isn’t located directly on the water (the ocean is just a short walk), nor does it have an ocean view, so Walker Warner turned inward…

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    Slow Luxury has a New Destination

    October 21, 2021

    Japanese and Scandinavian Design Elements Combine in Wales

    December 10, 2024

    Farm Life: Shou Sugi Ban in the Rocky Mountains

    March 28, 2023
  • Architecture,  Design,  News,  Showcase

    Japanese and Scandinavian Design Elements Combine in Wales

    Artist Richard Zinon learned pottery in Japan, and carpentry, painting and sculpture in Italy; he’s also a trained chef who has worked in restaurants in different countries. Is it any wonder then that his little bungalow, nestled deep in Snowdonia National Park in Wales, would be a paean to artfulness and craftsmanship? Zinon and his partner, Nuria Maria, a fellow painter, treated the 1929 structure like a blank canvas, deftly filling it in with design references to their travels while showcasing the beauty of natural materials. At 689 square feet, the two-bedroom home is small, but it feels open and airy thanks to high ceilings and new picture windows that…

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    French Tiny House with Japanese Flair

    May 2, 2017

    DIY Shou Sugi Ban on HGTV

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    Silicon Valley Retreat takes Cues from Shou Sugi Ban and Nature

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 Older Posts

The Traditional Japanese Art of Charred Cedar

Shou Sugi Ban 焼杉板 (or Yakisugi) is an ancient Japanese exterior siding technique that preserves wood by charring it with fire. Traditionally, sugi 杉 (Cryptomeria japonica L.f.), also called Japanese red-cedar, was used. The process involves charring the wood, cooling it, cleaning it, and finishing it with a natural oil.

Today Shou Sugi Ban is an environmentally friendly way to preserve timber through charring which, paradoxically, makes it fire-resistant. Chemical preservatives, paints and retardants are therefore unnecessary. In addition to exterior uses, the popular technique is now found in interior rooms, furniture, and artwork.
Learn more…

Recent Posts

  • Serpentine Pavilion in Freeform Shou Sugi Ban style
    May 16, 2025
  • In England, Couple Builds a Serene Shou Sugi Ban Retreat
    April 12, 2025
  • Farmhouse Fixer find Shou Sugi Ban Barn Doors a Delight
    March 8, 2025
  • Hawaiian Getaway Elevated with Shou Sugi Ban Inside and Out
    January 2, 2025
  • Japanese and Scandinavian Design Elements Combine in Wales
    December 10, 2024

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Further Reading

  • Suminagashi books
  • Shou Sugi Ban books
  • Sake books
  • Wabi-sabi books
  • Sumi-e books
  • Shodo books
  • Bonsai books
  • Origami books
  • Ukiyo-e books
  • Ikebana books
  • Feng Shui books
  • Japanese Cookbooks
  • Travel to Japan
  • Learn Japanese
  • Learn More

    • Nihon : The Culture of Japan
    • Suminagashi :  Japanese Marbling
    • Shou-sugi-ban : Charred Panels
    • Sake : Rice Wine
    • Wabi-sabi : The Art of Imperfection
    • Sumi-e : Ink Brush Painting
    • Shodo : Calligraphy
    • Bonsai : Gardening
    • Origami : Paper Folding
    • Ukiyo-e : Woodblock Printing
    • Ikebana : Flower Arranging Artistry

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