• Shou Sugi Ban: The Traditional Art of Charred Cedar

Shou Sugi Ban

The Traditional Japanese Art of Charred Cedar

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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…

Architecture, Design, DIY, News, Showcase

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,…

read more
April 12, 2025
Architecture, Design, News, Showcase

Off-Grid Italian Restoration Project Preserves Wood with Shou Sugi Ban

Immersed in the woods, Buen Retiro is the restoration and expansion of an ancient stone ruin designed by the architect Dario Castellino from Cuneo. In complete harmony with the surrounding…

read more
March 14, 2024
Architecture, Design, News, Showcase

Radical Barcelona Cabin Is Designed for Quarantine

The Voxel, or ‘the quarantine cabin’, is a prototype designed and built by 17 international students studying a master’s degree in Advanced Ecological Buildings and Biocities at Valldaura Labs, the…

read more
July 15, 2021
  • Design,  DIY,  News,  People,  Techniques,  Video

    A Visual Meditation on Shou Sugi Ban

    Many of you will enjoy this beautiful mediation on Japanese technique of preserving and antiquing wood through charring with fire called shou-sugi-ban 焼き杉. Note that the oil used for final finish of the charred boards is plain tung oil.

    read more

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    Shou Sugi Ban in the UK

    Explore how the experts demonstrate the shou sugi ban technique (sometimes called yakisugi) to wood in the UK in this video demonstration from Wales, United Kingdom.

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    DIY Shou Sugi Ban on HGTV

    Another Kitchen Cousins DIY project but this one has an international twist. Here the HGTV remodel show explains a more modern version of the traditional Shou Sugi Ban technique. Anthony learned this very ancient art while studying in Japan. See this ancient art at its best!

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    Fujimori’s Shou Sugi Ban Technique

    From Austrian TV, watch a interesting newscast segment during which renowned Japanese architect Terunobu Fujimori demonstrates the Shou Sugi Ban (also known as yakisugi in Japan) technique in his architecture workshop.

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    Traditional Shou Sugi Ban Overview from Japanese TV

    From the fascinating and surreal world of Japanese television, watch a basic overview of the traditional Shou Sugi Ban technique (also called yakisugi in Japan).

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 Older Posts
Newer 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

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    June 9, 2025
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    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
  • Waterfront Mid-Century Home in Seattle gets Shou Sugi Ban Treatment
    February 12, 2025

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