• Shou Sugi Ban: The Traditional Art of Charred Cedar

Shou Sugi Ban

The Traditional Japanese Art of Charred Cedar

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  • Home ホームページ
  • Overview 概要
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    • Design
  • News ニュース
    • Newsletter
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    • Twitter
  • Techniques 技術
    • Shou Sugi Ban 101
    • DIY Projects
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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…

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From Farm Sheds to New Minimalism in the Cotswolds

Bureau de Change converted two traditional British chicken sheds on the Cotswolds Hills into the Long House. Katerina Dionysopoulou and Billy Mavropoulos, founders of Bureau de Change, were appointed by…

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March 21, 2020
Architecture, Design, News, Showcase

Striking Shou Sugi Ban Tunnel connects Old and New

Every home has a story, and for this renewed West Australian home, it began at the start of the 20th century. When the owners decided to build a new home…

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May 9, 2020
Architecture, Design, News, Showcase, Travel

Contemporary Lakeside Getaway becomes Refuge

On the surface, the house doesn’t look terribly different than the many century-old farmsteads dotting the surrounding fields. The overall shape, conceived by Montreal architecture office RHA Works in collaboration…

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April 14, 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.

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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

  • Dragon Mansion Clad in Striking Shou Sugi Ban Exterior
    June 9, 2025
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    May 16, 2025
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    April 12, 2025
  • Farmhouse Fixer find Shou Sugi Ban Barn Doors a Delight
    March 8, 2025
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    February 12, 2025

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