Shou Sugi Ban

The Traditional Japanese Art of Charred Cedar

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    • Shou Sugi Ban 101
    • DIY Projects
  • Video ビデオ
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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, News, Showcase

Shou Sugi Ban Atelier in an Orchard

The architects of Dutch studio XVW architectuur designed the Atelier in an Orchard, a small building combining contemporary form with the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique to create a simple,…

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August 12, 2021
Design, News, Showcase, Wellness

Take the Plunge with Shou Sugi Ban

For centuries, athletes struggled with post-workout muscle swelling and joint inflammations which held them back from performing their best. Injuries and conditions like arthritis have also kept many individuals wide…

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July 15, 2021
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
  • Architecture,  Design,  News,  Techniques

    That Wood is on Fire

    Shou-sugi-ban, a Japanese wood-charring technique, is emerging as one of builders’ and woodworkers’ favorite trends this year. From Dwell Magazine, That Wood is on Fire: 5 Examples of Shou-Sugi-Ban.  

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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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    March 8, 2025
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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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