Is wood charred using the Shou Sugi Ban method sustainable?

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Not everyone realises the full potential of wood charred using the Shou Sugi Ban method. With the right treatment, this noble natural material is transformed into something truly extraordinary—a surface with a unique visual appeal that is hard to overlook. Just as important are its functional qualities: fire-tempered wood is celebrated for its durability and strength, thanks to its resistance to weathering, fungi, mould, and pests.

This rare combination of elegant aesthetics, resilience, and eco-friendliness has made Shou Sugi Ban a favourite among architects and designers working on both residential and commercial projects.

In the following section, we’ll take a closer look at the question of durability. Is charred wood really as long-lasting as it is claimed to be? You’ll discover what makes Shou Sugi Ban timber so resistant, how it performs over time, and why it stands out as a material built to last.

Shou Sugi Ban – the Japanese art of charring wood

To better understand the characteristics of charred wood, it’s worth beginning with the origins of Shou Sugi Ban. This traditional Japanese technique involves carefully charring the surface of timber, a process that enhances both its technical performance and its visual appeal. Through fire, wood gains a set of remarkable qualities, including:

  • High durability and resistance to UV radiation, pests, and waterlogging

  • Long service life well beyond that of untreated timber

  • Natural impregnation, reducing the need for chemical treatments

  • Unique, elegant design that highlights the wood’s natural grain and texture

    Over time, modern variations of the method have emerged, building upon this centuries-old tradition. Among them, the proprietary process developed by Atelier TwentyOne stands out. Using a specially designed carbonisation furnace, we achieve an evenly charred surface that not only enhances the wood’s distinctive character but also delivers exceptional technical performance. The result is a material that combines timeless aesthetics with the durability to remain in excellent condition for decades.

    Is charred wood using the Shou Sugi Ban method really that durable?

    In the design world, Shou Sugi Ban is legendary for its unmatched durability. While some sceptics may question whether these claims are exaggerated, our long-standing experience proves otherwise. The remarkable resilience of charred wood is real. Boards treated with our proprietary method can last for over 80 years in excellent condition, making Shou Sugi Ban not just a design choice, but a true investment for generations.

    What is Shou Sugi Ban wood resistant to?

    One of the key factors behind the durability of charred wood is its remarkable resistance to hazards. When the Shou Sugi Ban technique first emerged in Japan centuries ago, its creators focused especially on enhancing fire resistance. In an era when fires were common in the Land of the Cherry Blossom, charred planks became an effective defence against this constant threat. This benefit remains just as relevant today, with kiln-fired Shou Sugi Ban widely appreciated for applications such as building façades.

    Fire resistance is not the only asset that shapes the opinion of the durability of charred wood. During the process of treating this raw material, a charred layer is formed , which strengthens the wood and protects it from waterlogging. Another benefit of the Shou Sugi Ban method is that it protects the wood from rotting. This eliminates the risk of this material degrading under the influence:

    • mushrooms,
    • mould,
    • moisture,
    • pest interference.

    Is it necessary to oil charred wood?

    Charring wood produces a natural building material characterised by durability, unique aesthetics and reduced impregnation requirements. Does this mean that flame treated boards do not need to be oiled?

    Over time, charred wood develops an aesthetic patina on its surface. The peeling of the charred layer occurs more quickly in softer woods, while it progresses more slowly in hardwoods or thermally modified woods.

    To maintain the uniform colour of a brushed and oiled finish, measures should be taken to prevent further degradation of the oiled surface . This requires periodic reapplication of the topcoat, with the frequency depending on the client’s preference.

    • Would you like your fire-treated boards to retain their colour as vividly as possible? In that case, we recommend recoating every 4 to 5 years.
    • Do you prefer the naturally developing patina that comes with age? If so, re-oiling can be carried out far less frequently, every 10 to 15 years.

    At Atelier TwentyOne, we advise cooperating builders to periodically reapply the appropriate finish to our products. Upon request, we can supply the necessary finishing oils tailored to the specific needs of our clients’ Shou Sugi Ban wood.

    What is Shou Sugi Ban wood used for?

    Due to its incredible durability, ecological qualities and unconventional aesthetics, Shou Sugi Ban-fired wood stands out for its wide range of applications. In Atelier TwentyOne’s offer, investors who are interested in, among other things, the following will find the right solution for themselves:

    It is worth noting that our customers can choose from a variety of selected wood species, which come from sustainably grown forests. Among the species of this unique raw material we offer are:

    If you’re planning a project that calls for high-quality, durable, and beautifully crafted charred wood, we’d be delighted to collaborate with you at Atelier TwentyOne.

    And if you’d like to explore the subject further, we invite you to browse through our other articles full of insights, inspiration, and practical advice on working with Shou Sugi Ban.