Shou Sugi Ban

The traditional Japanese wood charring technique

Textural, bold, and resilient, Shou Sugi Ban also known as charred wood is a traditional Japanese technique that involves charring wood at high temperatures (up to 1200°C) to create a striking, elegant, and long-lasting architectural finish.

At Atelier TwentyOne, our proprietary heat treatment process forms a protective carbon layer on the wood. This enhances its natural grain and texture while making it highly resistant to weather, moisture, and decay. The result is a rich, tactile surface that combines beauty with durability.

These charred boards make a striking impression indoors, adding depth and texture to interior spaces. They’re also an excellent choice for exterior applications ideal for facades, terraces, and more offering both aesthetic appeal and long-lasting performance.

Sustainable production methods

Atelier TwentyOne is deeply committed to environmental responsibility, prioritizing sustainable sourcing and eco conscious production methods. We work exclusively with trusted partners, responsibly harvested, and built to last.

Our use of the traditional Shou Sugi Ban wood burning technique is not only effective but also environmentally friendly producing minimal emissions and requiring no chemical treatments. It’s a low impact process that delivers high performance and beautiful results.

Naturally low maintenance

The charred layer created through the traditional Shou Sugi Ban (or Yakisugi) firing process enhances the wood’s strength and offers natural protection against water, fire, pests, and rot. By carefully exposing the surface to intense heat, the hemicelluloses in the wood are burned away, permanently sealing the pores and increasing the wood’s resistance to decay.

Practiced in Japan for generations, Shou Sugi Ban is a revered wood burning technique known for transforming high quality timber into an exceptionally durable and eco friendly building material. Its striking, textured finish and resilience against the elements make it ideal for both architectural and interior applications.

At Atelier TwentyOne, we have refined this ancient technique through our proprietary wood charring process, combining centuries old craftsmanship with modern innovation. With years of experience in design, construction, and material engineering, our team transforms raw timber into bold, long lasting materials that meet the most ambitious creative visions.

Whether used for cladding, decking, or custom furniture, Shou Sugi Ban wood from Atelier TwentyOne is a symbol of timeless elegance, trusted by interior designers and architects across the world.

Shou Sugi Ban: durable, versatile, and visually striking

The traditional Japanese Shou Sugi Ban wood charring technique produces a material with exceptional properties. Wood treated through this process meets the highest construction standards, offering outstanding durability and, with proper maintenance, a lifespan that can extend for decades.
In addition to its strength and longevity, Shou Sugi Ban charred wood is a renewable and eco-friendly resource, making it an ideal choice for those who value sustainability and responsible design. Unlike chemical treatments, this natural method enhances the wood’s beauty and character without harming the environment.
The deep tones, rich textures, and visible grain patterns achieved through charring create a finish that is both visually striking and entirely unique. If you’re seeking premium materials that combine aesthetic appeal, durability, and environmental responsibility, Shou Sugi Ban is the perfect solution for your project.

The Yakisugi technique: unleashing the true beauty of wood

The traditional Japanese wood charring technique, Shou Sugi Ban (or Yakisugi), not only served as inspiration but also formed the foundation for Atelier TwentyOne’s proprietary wood charring process. Using a specially designed carbonization oven, we create an even, charred surface that imparts two key qualities to the wood: exceptional durability and striking aesthetics.

Our modernized approach to the Shou Sugi Ban technique enhances the natural beauty of the wood, making it a versatile material for a wide range of applications. The charred boards are perfect for creating stylish interior finishes as well as exterior features such as fences, terrace, and elegant building facades. Additionally, the technique is ideal for crafting unique pieces of furniture, providing a beautiful yet durable foundation for any project.

Timeless durability through the art of Shou Sugi Ban

The Japanese art of wood charring, which we’ve developed at Atelier TwentyOne, is not only valued for its ability to enhance the natural grain and unique character of wood, but also for its significant impact on durability. So, how does this process work?

Shou Sugi Ban charred boards can last for over 80 years with proper care. This remarkable longevity results from the formation of a carbon layer during the charring process, which strengthens the wood. The charred surface enhances the wood’s inherent durability, altering its chemical structure and protecting it from various threats. The heat causes the hemicellulose in the wood to react with the flames, reducing susceptibility to rot and pest infestations. The carbonized layer makes the wood hydrophobic, protecting it from water absorption and harsh weather conditions. Additionally, it raises the wood’s fire resistance, making it harder to ignite by increasing the temperature threshold required for spontaneous combustion.

The Yakisugi technique, modernized and perfected by Atelier TwentyOne, acts similarly to wood impregnation, offering an effective protective barrier against various environmental challenges. The charred boards produced through this process are perfect for both striking interior finishes and durable outdoor applications, maintaining their beauty and strength for years to come.

Burnt Wooden Board Texture. Sho Sugi Ban Yakisugi Is A Tradition

Shou Sugi Ban Wood Charring: a traditional method for reducing maintenance needs

When properly applied, the Japanese art of charring wood known as Shou Sugi Ban significantly enhances the wood’s resistance to external elements. The charring process forms a protective carbonized layer, greatly strengthening the wood and shielding it from water, fire, and other environmental factors. This treatment also prevents wood rot by protecting it from fungi, insects, and moisture. As a result, Shou Sugi Ban creates a highly durable and aesthetically appealing building material with reduced impregnation needs.

However, a common question arises: despite its extraordinary properties, does Shou Sugi Ban wood still require varnishing? This consideration is crucial for future users of projects utilizing this exceptional material.

Do Shou Sugi Ban charred boards need varnishing?

Burnt wood, particularly Shou Sugi Ban, is renowned for its remarkable durability and weather resistance, a testament to its use in countless Japanese buildings over the centuries, many of which remain in excellent condition. But is the charring process enough to ensure the wood’s long term performance without ongoing maintenance?

In practice, while Shou Sugi Ban wood ages gracefully, developing a stunning patina, softer woods may lose their charred layer faster than hardwoods or thermally modified woods. To preserve the integrity of the charred surface and maintain the uniform appearance of the brushed and oiled finish, reapplying a topcoat is essential.

To keep the wood vibrant, it is recommended to reapply a topcoat every 4-5 years. However, if you prefer to embrace the evolving beauty of the patina, re-oiling can be done every 10-15 years. For optimal maintenance, we suggest periodically re-coating with a topcoat. Atelier TwentyOne offers suitable finishing oils, available upon request, to ensure the continued beauty and longevity of your wood.

The ecological art of Japanese wood charring – Sustainable production in harmony with nature

At Atelier TwentyOne, we are deeply committed to environmental protection, prioritizing sustainable sourcing and production practices. We source wood from trusted partners to ensure that all our products are certified, eco-friendly, and durable. Our modernized Japanese wood burning technique stands out for its low emissions and minimal greenhouse gas output, making it a responsible choice for both you and the planet.

Japanese Shou Sugi Ban wood charring – Which wood types do we offer?

Wood from various tree species, including Douglas fir, larch, and spruce, is ideal for wood burning. Atelier TwentyOne offers a selection of carefully chosen wood types, each bringing unique advantages based on your project’s needs. Our collection includes:

Shou Sugi Ban wood brings a blend of modernity, timelessness, and natural beauty to any design, offering exceptional visual appeal. It’s also important to note that the cost of our Shou Sugi Ban charred wood boards remains competitive with others and more distinctive on the market.

Shou Sugi Ban wood – Versatile uses and applications

The modernized Shou Sugi Ban method creates wood with exceptional qualities. Its versatility, durability, and wide range of finishes make it perfect for both interior and exterior applications. Known as Yakisugi in Japan, this wood charring technique offers impressive benefits across many areas.
At Atelier TwentyOne, we offer a diverse selection of solutions crafted with our proprietary wood burning process, categorized into:

Interested in our products? We invite you to collaborate with us, we would love to help bring your design vision to life, with the Japanese art of wood burning at the heart of your project.

What is It like to collaborate with Atelier TwentyOne?

At Atelier TwentyOne, we collaborate closely with clients to bring their vision to life. What can you expect from us? With over 25 years of experience in construction and engineering, we offer expert guidance every step of the way. To help you make informed decisions, we provide wood and finish samples, allowing you to experience Shou Sugi Ban wood firsthand and understand why this traditional technique is celebrated worldwide.

In addition to manufacturing and selling our cladding and decking boards, we also offer comprehensive consulting services, guiding you through the design, installation, and maintenance of our products. This ensures proper installation and provides all the necessary information to keep them in optimal condition.

Interested in ordering Shou Sugi Ban charred wood boards and curious about pricing? As part of our collaboration, we will prepare a custom offer tailored to your needs and budget, ensuring a cost effective solution that aligns with your expectations.

If you have any questions about our products or the Shou Sugi Ban wood burning technique, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help!

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