Many people fascinated by the effects produced by the Shou Sugi Ban process wonder which wood will work best for them. It turns out that the available choice is really large and the final decision depends primarily on the investor’s preferences. In the remainder of this post, we explain, among other things: which wood to choose and the most important characteristics of the wood species used for this purpose.
What is Shou Sugi Ban?
Before choosing the right type of charred wood, it’s worth revisiting the roots of Shou Sugi Ban. Also known as Yakisugi, this traditional Japanese technique of wood preservation has been practiced for centuries. In the Land of the Rising Sun, it became a time-honored method for preparing durable building materials later used in a wide range of structures.
What makes Shou Sugi Ban so enduringly popular? The secret lies in its unique advantages, which include:
- its striking, unique appearance,
- ecological character,
- high durability,
- increased resistance to fire and to water (fired façade boards gain water-repellent properties, which protects them from seepage),
- resistance to rot and pest infestation.
At Atelier TwentyOne, we have perfected a distinctive method of wood charring—a modern evolution of the traditional Shou Sugi Ban technique. This approach seamlessly blends centuries-old craftsmanship with contemporary innovation. The result? A material of striking character and durability, prepared to serve a wide range of purposes, such as:
- charred facade boards,
- charred boards for terraces,
- burnt wood for interiors,
- charred wood fencing.
Aesthetically pleasing and durable charred wood furniture is also an interesting part of our range.
Shou Sugi Ban – which wood to choose for this process?
Traditionally, Japanese craftsmen used cedar for Shou Sugi Ban. In Europe, however, the palette is far broader. Today, species such as Accoya, larch, douglas fir, ash, and oak are all excellent candidates for this technique. Each brings its own distinct qualities, making the choice as much about aesthetics as it is about performance.
An important advantage is versatility: any wood charred for outdoor use can also be adapted for interiors provided it is protected with a natural deep-penetrating oil or a water-based epoxy resin.
The durability of the charred surface depends largely on the species selected. Some woods develop a thicker, more resilient carbon layer, while others form a subtler texture. When this carbonized layer is left intact, no additional maintenance is required. If, however, the wood is finished with oil or stain, we recommend a simple rinse with clean water every five to ten years to keep the cladding looking its best.
At Atelier TwentyOne, we proudly offer a carefully curated selection of woods for charring. Our catalogue includes:
- Accoya,
- Douglas fir,
- Scandinavian spruce,
- Siberian larch,
- le pin thermo traité.
Before making a final decision on which firewood to choose, it is worth reading a brief overview of each of the above species.
Accoya
One of the wood species we offer is Accoya. It is characterised by its high strength and high resistance to moisture and fungi. This unique wood is obtained from thirty-year-old trees and undergoes an acetylation process. It is noteworthy that Accoya meets the requirements of the first strength class and is very dimensionally stable. By treating this material using the Shou Sugi Ban method, an excellent raw material is obtained for the manufacture of, for example, façade cladding or decking. The tanning process brings out the natural beauty of this species of wood and brings out its rich colours.
Douglas fir
Discovering the origin of the coniferous tree called Douglas fir takes us to North America. The hallmark of this wood is the distinctive, clear grain, which is accentuated when it is tanned using the Japanese technique of Shou Sugi Ban. The charred wood of Douglas fir excels in a variety of design applications. Due to its resistance to adverse weather conditions and fungi, it is also used outdoors, e.g. as decking or fencing. A façade made of Douglas fir can delight with its appearance for a long time.
Scandinavian spruce
Lightness, availability and attractive price – all these features make Scandinavian spruce suitable for many projects, both indoors and outdoors. Facades, claddings or terraces made of it stand out with their unique character and eye-catching aesthetics. It is a wood species often treated with the Shou Sugi Ban technique, due to the fact that tanning allows it to bring out its beautiful colour and match the desired shades.
Siberian larch
This extremely hard and weather-resistant wood species is ideal for the manufacture of exterior cladding, façade panels or terraces. The Shou Sugi Ban technique further protects it from fire, insects or mould and enhances its natural beauty. The striking knots and unique colours of this material make many people consider choosing it when they plan to finish their interiors.
Thermo pine
When touching on the subject of what kind of burnt wood will work best, one cannot fail to mention Thermo pine. It is characterised by its great versatility, so boards preserved using the Shou Sugi Ban method can be used for fences or furniture, among other things. In the case of Atelier TwentyOne fences, we use thermally modified pine, or Thermo pine, which is more durable and less prone to degradation in the elements, thanks to its reduced moisture absorption.
Summary
By now, you know what Shou Sugi Ban is, and which types of fire-tempered timber make the best choice. From Accoya to Pin Thermo, Siberian larch and Douglas fir, the possibilities are wide-ranging, each offering its own balance of durability and visual appeal. Beyond its striking look, the charring process itself serves as a natural shield, protecting the wood against fire, water, and pests, while enhancing its decorative qualities.
If you’re looking for premium charred wood crafted with the Shou Sugi Ban technique at a fair price, and would like expert guidance on care, design integration, or installation, the team at Atelier TwentyOne will be glad to help.