What should I use to treat charred wood to preserve its properties for as long as possible?
It’s a question we often hear from customers who admire not only the aesthetics but also the durability of this remarkable material, and who want to ensure their cladding, decking, or fencing boards retain their beauty for years to come.
In today’s article, we’ll explore the essentials of caring for Shou Sugi Ban timber: which oils work best, how to apply them, and just as importantly, when to refresh the treatment.
How do I protect charred wood from damage?
Charred wood created with the Shou Sugi Ban technique is not only beautiful but also exceptionally durable, making it a premium choice for cladding. At Atelier TwentyOne, our patented carbonisation process extends the lifespan of timber far beyond that of conventional, non-carbonised solutions.
During carbonisation, a protective surface layer is formed—thicker and more resistant than untreated wood. This carbon layer shields the material from environmental stressors such as sun, rain, rot, and insects. It also enhances water repellency, preventing the boards from becoming waterlogged.
While our charred timber cladding offers superior resistance and requires less frequent upkeep, consistent care is still essential for the best long-term results. The key is periodic oiling: we recommend re-coating the surface with a suitable natural oil every 4–5 years. This simple maintenance step helps preserve both the striking appearance and protective qualities of Shou Sugi Ban wood for decades to come.
Caring for fire-tempered timber: the art of oiling
The uniqueness of wood treated with the Shou Sugi Ban technique makes it worth caring for properly. How often you need to re-oil depends largely on the species of wood you’ve chosen. If you already own Shou Sugi Ban cladding and are unsure which oil to use or how frequently to refresh it, our team at Atelier TwentyOne will be happy to advise you on the right product and maintenance schedule.
So how do you protect charred wood without making a costly mistake?
When re-oiling, always test the chosen product on a small offcut first to see how the surface reacts. Apply the oil lightly, enough to nourish the material but not so much that it alters the natural, elegant appearance of the charred finish.
The good news is that Shou Sugi Ban cladding generally requires little upkeep. If your façade is not exposed to extreme conditions, no special treatment is needed. For occasional cleaning, gently remove stains or dirt with a soft broom and mild soap. Indoors, a damp, soft cloth is sufficient. In both cases, always test a small area first to ensure the cleaner does not affect the surface finish. Avoid power washing, as the high pressure may compromise the delicate carbonised layer. For more thorough care, special wood cleaners formulated for charred timber are also available.
Talk to Atelier TwentyOne – experts in the art of burnt wood
Do you have a project in mind that calls for burnt wood?
If you’re searching for elegant Shou Sugi Ban solutions, and professional guidance on choosing the right product, the ideal wood species, or the best way to maintain it—our team will be delighted to help.
At Atelier TwentyOne, we combine expertise with passion to offer tailored advice and exceptional materials. Explore our product range, where you’ll find a wide selection of kiln-charred wood solutions, including:
- charred cladding boards,
- charred decking,
- tanned wood for interiors,
- charred fencing,
- charred wood furniture.
Contact us today for a quote.