Burnt Siding Technique

How to make charred wood siding without propane step 1.

Burnt siding technique.

The japanese invented this technique centuries ago calling it shou sugi ban or yakisugi. Charred wood siding and fencing are the products of an ancient japanese technique that makes a unique beautiful and durable exterior wood product. Coated or stainless steel fasteners rated for outdoor use with doug fir or cedar are recommended as is using proper protective gear when cutting or installing charred wood products. Apply on softwoods only.

Our charred wood products install with the same techniques as the traditional siding materials. The wood is burned until the surface is charred and then coated with natural oil. As a result of its porous nature cedar japanese cedar in particular readily chars to the depth needed for a. This took me a couple of minutes with some bricks i had lying.

Using a stiff brush carbon residue is then removed from the boards and the material is rinsed with water. Wooden boards are burnt on each side which is usually done with a blowtorch. Join me as i tour the factory where it s made. The essential idea is to burn the surface of wood to a varying degree of char.

Traditionally this practice is used with japanese cedar in order to weatherproof it. A light brushing process knocks down the heavy soot layer and leaves a smooth silky appearance. Make yourself a small fire pit. Colours usually range from a very rich natural wood colour to a deep black.

This technique to give wood siding fire resistance has some beautiful qualities. Don t quote me on this but my research indicates that shou sugi ban means burnt cedar board and it s a centuries old japanese technique for preserving wood with fire. Because burning the wood surface removes any existing rough patches. Originating in 18th century japan shou sugi ban is a particularly striking method of preserving wood by charring it with fire.

Tools and materials required. Once a board is dry it s ideal to apply a natural non toxic oil to seal it. How should diyers approach the shou sugi ban process for the best results. Basically it s a way to speed up the weathering process and make a wood plank naturally weatherproof.