Yakisugi Blog

Timber as a Renewable Resource

When managed properly, timber is a valuable renewable resource. By definition, “renewable” means that there is no depletion of the resource. Unlike solar energy and wind, timber is a resource that we…

Flame Treated Wood

The use of flame treated wood by humans stretches nearly as far back in history as the use of wood itself. People first began modifying wood with fire around 400,000 years ago,…

How Long Does Shou Sugi Ban Last?

Customers often ask us how long shou sugi ban will last. Eighty years is commonly seen on the internet but I am not sure where that specific number came from. I’ve traveled throughout…

Real vs. Fake Shou Sugi Ban

Is what you’re looking at real shou sugi ban, with all the durability and beauty of the tradition? Or is it fake shou sugi ban made to look the same in order…

Passive House Case Study: Issaquah

The Passive House building standard is the most rigorous in terms of energy efficient design. It leads the industry in both Europe and North America. We recently had the opportunity to check…

Shiisaa of Okinawa

Hello friends, in what may be a departure from our normal posts about yakisugi, I would like to instead focus on a cultural peculiarity that I found intriguing during my time spent…

Shiplap boards stacked up at our Japanese mill in Hiroshima

Shiplap or Square Edge?

Choosing a Profile for Shou Sugi Ban Siding 1. Choosing a Shou Sugi Ban Surface for your Project 2. How to Select an Oil Prefinish for Shou Sugi Ban Siding 3. Choosing…

Clear Grade Sugi

Choosing a Wood Grade for Shou Sugi Ban

Catch up on our product selection walkthrough series here! Part 1: Choosing a Shou Sugi Ban Surface for your Project Part 2: How to Select an Oil Prefinish for Shou Sugi Ban…