Pika-Pika^® Champon Lot 2

Our minimum lumber order policy is set at 400 square feet or $5,000 due to our production equipment and processes being tailored for the larger volume siding market. For “accessories only” orders, please visit our online store.

Our standard policy states that the first line item must be a minimum of 400 square feet or $5000. However, it can consist of a mix of profiles if the oil finish is all the same (or if the products are unoiled). Our machine is optimized for large volume production; switching oil types for smaller orders is challenging. 

However, we’re happy to accommodate a mix of profiles to achieve the minimum—providing the order consists of stock items that do not need to be custom coated. Please see our Sales Policies for full details or contact our lumber sales team to make a detailed inquiry.

We have a flat pricing model, which means that our prices remain consistent across the board, regardless of the purchaser or volume.

We do not offer custom millwork of yakisugi for two reasons. First, yakisugi is a “form-follows-function” building material; it can only be consistently manufactured within a very limited dimension range. Second, since yakisugi was historically developed as a vernacular building material that maximized cost performance, our products stay within standard dimensions to maintain an affordable price point.

Most custom millwork requests are for dimensions that are thicker, narrower, wider, or longer than our standards. Boards wider than 8 inches are also more prone to checking, shrinking, and cupping. Contractors typically require a minimum board length of 8 feet for exterior or panel applications. Boards longer than 12 feet are less likely to maintain straightness through yakisugi’s charring and quenching process. In wood construction, the longer a board is, the straighter it needs to be. 

While we frequently collaborate with designers and builders to adapt our products to their design parameters, achieving custom dimensions can sometimes be challenging. Consulting with our technical support specialists allows us to propose effective solutions within the capabilities of our authentic yakisugi products. For some design visions, it may be more practical to use locally sourced wood stained to match specifications. 

While there may be some purported yakisugi or “shou sugi ban” products from other companies that claim availability in alternate or custom specifications, caution is advised. These non-standard options may lack the proven reliability and performance associated with Nakamoto Forestry’s authentic yakisugi products.

In Western Japan, brushed yakisugi (like our Gendai products) is traditionally installed without an oil finish and has demonstrated excellent performance. While finish coatings are not mandatory, they do enhance the overall lifespan and color longevity of any siding, including Gendai. Our specially formulated coatings enhance the durability of exterior wood installations by providing additional protection against UV rays and moisture. 

For yakisugi “shou sugi ban” customers with budget constraints, unoiled Gendai offers a solid choice. If desired, a finish coating can always be applied in the future. This flexibility allows for customization based on individual preferences and financial considerations.