What is yakisugi “shou sugi ban”?

Yakisugi is a product, not a burning process. The term refers to a specific type of charred wood exterior siding that has been used as a vernacular building material in Western Japan for hundreds of years. In other parts of the world, yakisugi is sometimes called “shou sugi ban” siding. Traditional yakisugi siding starts with logs of Japanese cedar (known as “sugi” in Japan) that are holistically milled into thin planks. The wood then receives intensive flame-treatment to improve resistance to rot, UV, moisture, fire, insects, and dimensional movement versus untreated wood siding. Yakisugi’s maintenance-optional durability provides exceptional long-term cost performance over its extended natural life cycle. Yakisugi also offers a timeless beauty that is readily adaptable to projects. It has a quintessential wabi-sabi design aesthetic that can be finished in different ways to achieve a broad range of appearances. Learn more about authentic yakisugi.

I’m confused. What is the difference between “yakisugi” and “shou sugi ban”?

The short answer is that there is no difference—they refer to the exact same product. But here’s how we got two competing terms for the same kind of charred Japanese cedar siding. In Japan, the term yakisugi is used exclusively to describe this material, though it is sometimes written as yakisugi-ita. The alternate name shou sugi ban originates from a Westerner’s misreading of yakisugi-ita, where they apparently mixed Japanese and Chinese pronunciations of the ideograms. The word “yaki” in Japanese (meaning burnt or charred) is pronounced “shou” in Chinese. “Sugi” refers to the conifer Cryptomeria japonica—a type of cedar that’s indigenous to Japan. “Ban” is the Chinese reading of the ideogram for board or plank, pronounced “ita” in Japanese. While the term shou sugi ban caught on in the West when the material was introduced in the 1990s, the online keyword yakisugi is appearing more frequently in searches, databases, and media. Read more about yakisugi vs shou sugi ban.

Can yakisugi “shou sugi ban” be used for cabinets, doors, or table-tops?

Yes. Our 18mm and 30mm yakisugi “shou sugi ban” profiles are suitable for applications requiring thicker board stock. Our standard 9/16” thickness yakisugi siding can be edged and/or back-planed, then glued up as the cabinet or door facing. For specific dimensions and profiles, please refer to the individual product specification sheets. We also offer unburned sugi and hinoki lumber; these products are optimal for furniture and cabinet applications. Feel free to reach out to our sales team for information on currently available options. Please note that we do not do custom millwork.

Can yakisugi “shou sugi ban” be used for framing or decking lumber?

No. Due to the high temperature heat treatment process, yakisugi “shou sugi ban” is a thin-plank lumber material used primarily for cosmetic cladding. Our standard charred wood thickness for siding is 9/16”, and our 18mm and 30mm profiles are not thick enough to be used as framing lumber (6/4 or more by code.) Yakisugi is also too soft to use as decking. For framing or decking lumber, it is advised to use a local wood option instead of yakisugi.

Do any of the dozens of species of wood termites attack yakisugi “shou sugi ban” siding?

No. Yakisugi siding is resistant to wood termites. The charring process reduces cellulose and installation over a screen wall allows the siding to dry out quickly, making it an unattractive target for wood-boring insects. Learn more about yakisugi’s pest resistance.

Shou Sugi Ban Siding | Nakamoto Forestry

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Suyaki® Tung Oil Black

Exterior

Tung oil transforms the unbrushed charred surface of our Suyaki® yakisugi “shou sugi ban” into a leathery texture that slows soot layer erosion, extends wood durability, and creates an even black color. This combination is suitable for exterior installations. Yakisugi heat treatment hardens and protects the siding against pests, moisture, and fire. While tung oil slows the weathering process, the siding will still develop its own a unique patina in response to the local climate over time.

SKUs

Profile	Select Grade	Premium Clear Grade
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap	SA2411	–
1 x 6 x 12 S3S Square Edge	SB2411	–
1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap	SE2411	–
1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge	SF2411	–
1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge	–	SG2411
5/4 x 2-1/2 x 12 S3S Square Edge	–	SH2411
5/4 x 5 x 12 S3S Square Edge	–	SJ2411
5/4 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge	SL2411	–

Considerations

Offers a user-friendly exterior product with a leathery surface that will slowly patina over time.
Soot layer erosion will happen over time; this is the nature of this very traditional material. Not suitable for high-traffic applications.
Easy to touch up if scratched or scuffed.
Handle with care. Soot residue, caking, and blemishing (especially along board edges) are all common with this product.
Keep siding slip-sheeted until installation to prevent blocking between boards as well as abrasion blemishes.

Patina scale

Patina Scale: 1

Graphic depicting a Patina Scale with a score of 1

The Patina Scale has been developed by Nakamoto Forestry to approximate how its products will weather over time—from 0 (“less patina/more color longevity”) to 10 (“less color longevity/more patina”). However, every product weathers at a different rate due to local conditions, and the Patina Scale is intended as general guidance only, and is solely for informational purposes. Nakamoto Forestry makes no guarantees, representations, or warranties, express or implied, regarding the appearance or color longevity of its products after installation.

Dimensions

*Dimensional shrinkage after manufacture is possible due to being a solid-sawn wood product.

1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap

1 x 6 x 12 S3S Square Edge

1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap

1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge

1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge

5/4 x 2-1/2 x 12 S3S Square Edge

5/4 x 5 x 12 S3S Square Edge

5/4 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge

Finish details

Tung Oil Black

Our unique tung oil blend was formulated specifically for exterior Suyaki® applications. This oil stain penetrates and stabilizes the delicate soot layer, making it easier to handle during installation. This coating also includes a black pigment to even out the surface color. The siding’s leathery texture will naturally blemish and weather over time, and can easily be retouched as desired. Not suitable for high-traffic applications. Delivered ready to install.

Prefinish Options

Coated face only

Prefinish Color

Black

Field Cuts

Coat all field cuts and rips with touch up oil

Installation details

For installation instructions

Installation manual available upon request, please contact us for assistance.

Overage

Please add a healthy overage ranging from 15–25%, as shipping additional material can be expensive.

Fastening (Exterior)

Two ring or screw-shank headed face nails or screws per furring strip within 1” of each edge.

Substrate (Exterior)

Rigid furring maximum 16” on-center.

Installation Layout

Vertical or horizontal, all profiles.

Moisture Content

Air dried then kiln dried to 9-13% MC, but may fluctuate during transport or warehousing. Please acclimate on site for two weeks prior to installation.

Species

Cryptomeria japonica, a monotypic genus in the cedar family native to Japan. The Japanese name is "sugi", as in yakisugi and "shou sugi ban". In English it is colloquially called Japanese cedar.

Certifications

Fire Resistance

ASTM E2707 & CSFM 12-7A-1 WUI
ASTM E-84 Class B

Sustainability

PEFC chain of custody certified PEFC/29-44-03

Resource downloads

Download Rendering Field

Download Product Specs

CSI Guide Specifications

Policies, Terms & Conditions

Exterior

Suyaki® Tung Oil Black