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Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) is an aromatic and rot-resistant lumber species native to central and southern Japan. The wood's straight grain, light color, and luxe planed sheen make it an ideal aesthetic material for wall, floor, and ceiling surfaces. Can be substituted for Port Orford Cedar in most specifications. Hinoki's aesthetic beauty and resiliency make it an excellent choice for both interior and exterior applications, with or without a finish applied.
1 x 5 x 12 Moulder Blank
| SKU | Grade | Profile |
|---|---|---|
| HM2000 | Premium Clear | 1 x 5 x 12 Moulder Blank |
1 x 5 x 12 Moulder Blank
Hinoki’s durability and preservability are among the highest levels in the world. If coated with a finish, the wood will lose its fragrance. Customers can add their own preferred coating to wood after milling using standard tradecraft.
n/a
n/a
For more detailed installation and maintenance guidance, our installation manual is available upon request. Please contact our sales team to get a copy.
Installation manual available upon request, please contact us for assistance.
Please add a healthy overage ranging 15–25%, as shipping additional material can be expensive.
Per design specifications
Per design specifications
Per design specifications
For more detailed installation and maintenance guidance, our installation manual is available upon request. Please contact our sales team to get a copy.
Please inquire with our Sales team for current certifications and listings.
PEFC chain of custody certified PEFC/29-44-03
Our Pika-Pika® yakisugi “shou sugi ban” products receive a double brushing to remove most loose soot. This reveals a textured wood surface with striped grain patterns. We then apply two coats of our plant-derived architectural grade alkyd oil prefinish prior to shipment. This combination is suitable for both exterior siding and interior paneling installations.
For premium clear grade and clear vertical grain pricing, please contact Sales
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Select
1 x 6 x 12 S3S Square Edge
1 x 6 x 12 S4S Square Edge
1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap
1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Premium Clear
1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge
| SKU | Grade | Profile |
|---|---|---|
| PA2321 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Select |
| PD2321 | Premium Clear | 1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Premium Clear |
| PB2321 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
| PC2321 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 S4S Square Edge |
| PE2321 | Select | 1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap |
| PF2321 | Select | 1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
| PG2321 | Clear Vertical Grain | 1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
Patina Scale: 2
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap
1 x 6 x 12 S3S & S4S Square Edge
1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap
1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge
1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge
Our semi-solid alkyd oil stains provide a permeable yet protective coating that adds color, while still allowing some of the wood’s natural texture to show through. These durable, water-based stains resist moisture and UV radiation. They offer a great option for those who prefer color consistency over a changing natural patina. Delivered ready to install..
2 coats face; Coated on face and back only
Black
Not Available
Coat all field cuts and rips with touch up oil
Installation manual available upon request, please contact us for assistance.
Please add a healthy overage ranging 15–25%, as shipping additional material can be expensive.
Two ring or screw-shank headed face nails or screws per furring strip within 1” of each edge.
Rigid furring maximum 16” on-center.
Tube adhesive and pin nails
Per design specifications
Vertical or horizontal, all profiles.
For more detailed installation and maintenance guidance, our installation manual is available upon request. Please contact our sales team to get a copy.
ASTM E-84 Class B
PEFC chain of custody certified PEFC/29-44-03
Our Pika-Pika® yakisugi “shou sugi ban” products receive a double brushing to remove most loose soot. This reveals a textured wood surface with striped grain patterns. We then apply two coats of our plant-derived architectural grade alkyd oil prefinish prior to shipment. This combination is suitable for both exterior siding and interior paneling installations.
For premium clear grade and clear vertical grain pricing, please contact Sales
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Select
1 x 6 x 12 S3S Square Edge
1 x 6 x 12 S4S Square Edge
1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap
1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Premium Clear
1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge
| SKU | Grade | Profile |
|---|---|---|
| PA2322 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Select |
| PD2322 | Premium Clear | 1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Premium Clear |
| PB2322 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
| PC2322 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 S4S Square Edge |
| PE2322 | Select | 1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap |
| PF2322 | Select | 1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
| PG2322 | Clear Vertical Grain | 1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
Patina Scale: 2
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap
1 x 6 x 12 S3S & S4S Square Edge
1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap
1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge
1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge
Our semi-solid alkyd oil stains provide a permeable yet protective coating that adds color, while still allowing some of the wood’s natural texture to show through. These durable, water-based stains resist moisture and UV radiation. They offer a great option for those who prefer color consistency over a changing natural patina. Delivered ready to install..
2 coats face; Coated on face and back only
Natural
Not Available
Coat all field cuts and rips with touch up oil
Installation manual available upon request, please contact us for assistance.
Please add a healthy overage ranging 15–25%, as shipping additional material can be expensive.
Two ring or screw-shank headed face nails or screws per furring strip within 1” of each edge.
Rigid furring maximum 16” on-center.
Tube adhesive and pin nails
Per design specifications
Vertical or horizontal, all profiles.
For more detailed installation and maintenance guidance, our installation manual is available upon request. Please contact our sales team to get a copy.
ASTM E-84 Class B
PEFC chain of custody certified PEFC/29-44-03
Our Pika-Pika® yakisugi “shou sugi ban” products receive a double brushing to remove most loose soot. This reveals a textured wood surface with striped grain patterns. We then apply two coats of our plant-derived architectural grade alkyd oil prefinish prior to shipment. This combination is suitable for both exterior siding and interior paneling installations.
For premium clear grade and clear vertical grain pricing, please contact Sales
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Select
1 x 6 x 12 S3S Square Edge
1 x 6 x 12 S4S Square Edge
1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap
1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Premium Clear
1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge
| SKU | Grade | Profile |
|---|---|---|
| PA2324 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Select |
| PD2324 | Premium Clear | 1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Premium Clear |
| PB2324 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
| PC2324 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 S4S Square Edge |
| PE2324 | Select | 1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap |
| PF2324 | Select | 1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
| PG2324 | Clear Vertical Grain | 1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
Patina Scale: 2
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap
1 x 6 x 12 S3S & S4S Square Edge
1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap
1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge
1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge
Our semi-solid alkyd oil stains provide a permeable yet protective coating that adds color, while still allowing some of the wood’s natural texture to show through. These durable, water-based stains resist moisture and UV radiation. They offer a great option for those who prefer color consistency over a changing natural patina. Delivered ready to install..
2 coats face; Coated on face and back only
Brown
Not Available
Coat all field cuts and rips with touch up oil
Installation manual available upon request, please contact us for assistance.
Please add a healthy overage ranging 15–25%, as shipping additional material can be expensive.
Two ring or screw-shank headed face nails or screws per furring strip within 1” of each edge.
Rigid furring maximum 16” on-center.
Tube adhesive and pin nails
Per design specifications
Vertical or horizontal, all profiles.
For more detailed installation and maintenance guidance, our installation manual is available upon request. Please contact our sales team to get a copy.
ASTM E-84 Class B
PEFC chain of custody certified PEFC/29-44-03
Our Pika-Pika® yakisugi “shou sugi ban” products receive a double brushing to remove most loose soot. This reveals a textured wood surface with striped grain patterns. We then apply two coats of our plant-derived architectural grade alkyd oil prefinish prior to shipment. This combination is suitable for both exterior siding and interior paneling installations.
For premium clear grade and clear vertical grain pricing, please contact Sales
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Select
1 x 6 x 12 S3S Square Edge
1 x 6 x 12 S4S Square Edge
1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap
1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Premium Clear
1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge
| SKU | Grade | Profile |
|---|---|---|
| PA2325 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Select |
| PD2325 | Premium Clear | 1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Premium Clear |
| PB2325 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
| PC2325 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 S4S Square Edge |
| PE2325 | Select | 1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap |
| PF2325 | Select | 1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
| PG2325 | Clear Vertical Grain | 1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
Patina Scale: 2
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap
1 x 6 x 12 S3S & S4S Square Edge
1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap
1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge
1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge
Our semi-solid alkyd oil stains provide a permeable yet protective coating that adds color, while still allowing some of the wood’s natural texture to show through. These durable, water-based stains resist moisture and UV radiation. They offer a great option for those who prefer color consistency over a changing natural patina. Delivered ready to install..
2 coats face; Coated on face and back only
Dark Gray
Not Available
Coat all field cuts and rips with touch up oil
Installation manual available upon request, please contact us for assistance.
Please add a healthy overage ranging 15–25%, as shipping additional material can be expensive.
Two ring or screw-shank headed face nails or screws per furring strip within 1” of each edge.
Rigid furring maximum 16” on-center.
Tube adhesive and pin nails
Per design specifications
Vertical or horizontal, all profiles.
For more detailed installation and maintenance guidance, our installation manual is available upon request. Please contact our sales team to get a copy.
ASTM E-84 Class B
PEFC chain of custody certified PEFC/29-44-03
Our Pika-Pika® yakisugi “shou sugi ban” products receive a double brushing to remove most loose soot. This reveals a textured wood surface with striped grain patterns. We then apply two coats of our plant-derived architectural grade alkyd oil prefinish prior to shipment. This combination is suitable for both exterior siding and interior paneling installations.
For premium clear grade and clear vertical grain pricing, please contact Sales
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Select
1 x 6 x 12 S3S Square Edge
1 x 6 x 12 S4S Square Edge
1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap
1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Premium Clear
1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge
| SKU | Grade | Profile |
|---|---|---|
| PA2326 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Select |
| PD2326 | Premium Clear | 1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Premium Clear |
| PB2326 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
| PC2326 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 S4S Square Edge |
| PE2326 | Select | 1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap |
| PF2326 | Select | 1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
| PG2326 | Clear Vertical Grain | 1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
Patina Scale: 2
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap
1 x 6 x 12 S3S & S4S Square Edge
1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap
1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge
1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge
Our semi-solid alkyd oil stains provide a permeable yet protective coating that adds color, while still allowing some of the wood’s natural texture to show through. These durable, water-based stains resist moisture and UV radiation. They offer a great option for those who prefer color consistency over a changing natural patina. Delivered ready to install..
2 coats face; Coated on face and back only
Light Gray
Not Available
Coat all field cuts and rips with touch up oil
Installation manual available upon request, please contact us for assistance.
Please add a healthy overage ranging 15–25%, as shipping additional material can be expensive.
Two ring or screw-shank headed face nails or screws per furring strip within 1” of each edge.
Rigid furring maximum 16” on-center.
Tube adhesive and pin nails
Per design specifications
Vertical or horizontal, all profiles.
For more detailed installation and maintenance guidance, our installation manual is available upon request. Please contact our sales team to get a copy.
ASTM E-84 Class B
PEFC chain of custody certified PEFC/29-44-03
Our Pika-Pika® yakisugi “shou sugi ban” products receive a double brushing to remove most loose soot. This reveals a textured wood surface with striped grain patterns. We then apply two coats of our plant-derived architectural grade alkyd oil prefinish prior to shipment. This combination is suitable for both exterior siding and interior paneling installations.
For premium clear grade and clear vertical grain pricing, please contact Sales
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Select
1 x 6 x 12 S3S Square Edge
1 x 6 x 12 S4S Square Edge
1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap
1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Premium Clear
1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge
| SKU | Grade | Profile |
|---|---|---|
| PA2327 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Select |
| PD2327 | Premium Clear | 1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Premium Clear |
| PB2327 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
| PC2327 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 S4S Square Edge |
| PE2327 | Select | 1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap |
| PF2327 | Select | 1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
| PG2327 | Clear Vertical Grain | 1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
Patina Scale: 2
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap
1 x 6 x 12 S3S & S4S Square Edge
1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap
1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge
1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge
Our semi-solid alkyd oil stains provide a permeable yet protective coating that adds color, while still allowing some of the wood’s natural texture to show through. These durable, water-based stains resist moisture and UV radiation. They offer a great option for those who prefer color consistency over a changing natural patina. Delivered ready to install..
2 coats face; Coated on face and back only
White
Not Available
Coat all field cuts and rips with touch up oil
Installation manual available upon request, please contact us for assistance.
Please add a healthy overage ranging 15–25%, as shipping additional material can be expensive.
Two ring or screw-shank headed face nails or screws per furring strip within 1” of each edge.
Rigid furring maximum 16” on-center.
Tube adhesive and pin nails
Per design specifications
Vertical or horizontal, all profiles.
For more detailed installation and maintenance guidance, our installation manual is available upon request. Please contact our sales team to get a copy.
ASTM E-84 Class B
PEFC chain of custody certified PEFC/29-44-03
Our Pika-Pika® yakisugi “shou sugi ban” products receive a double brushing to remove all loose soot. This reveals a textured wood surface with striped grain patterns. We then apply a warranted acrylic coating prior to shipment. This combination is suitable for both exterior siding and interior paneling.
For premium clear grade and clear vertical grain pricing, please contact Sales
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Select
1 x 6 x 12 S3S Square Edge
1 x 6 x 12 S4S Square Edge
1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap
1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap + Fire Retardant
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Premium Clear
1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge
| SKU | Grade | Profile |
|---|---|---|
| PA2751 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Select |
| PD2751 | Premium Clear | 1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Premium Clear |
| PB2751 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
| PC2751 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 S4S Square Edge |
| PE2751 | Select | 1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap |
| PF2751 | Select | 1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
| PG2751 | Clear Vertical Grain | 1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
| YA2751 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap + Fire Retardant |
Patina Scale: 0
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap
1 x 6 x 12 S3S & S4S Square Edge
1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap
1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge
1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge
Acrylic latex coatings offer the best performance on the market due to their high adhesion, high build, and solid color. This finish is designed to withstand challenging exterior environments and has been tested in the field for over 60 years. It carries a limited manufacturer warranty of 25 years. Delivered ready to install.
Coated on 4 sides
Black
Available Select Grade 1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap only
Coat all field cuts and rips with touch up oil
Installation manual available upon request, please contact us for assistance.
Please add a healthy overage ranging 15–25%, as shipping additional material can be expensive.
Two ring or screw-shank headed face nails or screws per furring strip within 1” of each edge.
Rigid furring maximum 16” on-center.
Tube adhesive and pin nails
Per design specifications
Vertical or horizontal, all profiles.
For more detailed installation and maintenance guidance, our installation manual is available upon request. Please contact our sales team to get a copy.
Please inquire with our Sales team for current certifications and listings.
PEFC chain of custody certified PEFC/29-44-03
Our Pika-Pika® yakisugi "shou sugi ban" products receive a double brushing to remove most loose soot. This reveals a textured wood surface with striped grain patterns. Our unoiled version is suitable for both exterior and interior installations, and is meant to be coated by the customer.
For premium clear grade and clear vertical grain pricing, please contact Sales
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Select
1 x 6 x 12 S3S Square Edge
1 x 6 x 12 S4S Square Edge
1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap
1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap + Fire Retardant
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Premium Clear
1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge
| SKU | Grade | Profile |
|---|---|---|
| PA2000 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Select |
| PD2000 | Premium Clear | 1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Premium Clear |
| PB2000 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
| PC2000 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 S4S Square Edge |
| PE2000 | Select | 1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap |
| PF2000 | Select | 1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
| PG2000 | Clear Vertical Grain | 1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
| YA2000 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap + Fire Retardant |
Patina Scale: 8
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap
1 x 6 x 12 S3S & S4S Square Edge
1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap
1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge
1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge
Yakisugi heat treatment makes a finish coating unnecessary. Unoiled siding can always be oiled in the future to add color or protection. Delivered ready to install.
n/a
n/a
Available Select grade 1 x 6 x 12 shiplap only
Coat all field cuts and rips with touch up oil
Installation manual available upon request, please contact us for assistance.
Please add a healthy overage ranging 15–25%, as shipping additional material can be expensive.
Two ring or screw-shank headed face nails or screws per furring strip within 1” of each edge.
Rigid furring maximum 16” on-center.
Tube adhesive and pin nails
Per design specifications
Vertical or horizontal, all profiles.
For more detailed installation and maintenance guidance, our installation manual is available upon request. Please contact our sales team to get a copy.
ASTM E-84 Class B, Class A withfire retardant (SKU# YA2000)
PEFC chain of custody certified PEFC/29-44-03
EPD registration: JR-BC-20003E-A
Our Pika-Pika® yakisugi “shou sugi ban” products receive a double brushing to remove all loose soot. This reveals a textured wood surface with striped grain patterns. Our polyurethane finish ensures a high-traffic, non-toxic, washable surface; only suitable for interior applications.
For premium clear grade and clear vertical grain pricing, please contact Sales
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Select
1 x 6 x 12 S3S Square Edge
1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap
1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Premium Clear
1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge
| SKU | Grade | Profile |
|---|---|---|
| PA2529 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Select |
| PD2529 | Premium Clear | 1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap Premium Clear |
| PB2529 | Select | 1 x 6 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
| PE2529 | Select | 1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap |
| PF2529 | Select | 1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
| PG2529 | Clear Vertical Grain | 1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge |
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
Our non-toxic polyurethane is a clean and hard coating that protects the wood from dirt and abrasion. It can be quickly wiped down with a moist cloth, or easily touched up. This coating is not suitable for exterior applications or in any installation where the product will be consistently exposed to moisture (e.g., shower walls/ceilings). Delivered ready to install.
2 coats face only
Clear
Not Available
Coat all field cuts and rips with touch up oil
Installation manual available upon request, please contact us for assistance.
Please add a healthy overage ranging 15–25%, as shipping additional material can be expensive.
Tube adhesive and pin nails
Per design specifications
Vertical or horizontal, all profiles.
For more detailed installation and maintenance guidance, our installation manual is available upon request. Please contact our sales team to get a copy.
Please inquire with our Sales team for current certifications and listings.
PEFC chain of custody certified PEFC/29-44-03
Find everything you need to know about our products—from FAQs, to finish coating options, to manuals and technical documentation
Answer a few quick questions, and our experts will provide personalized recommendations tailored to your style, needs, and project requirements.
Choose the options you’d like to add to your quote request.
Choose the options you’d like to add to your quote request.
Where does your lumber come from? Nakamoto Forestry North America lumber products come from privately owned forests in Western Japan that have been sustainably managed for generations.
Please visit our sustainability page for certifications and EPDs.
Do you have a showroom where we can view your products? Our Portland location is configured for manufacturing and remote sales and does not include a customer showroom.
We provide support to customers through email and telephone communication and typically send samples via USPS Priority Mail. To receive product samples, please fill out our sample request form or email us a specific list of desired samples. For inquiries regarding Nakamoto Forestry products, our team is available Monday through Friday, from 6am to 4pm Pacific Time.
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 we use your products specified for exterior applications indoors, or your products specified for interior applications outdoors? What about on an interior ceiling that will never get touched, or on a soffit or loggia that will never be rained on directly? For a variety of reasons, we specify whether each of our products can be used indoors, outdoors, or both. The key distinction lies in whether the space will be exposed to direct weather conditions, regardless of whether it has conditioned air. Exterior-only products are not suitable for indoor use, and interior-only products are not suitable for outdoor use.
For detailed information, please refer to the individual specification sheets for the Nakamoto Forestry products under consideration for your project.
