Nakamoto Forestry is the largest manufacturer of shou sugi ban in the world. Drawing from generations of experience in the industry, we are the leading authority on shou sugi ban siding.
Crafted in Tradition
Shou sugi ban is precision-milled Japanese cypress siding that is intensely burned as a preservative heat treatment. The charred wood makes a beautiful and durable wood siding, with natural resistance to fire, pests and the elements.
Delivered to Your Jobsite
From seedling to siding, we distribute jobsite-direct throughout North America from our stocking warehouse and prefinish shop in Portland, Oregon. Managing the entire manufacturing process helps minimize shipping costs and lead times.
Featured Products
We supply a range of surface and minimalist color options to match any design inspiration.
PRODUCT BREAKDOWN
Why Nakamoto Forestry?
The Nakamoto family has been managing sugi forests in Japan for generations. Our millwork, heat treatment, and charring technique have been honed to perfection over the last 100 years.
Yakisugi, made from Japanese cypress, is perfectly suited for all North American climates with resistance to insects, UV degradation, moisture and fire.
Breaking industry norms, we sell to homeowners and contractors directly for price transparency, quality control, and lead time to deliver an unmatched experience.
Our forests in Hiroshima and Tokushima are managed eco-consciously and are PEFC certified.
For design inspiration, follow us on Instagram
Shou Sugi Ban Frequently Asked Questions
What is shou sugi ban?
Shou sugi ban (or yakisugi as it’s called in Japan) is wall and ceiling cladding, made exclusively from Japanese cypress, that is intensely burned as a preservative heat treatment through a traditional process that originated in Japan hundreds of years ago.
Is shou sugi ban more expensive than other siding options?
Shou sugi ban is actually on-par or cheaper than most stain-grade alternatives of the same grade. Kiln dried wood is often cheaper since it is made from lower grade fiber or millwork. Additionally, shou sugi ban is maintenance-optional (it never really needs to be re-oiled unless you prefer to) which makes the long-term cost-performance a no-brainer for custom homes.
We are able to offer a lower price point than our competitors since we control the entire manufacturing and distribution process, and our scale of production allows us to pass additional savings on to our customers. In terms of shipping cost and carbon footprint, 99% of the trip between our coastal mills in Japan and Portland distribution facility is by efficient ocean freight–then intermodal direct to your jobsite.
(For more information, visit our building materials comparison blog post)
What are the benefits of shou sugi ban?
Shou sugi ban is crafted to last a lifetime. Compared to stain-grade alternatives, the long-term cost-performance when factoring in maintenance and replacement is lower than the average wood siding. Additionally, the intense heat treatment burns off cellulose in the wood so that it’s resistant to fire, fungi and pests. The surface is case-hardened and there is a protective soot layer, both characteristics which cause shou sugi ban to repel water and have maximum UV protection. Shou sugi ban is suitable for nearly any climate for these reasons.
From an aesthetics perspective, shou sugi ban is beautiful. Our products showcase the wood’s natural beauty and can come in many different textures and colors, allowing it to match any project design. It can be re-oiled periodically to keep it looking fresh and new, or it can be allowed to weather into a unique patina as has been traditional in Japan for centuries.
How much maintenance does shou sugi ban require?
Shou sugi ban can be maintained as often as you like, or left completely alone. In Japan, it is common for siding to be left untouched after it is installed, allowing the siding to take on a natural patina as it weathers. It is then replaced after the siding has completely worn out, typically after 80-120 years. In the west, we recommend general maintenance and re-oiling every 3-5 years. This will not only extend the lifespan of the siding, but keep the appearance looking fresh for decades.
How long does shou sugi ban last?
Shou sugi ban will last anywhere from 80 to 120 years on average. Factors that can affect longevity include the oil finish, maintenance and level of UV exposure at the installation location.
(For more information, check out our blog post on the longevity of our products.)
Is your shou sugi ban sustainably harvested?
All of our shou sugi ban comes from forests that have been carefully planted and harvested for generations. Wood siding ranks #1 for sustainability among all exterior cladding options, and 2 kilograms of carbon are captured for each 1 kilogram of lumber produced. Since the need for regular maintenance is reduced, it is less energy-intense than regular wood siding. Sustainability and healthy living are of utmost importance to us, and our shou sugi ban siding embodies those values.
What wood is best to use for shou sugi ban?
Japanese “sugi” cypress is ideal for heat-treatment because it is a resilient, porous softwood that perfectly withstands the burning process. It becomes case-hardened, more dimensionally stable, and gains further resistance to pests, fire, and rot without the use of chemicals. Shou sugi ban made from Japanese cypress also responds better to oil finishes, bonding the soot to the surface rather than sitting on top and washing away quickly like other popular wood options will. The “sugi” in yakisugi or shou sugi ban refers directly to Japanese cypress, commonly called “sugi” in Japan, which is a strong and straight-grained softwood.
Is it called shou sugi ban or yakisugi?
Yakisugi and shou sugi ban are two names for the same thing. The traditional Japanese name is yakisugi, but in the west it is commonly known as shou sugi ban due to a mistranslation of the original Japanese characters by a non-native speaker. In the west, these two terms are interchangeable, but in Japan virtually nobody knows what shou sugi ban means, as it is a combination of Japanese and Chinese words.
(See addditional details on our blog dedicated to yakisugi nomenclature.)