Confused about authentic yakisugi “shou sugi ban”, or charred wood siding in general? Don’t fret. We know it can be confusing and we’re here to help. Interested customers ask us a variety…
sugi
The Science Behind Shou Sugi Ban’s Fire Resistance
Over the past ten years, yakisugi “shou sugi ban” has been rapidly gaining popularity in the West. It’s becoming known not only for its beauty, but also for its reputation of being…
Sugi & Hinoki Win Architect’s Newspaper Awards
We’re excited to announce that both our Sugi Unoiled and Hinoki products took home trophies at The Architect’s Newspaper 2024 Best of Products Awards this year. These natural, unburned wood products are…
Sugi and Hinoki: Japan’s Principal Lumber Species
There are a few dozen primary lumber species grown in the northern hemisphere, and two are indigenous to Japan: sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) and hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa). In this article, we will delve…
Discussing Design Inspiration, Taking Risks and Imperfection in Rural Wisconsin
In September 2022, our team journeyed to rural Wisconsin to uncover a hidden gem of modern architecture. The Svart Hus, meaning “dark house” in Swedish, stands at just over 2,600 square feet.…
Sustainability of Shou Sugi Ban Siding at Nakamoto Forestry
Shou sugi ban and sustainability go hand-in-hand when done right. It sounds paradoxical to state that our wood shipped from Japan has a lower lifetime carbon footprint than locally harvested wood from…
Sugi Cypress: Different Uses for this Wonder Wood
Japanese cypress, known in Japan as sugi, is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Sugi cypress is endemic to the country. You can find sugi in its different forms all over Japan. Its…
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…
Choosing a Shou Sugi Ban Surface for Your Project
A popular question we receive is “what are the different species of wood you use for each of your products?” While it’s a good question, especially since our different shou sugi ban…
Forest Bathing: A Growing Japanese Trend
Have your friends ever asked you to go forest bathing? Unless your friend is Japanese, the answer is likely no. We all know the refreshing feeling from time spent outdoors surrounded by…