Yakisugi is wall cladding that is intensely burned as a preservative heat treatment through a process that originated in Japan. The charring of the wood makes a beautiful and durable wood siding.
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Nakamoto Forestry is the World’s Largest Manufacturer of Japanese Yakisugi.
We distribute throughout North America from our fully-stocked inventory in Portland, Oregon. Our four mills in Hiroshima and Tokushima operate custom automated lines producing authentic, high grade and affordable Japanese siding.
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Authentic Yakisugi Siding is: Beautiful. Designed to Last. Made in Japan.
Authenticity
Nakamoto Forestry is a family-owned operation that has managed sugi (Japanese cedar) forests in Japan for generations. Their products are crafted using time-honored techniques and are sourced directly from their forests in Hiroshima and Tokushima, ensuring the highest level of authenticity in yakisugi siding.
Versatile Options
You can choose from various wood grades, pre-finishes, and edge profiles to match their specific design needs. This flexibility ensures the siding complements any architectural style
We work with you through every step of the process to make sure your home is exactly what you want.
Flat and Transparent Pricing
We are proud to offer flat and transparent pricing for all of our products, resulting in faster lead times and precise quality control to deliver an unmatched experience with no surprises.
Sustainability
Our forests are managed eco-consciously and are PEFC certified. The wood is sustainably harvested, and the production process captures more carbon than it emits. This makes our siding an environmentally friendly choice.
Featured Products
We supply a range of surface and minimalist color options to match any design inspiration.
For design inspiration, follow us on InstagramA Textural Wonder
35 Products to choose from
SUGI
JAPANESE CEDAR
Sugi is Japanese for Cryptomeria japonica. It’s a monotypic genus in the cedar family and is indigenous to Japan. Often called Japanese Cedar, it’s utilized primarily for construction lumber due to high rigidity and quick drying. We specialize in the Hachiro variety used specifically for siding in Western Japan. Our sugi is milled and graded for maximum durability in exterior applications and to showcase the inherently beautiful grain.
SUYAKI®
CHARRED SUGI
Suyaki is the most traditional and easily recognizable of our yakisugi/shou sugi ban products. Due to the thick, hydrophobic, UV-inhibiting soot layer, Suyaki has the best wood and color longevity as well as incredible fire resistance. We apply oil prefinishes to solidify the soot layer, making installation easier, minimizing blemishes, and preventing soot from coming off when touched.
GENDAI®
CHARRED SUGI BRUSHED ONCE
Gendai is the most commonly specified yakisugi/shou sugi ban surface for exterior applications. A light brushing process knocks down the heavy soot layer and leaves a smooth, silky appearance. The burnt fiber crevasse shadows are subtle, and Gendai can either be installed with or without an oil prefinish.
PIKA PIKA®
CHARRED SUGI BRUSHED TWICE
Pika-Pika is made by passing the yakisugi/shou sugi ban planks through a second wire brushing process. This removes all loose soot from the softer spring growth rings and leaves the late wood as contrasting burnt ridges. It is a topographic, textured surface that follows the wood grain, and we hand-grade after surfacing to achieve a consistent blend of heartwood and sapwood.
Yakisugi Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between yakisugi and shou sugi ban?
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.)
What is yakisugi?
Yakisugi 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 yakisugi more expensive than other siding options?
Yakisugi 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, yakisugi 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 yakisugi?
Yakisugi 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. Yakisugi is suitable for nearly any climate for these reasons.
From an aesthetics perspective, yakisugi 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 yakisugi require?
Yakisugi 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 yakisugi last?
Yakisugi 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 yakisugi sustainably harvested?
All of our yakisugi 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 yakisugi?
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. Yakisugi 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 refers directly to Japanese cypress, commonly called “sugi” in Japan, which is a strong and straight-grained softwood.