Shou Sugi Ban is an ancient Japanese exterior siding technique that preserves wood by charring it with fire. Sugi, Japanese red cedar, was traditionally used in the process. The wood charring process is an environmentally conscious way of preserving timber and making it fire resistant. This natural method of preserving wood does not use chemical preservatives or paints. Shou Sugi Ban is traditionally used for exteriors but is also seen in interior rooms, furniture, and art.
Shou Sugi Ban is a traditional Japanese cedar wood siding that is charred on one side. In Japanese design, charred wood is often combined with white stucco for wall surfaces. Each region of Japan utilizes a slightly different aesthetic when using the charred wood style. In some regions, the entire structure is covered with siding. In other regions, the siding is used under a stucco upper wall or up to the shadow line below the roof overhang. The charred cedar wood siding can be installed vertically or horizontally. The siding weathers beautifully throughout the years.
Japanese design has influenced international design over the last few centuries. Shou Sugi Ban has been brought back to light as it has been seen in modern architecture as a black uniform surface. Shou Sugi Ban is considered a high-design building material.
Shou Sugi Ban is created by applying fire to wood boards. When the fire is applied, the burning process creates a small layer of carbon on the surface of the wood. The thin carbon layer protects the interior of the wood by acting as a stain or sealant. The wood charring process creates a low maintenance and naturally resistant wood to insects and moisture damage.
Shou Sugi Ban preserves wood by charring it with fire, cooling and cleaning it, and finishing with natural oil. The carbon layer is shaved off with a brush and the wood is then rinsed with water to create a charcoal design. The wood is often covered in tung oil, which naturally resists water and creates a beautiful finish. When wood charring is implemented to enhance wood boards, these benefits are extremely apparent due to the density and durability of the wood type.
Shou Sugi Ban can be used on various types of wood such as cedar, spruce, Accoya, larch, and pine. Burnt wood is very water-resistant and on a cellular level, reduces the room for water to seep in. The wood charring process also creates resistance against insects and fire. The charred wood style makes a great option for exterior projects.
The charred wood can last over 100 years, even when constantly exposed to the elements. The wood simply needs a new thin layer of natural oil every 10 to 15 years to maintain its water resistance. This Japanese style serves as an excellent design option due to its quality, durability, beauty, and unique character.
Designer Doorware also offers timber finishes that exude warmth and texture in interior spaces. Timber, like charred wood, is a classic style that can be used in modern or traditional design. Designer Doorware has expanded its timber offering to include Shou Sugi Ban hardware by charring the existing timber product line.
Designer Doorware offers a variety of timber door hardware products with the ability to choose specific timber species and finishes such as American White Oak and American Black Walnut. The timber species hardware can be oiled or left natural. The oiled timber is a more natural look for interiors that adds warmth to the metal finishes. The oiled timber preserves the condition of the wood, similar to the oiling process used in Shou Sugi Ban.
As the exclusive distributor for the greater Los Angeles area for Designer Doorware, our Specialty Hardware + Plumbing showroom in Beverly Hills carries the largest selection of their door hardware, cabinet knobs, pulls, levers, accessories, and locks in the United States. We work closely with the Australian headquarters to provide the highest quality product and customer service. For samples and more – stop by our showroom in the Los Angeles area or send us an email for more information.
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