Can we use Pika-Pika with the polyurethane factory coating on an exterior application?

In most cases, our interior and exterior coatings should not be used interchangeably. The heavy polyurethane coating applied to Pika-Pika for interior applications is specifically formulated for its intended environment; it is not suitable for exterior applications. When exposed to the typical UV and moisture of an exterior siding installation, a polyurethane coating will start to degrade. Even the most durable hard shell polyurethane coatings will eventually exhibit issues such as turning milky white, yellowing, cracking, and/or peeling. Hard coatings lack the elasticity needed to enhance the natural resilience of yakisugi against ever-changing exterior conditions. Recoating exterior polyurethanes or varnishes entails scraping or sanding; this cannot be done on yakisugi due to its surface texture. Please specify one of our products designed for exterior applications instead.

We want to use the Pika-Pika with a natural coating on both the exterior and interior of our project. Which Nakamoto Forestry product should we use for this, or do we need separate products for the two scopes?

Pika-Pika with a “natural” alkyd oil finish (which has an amber hue) is the only factory coating we offer that can be used on both interior and exterior applications. If a clear finish appearance is preferred, please specify our “natural” linseed oil coating for the exterior and clear polyurethane for the interior.

We like the look of unoiled Pika-Pika for our project, but we’re confused about whether it needs to be coated on site. If it does, we do not feel comfortable doing it ourselves. How should we approach this?

We recommend coating Pika-Pika with some kind of sealer before installation to prevent sooty fingerprints on the blonde earlywood growth rings. First, we offer several factory prefinished Pika-Pika options that preserve the high-contrast, striped appearance of the unoiled product. For interior applications, our clear polyurethane coating is almost identical in color and tone to unoiled wood. Our“natural” alkyd oil option has an amber tone and can be used on both interior and exterior applications. Another exterior option is our “natural” linseed oil coating, which also gives the wood a light amber hue. We also offer unoiled Pika-Pika for customers who want to apply their own chosen prefinish or custom stain before installation—either for aesthetic reasons or to control project costs. When coating Pika-Pika at a local shop or on the jobsite, the following guidelines will ensure optimal results: Handle boards without touching the faces, holding them by the edges, ends, or backs to minimize sootiness. Control soot and sawdust using a shop-vac or compressed air. Remove sooty fingerprints with compressed air or a dry paint brush. After coating, sticker the boards horizontally, face up. Do not dry freshly coated boards standing on-end as the coating may run. Make sure the boards are completely dry before installation. Coat boards before any cutting or ripping operations, such as cabinet or door glue-ups. Wash down the walls after installation with lots of clean water and a sopping wet rag.

Is yakisugi “shou sugi ban” suitable for use on furniture?

Yes, but with some key considerations. Our 30mm yakisugi “shou sugi ban” profiles are suitable for applications requiring thicker board stock. Additionally, our standard 9/16” thickness yakisugi siding can be edged and/or back-planed, then glued up as a facing. For specific dimensions and profiles, please refer to the individual product specification sheets. We also offer unburned sugi and hinoki lumber; these products are optimal for furniture applications. Feel free to reach out to our sales team for information on currently available options. Please note that we do not do custom millwork.

Pika-Pika® Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban)

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Pika-Pika® Linseed Natural

Exterior

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 natural linseed oil prefinish prior to shipment. This combination is only suitable for exterior installations.

For premium clear grade pricing, please contact Sales

SKUs

Profile	Select Grade	Premium Clear Grade
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap	PA2132	PD2132
1 x 6 x 12 S3S Square Edge	PB2132	-
1 x 6 x 12 S4S Square Edge	PC2132	-
1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap	PE2132	-
1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge	PF2132	-
1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge	-	PG2132

Considerations

This combination does the best job of showcasing the natural wood grain and color of our exterior Pika-Pika products.
Fades and changes color over time.
Sort this product by tone on each wall section when installing for more uniform appearance.
Soot residue, caking, and blemishing (especially along board edges) are all common with this product.

Patina scale

Patina Scale: 6

The Patina Scale has been developed by Nakamoto Forestry to approximate how its products will weather over time—from 0 (“less patina/more color longevity”) to 10 (“less color longevity/more patina”). However, every product weathers at a different rate due to local conditions, and the Patina Scale is intended as general guidance only, and is solely for informational purposes. Nakamoto Forestry makes no guarantees, representations, or warranties, express or implied, regarding the appearance or color longevity of its products after installation.

Dimensions

*Dimensional shrinkage after manufacture is possible due to being a solid-sawn wood product.

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

Finish details

Linseed Natural

Our semi-transparent linseed oil stains are designed to balance raw, natural beauty with color longevity. These finishes absorb into the wood, to condition and enhance the grain. Linseed oil coatings are an excellent choice for owners who want to enjoy the inherent beauty of wood as it weathers. Organic fading and patina develop over time. The siding can either be left to weather, or it can be recoated with oil to freshen up the color, as desired. Delivered ready to install.

Prefinish Options

1 coat + back oil; Coated on face and back only

Prefinish Color

Natural

Pressure-Treated Fire Retardant

Not available

Field Cuts

Coat all field cuts and rips with touch up oil

Installation details

For installation instructions

Installation manual available upon request, please contact us for assistance.

Overage

Please add a healthy overage ranging from 15–25%, as shipping additional material can be expensive.

Fastening (Exterior)

Two ring or screw-shank headed face nails or screws per furring strip within 1” of each edge.

Substrate (Exterior)

Rigid furring maximum 16” on-center.

Installation Layout

Vertical or horizontal, all profiles.

Moisture Content

Air dried then kiln dried to 9-13% MC, but may fluctuate during transport or warehousing. Please acclimate on site for two weeks prior to installation.

Species

Cryptomeria japonica, a monotypic genus in the cedar family native to Japan. The Japanese name is "sugi", as in yakisugi and "shou sugi ban". In English it is colloquially called Japanese cedar.

Certifications

Fire Resistance

ASTM E-84 Class B

Sustainability

Available as PEFC-certified

CFP declaration: Pika-Pika®

Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): JR-BC-20003E-A

Resource downloads

Download Rendering Field

Download Product Specs

CSI Guide Specifications

Policies, Terms & Conditions

Exterior

Pika-Pika® Linseed Natural