What is yakisugi “shou sugi ban”?

Yakisugi is a product, not a burning process. The term refers to a specific type of charred wood exterior siding that has been used as a vernacular building material in Western Japan for hundreds of years. In other parts of the world, yakisugi is sometimes called “shou sugi ban” siding. Traditional yakisugi siding starts with logs of Japanese cedar (known as “sugi” in Japan) that are holistically milled into thin planks. The wood then receives intensive flame-treatment to improve resistance to rot, UV, moisture, fire, insects, and dimensional movement versus untreated wood siding. Yakisugi’s maintenance-optional durability provides exceptional long-term cost performance over its extended natural life cycle. Yakisugi also offers a timeless beauty that is readily adaptable to projects. It has a quintessential wabi-sabi design aesthetic that can be finished in different ways to achieve a broad range of appearances. Learn more about authentic yakisugi.

I’m confused. What is the difference between “yakisugi” and “shou sugi ban”?

The short answer is that there is no difference—they refer to the exact same product. But here’s how we got two competing terms for the same kind of charred Japanese cedar siding. In Japan, the term yakisugi is used exclusively to describe this material, though it is sometimes written as yakisugi-ita. The alternate name shou sugi ban originates from a Westerner’s misreading of yakisugi-ita, where they apparently mixed Japanese and Chinese pronunciations of the ideograms. The word “yaki” in Japanese (meaning burnt or charred) is pronounced “shou” in Chinese. “Sugi” refers to the conifer Cryptomeria japonica—a type of cedar that’s indigenous to Japan. “Ban” is the Chinese reading of the ideogram for board or plank, pronounced “ita” in Japanese. While the term shou sugi ban caught on in the West when the material was introduced in the 1990s, the online keyword yakisugi is appearing more frequently in searches, databases, and media. Read more about yakisugi vs shou sugi ban.

Can yakisugi “shou sugi ban” be used for cabinets, doors, or table-tops?

Yes. Our 18mm and 30mm yakisugi “shou sugi ban” profiles are suitable for applications requiring thicker board stock. Our standard 9/16” thickness yakisugi siding can be edged and/or back-planed, then glued up as the cabinet or door 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 and cabinet 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.

Can yakisugi “shou sugi ban” be used for framing or decking lumber?

No. Due to the high temperature heat treatment process, yakisugi “shou sugi ban” is a thin-plank lumber material used primarily for cosmetic cladding. Our standard charred wood thickness for siding is 9/16”, and our 18mm and 30mm profiles are not thick enough to be used as framing lumber (6/4 or more by code.) Yakisugi is also too soft to use as decking. For framing or decking lumber, it is advised to use a local wood option instead of yakisugi.

Do any of the dozens of species of wood termites attack yakisugi “shou sugi ban” siding?

No. Yakisugi siding is resistant to wood termites. The charring process reduces cellulose and installation over a screen wall allows the siding to dry out quickly, making it an unattractive target for wood-boring insects. Learn more about yakisugi’s pest resistance.

Shou Sugi Ban Siding | Nakamoto Forestry

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Gendai® Unoiled

Exterior, Interior

Our Gendai® yakisugi “shou sugi ban” products receive a single brushing to remove some of the delicate soot layer–leaving a smooth, consistent, and dark surface. Unoiled Gendai is suitable for exterior applications. This is a great option for owners who appreciate the natural beauty of wood and siding with a unique, ever-changing patina. Leaving the charred wood unoiled allows it to naturally weather in response to the local climate. The yakisugi heat treatment process hardens and protects the siding against pests, moisture, and fire. Available burned on both faces (S4S) for fencing or louver applications.

For premium clear grade pricing, please contact Sales

SKUs

Profile	Select Grade	Premium Clear Grade
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap	GA2000	GD2000
1 x 6 x 12 S3S Square Edge	GB2000	–
1 x 6 x 12 S4S Square Edge	GC2000	–
1 x 8 x 12 Shiplap	GE2000	–
1 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge	GF2000	–
1 x 2 x 12 S3S Square Edge	–	GG2000
5/4 x 2-1/2 x 12 S3S Square Edge	–	GH2000
5/4 x 2-1/2 x 12 S4S Square Edge	–	GI2000
5/4 x 5 x 12 S3S Square Edge	–	GJ2000
5/4 x 5 x 12 S4S Square Edge	–	GK2000
5/4 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge	GL2000	–
1 x 6 x 12 Shiplap + Fire Retardant	XA2000	–

Considerations

Our most dramatic patina product.
Fades and changes color over time.
Can be coated with an oil finish at installation or any time in future.
Every project will weather differently due to unique microclimates.
Soot residue, caking, and blemishing (especially along board edges) are all common with this product.
Traditionally used on interior ceilings as an air purifier.

Patina scale

Patina Scale: 10

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

5/4 x 2-1/2 x 12 S3S & S4S Square Edge

5/4 x 5 x 12 S3S & S4S Square Edge

5/4 x 8 x 12 S3S Square Edge

Finish details

Unoiled

Yakisugi heat treatment makes a finish coating unnecessary. Unoiled siding can always be oiled in the future to add color or protection. Delivered ready to install.

Prefinish Options

n/a

Prefinish Color

n/a

Pressure-Treated Fire Retardant

Available Select grade 1 x 6 x 12 shiplap only

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 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.

Fastening (Interior)

Tube adhesive and pin nails

Substrate (Interior)

Per design specifications

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.

For more detailed installation and maintenance guidance, our installation manual is available upon request. Please contact our sales team to get a copy.

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 without fire retardant, Class A with fire retardant (SKU# XA2000)

Sustainability

Available as PEFC-certified

CFP declaration: Gendai®

Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): JR-BC-20002E-A

Resource downloads

Download Rendering Field

Download Product Specs

CSI Guide Specifications

Policies, Terms & Conditions

Exterior, Interior

Gendai® Unoiled