For our siding we re using an old japanese technique for preserving wood called shou sugi ban aka.
Diy shou sugi ban siding.
Fire treating wood breaks down its cellulose which contains nutrients such.
Gendai is the most commonly specified yakisugi shou sugi ban surface for exterior applications.
It translates to burnt cedar board as it was originally applied to japanese cedar.
The burnt fiber crevasse shadows are subtle and gendai can either be installed with or without an oil prefinish.
Love of the grain workshop here is a simple diy video of the few steps it takes to create a stunning one of a kind piece of charred wood.
While shou sugi ban 焼杉板 originated in japan in the 18th century primarily as way to treat cedar siding to make it weatherproof the technique which involves charring a wood surface to render it a.
Shou sugi ban has been practiced in japan for centuries.
Basically it s a way to speed up the weathering process and make a wood plank naturally weatherproof.
I made a youtube video to accompany this instructable you can watch it here.
There is a related wood treatment called torrefied wood or thermo modified wood where milled planks are baked in a high temperature oven.
Charring a 1 6 piece of cedar.
Shou sugi ban siding and torrefied wood.
Traditionally used for siding wood charring techniques like shou sugi ban have seen a resurgence in popularity.
Virtually all the moisture is removed during this process which can change the crystalline structure of cellulose.
Shou sugi ban is becoming very trendy these days and by making it this way you don t need a propane torch or any other specialist tools.
It rose to popularity for its unique and striking aesthetic and was prolific until the japanese supply of wood dwindled and newer less costly products came onto the market.
Seeing it used in interior applications inspired me to think beyond siding.
Shou sugi ban charred wood effect.