The japanese invented this technique centuries ago calling it shou sugi ban or yakisugi.
Japanese charred wood siding.
Charwood is a japanese style of charred wood called shou sugi ban a process of finishing siding that dates back hundreds of years.
Cryptomeria japonica is sugi in japanese and is a monotypic genus in the cypress family indigenous to japan.
Shou sugi ban burnt wood exterior cladding is naturally made very durable originated as a japanese wood finish for homes revealing the beauty of the natural preserved timber.
We specialize in the hachiko variety used specifically for siding in western japan.
The heavily charred surface of the board makes the wood fire retardant as well as resistant to rot insects and decay.
Shortly after beginning the craft we realized we were reviving the japanese tradition of shou sugi ban this process is used to preserve the wood by charring it.
The essential idea is to burn the surface of wood to a varying degree of char.
Montana timber products has mastered our own proprietary finishing process to ensure the highest quality and character.
There are a variety of styles available within the charwood line to meet your range of design schemes from light to heavy charring and multiple color tones.
Basically it s a way to speed up the weathering process and make a wood plank naturally weatherproof.
Traditionally this practice is used with japanese cedar in order to weatherproof it.
Select the level of char that brings out the desired black gray silver and brown tones to achieve your desired aesthetic.
Don t quote me on this but my research indicates that shou sugi ban means burnt cedar board and it s a centuries old japanese technique for preserving wood with fire.
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Our charwood siding shou sugi ban is one of our two flagship products the other being our charwood fencing.
The wood is burned until the surface is charred and then coated with natural oil.
Charred wood siding and fencing are the products of an ancient japanese technique that makes a unique beautiful and durable exterior wood product.
It is often called japanese cedar and is utilized primarily for construction lumber due to high rigidity and quick drying.