Shou Sugi Ban

Charred wood (also known as Yaki Sugi and Shou Sugi Ban) is a centuries-old Japanese method of wood preservation. The literal translation is ‘burnt timber board’, the product is used for cladding, screening, and timber ceilings.

Charring wood means you have a protective carbon layer of charcoal on the surface timber. This protective burnt wood layer increases the lifespan of the timber. Charred timbers can last up to 5-10 years without maintenance however it is recommended re-coating the timber more often to keep it hydrated and water resistant.

Yes this product can be used internally. Mortlock Timber use a different timber coating on the surface which binds the char layer together and eliminates the rubbing off for interior projects. READ MORE HERE

On exterior Shou Sugi Ban the charcoal layer will rub off on your hands or clothes when you touch it, this is the loose particles on the surface of the timber. As the Shou Sugi Ban is exposed weather the loose particles that causes this issue will wash off the timber from the wind and rain over a few months and the rubbing off will stop. If your looking for Shou Sugi Ban timber cladding for interiors or areas not exposed to weather, Mortlock Timber use a different timber coating on the surface which binds the char layer together and eliminates the rubbing off. READ MORE HERE

Any timber exposed to the weather will need maintenance at some point. The good news is that Shou Sugi Ban timber cladding or charred timber does last longer without maintenance than non-charred timber. Different timbers offer different maintenance levels READ MORE HERE

As a guide charred cladding will cost you around $35-$75 per m2 more than non-charred timber cladding. This is indicative and it does depend on the options you select. For full pricing download our Shou Sugi Ban pricing guide.

No Mortlock Timber does not provide an installation service. As the manufacturer of timber products Mortlock Timber focuses on producing high quality products and leaves the installation to expert installers. Mortlock Timber works with the installer, provides installation advice and details to ensure your project runs smoothly.

Shou Sugi Ban Timber cladding can be installed by a qualified carpenter.

No. Mortlock has done lab testing on this and the results showed that charring timber does not change the fire properties of the timber.