FAQ

We do not have a strict minimum order quantity, but for small orders (under 20 m²) we charge a small-order surcharge. Processing such small orders is considerably more expensive for us due to relatively higher fixed costs and lower production efficiency. This surcharge allows us to maintain our generally attractive pricing.

Making Yakisugi yourself requires a great deal of experience and strict adherence to temperatures, timings, and process steps. It is a holistic process that, in addition to burning, involves choosing the right timber species and grade, proper drying, and controlled quenching. The boards are not just superficially scorched but made durable by full heat treatment. We therefore recommend relying on Nakamoto Forestry’s six decades of expertise and quality standards if you want authentic Yakisugi. If you still wish to try, we recommend these steps:

Use only cypress—its very light, soft wood is ideal for deep carbonisation and a durable char layer.

• Dry the timber completely to 10–14% residual moisture (takes several weeks).

• Use rebated or square-edged profiles (not tongue-and-groove).

• Choose boards approx. 10–15 mm thick.

• Char only the “left side” of the board (the side away from the heart).

• Use the traditional triangular chimney method (avoid weed burners/Bunsen burners) and char the board deeply—until you think you’ve nearly ruined it—then immediately quench gently with water.

• If desired, remove soot with a soft wire brush.

Watch the steps on youtube!

Yakisugi is suitable for every climate. In Japan, winters can be very cold and snowy, there is a pronounced rainy and typhoon season, and summers are hot and humid. Yakisugi withstands all these conditions excellently—so it will almost certainly outlast any other untreated softwood in any climate.

Importing Yakisugi does not make it more expensive than other providers, as our lean distribution model without intermediaries keeps costs competitive. Compared to many alternatives available in Europe—often chemically treated larch—our Yakisugi has a lower ecological footprint despite being imported. The price reflects the craftsmanship involved and consistently high quality—an investment in a durable, climate-friendly product.

Yakisugi can be installed either horizontally or vertically. Both methods are common in Japan. It can also be installed diagonally to create a distinctive design.

Samples may cup more than full-length boards because of their shorter length. Thanks to our traditional sawing and planing methods—optimised for longevity and dimensional stability—as well as the way the timber is dried, most boards will show only about 1–2 mm of cupping. To minimise cupping, we recommend using two fixings every 40 cm along the grain direction.

Yakisugi can also be used for interior cladding. Rooms finished with Yakisugi are aesthetically outstanding. For high-traffic areas, we offer special coating options optimised for interior use, ensuring a durable and attractive design.

We do not offer authentic Yakisugi for flooring. Sugi (cypress) is too soft to be used as flooring or decking. For furniture, the suitability of Yakisugi depends on the intended use—we are happy to advise you.

The standard dimensions of our Yakisugi boards are: 3970 mm in length, 15 mm board thickness. They are available in two profile variants and in the following widths: 89 mm, 145 mm, 195 mm. (PDF Download)
If you require shorter boards, please contact us.

Nakamoto Forestry does not offer Yakisugi in tongue-and-groove, as this profile is prone to moisture damage. A thin charred tongue would also lack structural stability. Our rebated and square-edged profiles offer maximum durability and can be used for both interior and exterior applications. Read more in our Blog.

Nakamoto Forestry cannot supply custom dimensions, profiles, or other grades. We stock selected grading classes of consistently high quality. As an exception to the standard dimensions, we can provide shorter boards upon request.

European craftsmen can install Yakisugi without any special prior experience. Our Yakisugi boards are solid-wood cladding or formwork boards that can be installed according to standard European carpentry practices.

Nakamoto Forestry recommends pre-treating Yakisugi with our natural oils or stains to maintain consistent façade colour over time. The durability of the boards is ensured by the heat treatment, but the colour of untreated wood changes gradually under UV exposure. Since most customers want colour retention and soot binding, we recommend a pre-treatment coating.

Yes, Yakisugi can be treated with fire retardants. Nakamoto Forestry offers a fire-retardant coating option. Please enquire about the specific requirements of your project.

Yakisugi is a rebated solid-wood cladding and is installed much like other timber façades, but requires careful handling of the charred surface.

Key steps:

• Prepare substructure—dry, load-bearing, and made from suitable weather-resistant materials.

• Use corrosion-resistant fixings—ideally stainless steel screws or concealed clips.

• Handle gently—avoid rubbing or damaging the carbonised layer.

• Plan for ventilation—ensures moisture regulation and extends service life.

• Protect cut edges—treat freshly cut areas with matching oil or by re-charring.

Our delivery and installation guidelines provide comprehensive advice on preparation, installation, and maintenance to ensure a long-lasting, visually perfect façade.

Authentic Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban) is a unique and ecological timber product. Although Yakisugi is becoming increasingly well known, for many it still seems exotic and sooty, and the patina so highly valued in Japan is still unfamiliar to European taste. This natural product has its own aesthetic that enriches your property without chemicals. Make sure all your questions are answered in a thorough consultation so you can enjoy the beauty of Yakisugi for decades.

Yakisugi – also known as Shou Sugi Ban – is a traditional Japanese method in which the surface of Sugi (Japanese cypress) is carefully charred with fire. The boards are then cooled, brushed, and finished. This process greatly increases the durability of timber cladding. The carbonised layer improves weather resistance, deters insects, delays fire, and creates a striking texture. The result is long-lasting, characterful cladding without chemicals and with a distinctly Japanese aesthetic.

For maintaining Yakisugi, we use traditional blends of natural, eco-friendly, plant-based oils such as linseed oil or tung oil. These protect the charred surface and highlight its colour and texture while keeping the timber breathable.

Particularly suitable are:

• Linseed oil: penetrates well, dries reliably, and is very weather-resistant, often the first choice for exteriors.
• Tung oil: forms a somewhat harder, water-repellent surface and beautifully enhances the grain.
• Natural oil blends with resins or waxes: specially developed for charred surfaces, they increase longevity and preserve the look.

Important: Our oils are solvent-free and suitable for outdoor use. We avoid varnish or plastic-based products, as they impair the breathable qualities of the Yakisugi surface.

Despite its durability and beauty, Shou Sugi Ban (Yakisugi) has some aspects that, if poorly understood, may be seen as disadvantages:

• Quality: The Yakisugi method requires experience and care. Only complete, correct heat treatment, as perfected by the Nakamoto family over decades, ensures a high-quality product that lasts for many decades.
• Maintenance: Although the surface is weather-resistant, occasional oiling may be required—particularly in areas with heavy wear or high UV exposure. During installation, care must be taken not to damage the char layer through strong pressure or impacts.
• Cost: Yakisugi façades are mid-range in purchase price. However, low maintenance and long service life make them cost-effective in the long run.

Note: Apparent disadvantages usually stem from poor advice or lack of product knowledge.

Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban) is made from Japanese cypress / Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica)—a lightweight, dimensionally stable softwood used for centuries for Yakisugi. Sugi chars deeply and evenly, forming a protective layer with sufficient cohesion without becoming brittle. Its low weight makes installation easier and reduces façade loads. The straight grain and typical knots, once brushed, create the characteristic look of each variant.

Yakisugi is renowned for its exceptional durability. Sugi (Japanese cypress) is already more durable untreated than most European cladding timbers. The heat treatment adds many more decades to this natural resilience: in Japan, many buildings still retain beautiful and functional Yakisugi façades after more than 80 years.

The Yakisugi method does not seal wood in the conventional sense like varnish or plastic coatings. Instead, during the heat treatment a carbonised layer forms on the surface, which acts as a natural barrier, repelling water and insects. The wood remains vapour-permeable and can regulate moisture. For added protection, especially under heavy weathering, charred wood is often treated with natural oils to extend durability and enhance its appearance.

The Yakisugi method protects wood mainly through two positive effects: The carbonised layer created by controlled charring acts as a natural barrier—repelling water, deterring insects and fungi, and reducing UV damage. The second effect comes from the change in the wood’s cell structure: heat shrinks and closes the cells, so they absorb less moisture. This makes the wood resistant to rot, reduces swelling and shrinking (“breathing” of the wood), and helps prevent cracking over time.

Authentic Yakisugi timber can be obtained exclusively through Nakamoto Forestry Europe. The Nakamoto family business is the only supplier in Europe offering original Yakisugi made from Japanese cypress (Sugi).

Yakisugi wood is not significantly more expensive than comparable timber cladding. Considering its service life of up to 80 years and very low maintenance requirements, overall costs are often lower than with other timber façades.

There is no technical difference. Both terms describe the traditional Japanese timber treatment in which Sugi (Japanese cedar) is surface-charred, then cooled, brushed, and finished. “Yakisugi” is the correct Japanese name. “Shou Sugi Ban” is a Western, linguistically imprecise reading of the Japanese characters. For findability we use both terms, though in technical texts we prefer “Yakisugi”.

Thanks to the traditional heat treatment, Yakisugi is extremely weather-resistant without requiring an additional protective coating. It effortlessly withstands the harshest conditions—moisture, rain, extreme heat, or snow. With good planning and installation, the wood remains intact for decades. Colour changes are normal and not a defect. Regular cleaning and targeted re-oiling maintain water repellency and appearance; sanding is unnecessary.

No, Yakisugi does not require regular maintenance to remain durable and intact. If you wish to preserve the colour long-term, we recommend a maintenance coat every 5 to 10 years under moderate weathering. Local scratches should be cleaned and spot-oiled/touched up.

Yakisugi can be used on listed buildings if the material, colour, and surface comply with heritage authority requirements. However, prior consultation with the relevant heritage authority is necessary, as each building may have specific requirements for materials.

Yakisugi timber has a very long service life—up to 80 years or more. Comparable untreated softwood often needs heavy refurbishment or partial replacement after 10–25 years. Exposure and maintenance can shorten or extend both lifespans.

For transport, Yakisugi boards are bundled and palletised for forklift handling. We add edge protection and, depending on the variant, insert oil paper between boards. For environmental reasons, we avoid shrink-wrapping in plastic. The charred surface is robust but should be protected from mechanical impacts. To make unpacking easier, boards are bundled in fours, with a weight of around 12 kg, making them easy to carry.

In addition to the classic deep-black Suyaki surface, there are brushed variants that highlight the wood’s grain, as well as lighter greys or natural looks. Especially with once- or twice-brushed products, the choice of natural oils, stains, and pigments can create further attractive accents tailored to your project.

Yes. For private customers, statutory guarantee rights under national and EU law apply; in project business (B2B), the contractually agreed defect remedies apply. An additional manufacturer’s warranty may be granted—if expressly stated in the offer or order confirmation—for defined properties. Prerequisites include proper storage, ventilated construction, ground clearance, correct stainless-steel fixings, and adherence to maintenance intervals.

Newly produced Yakisugi can have a subtle smoky scent, typical of the charring process. This scent usually dissipates quickly and completely. For interiors, we recommend factory-finished surfaces and a short airing period before moving in.

Nakamoto Forestry Europe offers various sample boxes. They cost around €20 net and contain six different variants, delivered within a few days via DHL. Please order in our shop.

During individual consultations or for architects specifying materials, samples are also provided free of charge.

Yakisugi can be installed using conventional fixing systems. We recommend using colour-matched stainless steel façade screws, available from the Nakamoto Forestry Europe shop. Binding details are provided in our installation and technical data sheets.

Prices for Yakisugi timber at Nakamoto Forestry Europe range from €70 to €90 per square metre, depending on surface treatment and finish. During a detailed consultation, we can determine the exact price for your project.