At Hewn, we create our Shou Sugi Ban/Yakisugi products on North-American-grown Western Red Cedar and Northwestern Spruce, as well as on innovative offerings from Accoya® and Kebony. We constantly work towards creating new colors, finishes, and textures, incorporating traditional charring techniques not only as a protective agent, but also as an aesthetic tool to highlight certain characteristics of the wood.
Most of our catalog colors in our Interior Cedar, Exterior Cedar, Northwestern Spruce, and Ohana collections feature some degree of charring and brushing. In addition, we also offer deeper char and crackle textures in our Shou Sugi Ban/Yakisugi collection, and alternatives like Dāku Ban that mimic this darkened look.
Whether you are embracing a dark and sleek modernist look, or you simply wish to add some accent wood elements to highlight a classic style, Shou Sugi Ban/Yakisugi is a great way to achieve a finished image that will defend against the elements, and stand the test of time in both a literal and figurative sense.
Abodo SVG
Daku Ban
Ayous
Daku Ban
TM Hemlock CVG
Daku Ban
Cedar CVG A&BTR
Daku Ban
Cedar STK
Dāku Ban
NW Spruce
Dāku Ban
Accoya
Dāku Ban
Brushed
Kebony
Dāku Ban
Brushed
Accoya
Dāku Ban
Resawn
Accoya
Dāku Ban
Vertical Brushed
Abodo SVG
Dark Roast
Ayous
Dark Roast
TM Hemlock CVG
Dark Roast
Cedar CVG A&BTR
Dark Roast
Cedar STK
Dark Roast
NW Spruce
Dark Roast
NW Spruce
Graphite
Cedar STK IR
Graphite
Cedar STK
Graphite
Accoya
Graphite
Brushed
Accoya
Graphite
Resawn
Accoya
Graphite
Vertical Brushed
Kebony
Heavy Char
Shou Sugi Ban Project Gallery
Click below to view projects featuring Hewn’s Shou Sugi Ban.
A Long History
In 18th-century Japan, a new technique was developed to help slow the spread of fires, and provide a stronger and more weather-resistant coating to wood buildings. Known as Yakisugi (or Shou Sugi Ban), this technique involves charring the exterior of a wood surface until a layer of carbonization is achieved. This forms a protective layer that make it naturally fire-resistant to a much higher level than untreated wood. The technique became a popular way to treat wood used on traditional Japanese townhouses, shrines, and other buildings during the Edo Period, to such an extent that the look itself is now generally associated with pre-war Japan.
A Variety of Options
Hewn’s Shou Sugi Ban is available on Western Red Cedar and Northwestern Spruce, as well as on innovative offerings from Accoya® and Kebony. This variety of options allows greater flexibility to choose the wood species that is most appropriate for your design. Whether the final installation is in residential home, or in a high-traffic commercial space, Hewn’s Shou Sugi Ban collection offers products that can accomodate any need.
The Shou Sugi Ban Advantage
Shou Sugi Ban, also known as Yakisugi, is an ancient Japanese technique of charring wood to enhance its durability and visual appeal. Hewn creates these products using North-American-grown Western Red Cedar and Northwestern Spruce, combining traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern finishing techniques.
The Art of Charred Wood
The Shou Sugi Ban process involves carefully charring wood with an open flame, then cooling and finishing the surface. This ancient technique creates a carbon-rich layer that naturally resists moisture, UV degradation, and insect damage. Hewn’s Shou Sugi Ban products are charred to precise specifications, ensuring consistent quality and appearance across every board.
