Delta millworks began burning wood in 2007 and we were instantly enthralled by the beautiful textures and grain patterns achieved by taking torches to timbers and boards.
Japanese burned wood siding.
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 final product is also known as yakisugi yaki means to cook burn and sugi is the japanese name for cedar but shou sugi ban seems to have won as the most commonly used term in english and it is sometimes simply known as a carbonized wood finish.
Due to the thick hydrophobic uv inhibiting soot layer suyaki has the best wood and color longevity as well as incredible fire resistance.
Shou sugi ban is an ancient japanese carbonized wood finish created by burning the surface of wood to preserve it.
Suyaki is the most traditional and easily recognizable of our yakisugi shou sugi ban products.
Originating in 18th century japan shou sugi ban is a particularly striking method of preserving wood by charring it with fire.
Traditionally this practice is used with japanese cedar in order to weatherproof it.
It involves charring the cedar wood surface until it turns black.
The wood is burned until the surface is charred and then coated with natural oil.