YAKISUGI: TIMBER CLADDING CHARRED
Sophie and Julian named their house Woodsmoke, as its exterior has been clad in Japanese hardwood which has been burnt or torched for a highly distinctive look
WHAT IS YAKISUGI?
It’s a traditional Japanese method of charring timber, which results in a black carbon layer on the boards. Torching timber in this way makes it fire resistant.
LOW MAINTENANCE
It also protects the timber and reduces its need for maintenance because it becomes water and insect resistant and can stand up to extreme climate changes.
It’s not only popular in Japan for housing and fencing, but also around the world, as it ages slowly – lasting up to 80 years with proper care – so the initial outlay is considered an investment, given its long lifespan. NEED FOR OILING Being correctly installed prevents moisture build up and oiling it every five to 10 years blocks UV rays and provides water resistance. Surprisingly, freezing and thawing does not affect Yakisugi, and although cold and heat can sometimes lead to warping, this is unlikely in UK temperatures.