Charred Wood Siding - Shou Sugi Ban

This technique to give wood siding fire resistance has some beautiful qualities. Join me as I tour the factory where it's "made". www.deltamillworks.com/
For more visit my blog at www.MattRisinger.com/
Best, Matt Risinger - Risinger Homes in Austin, TX

[@hirata58th]

Originally, these type of charred sugi sidings were only seen in specific regions of inland sea are in west Japan. Based on my little bit of research, they became popular around Japan and later introduced to the world after architects like Fujimori Terunobu started to use them intensively in his work and advocated the beauty and philosophy of charred wood in his writings. Because I have never heard anyone call it "shou-sugi ban" in the region (although the word still make sense), I think it was mistakenly transferred from "yaki-sugi-ita" or just "yaki-sugi" to a bit awkward term during its popularization. In modern usage, they are mostly appreciated for their minimalistic expression, but the original benefit of the deep charred surface is its durability against decay caused by frequent rain and spray of sea water. Usually, charred layer has a thickness around 5mm and it gives resistance to rotting caused by moisture, as char coal cannot be degraded by bacteria and by fungi. Because most traditional Japanese housings have clay walls filling between structural pillars, you always need to keep them dry to prevent erosion by applying exterior cladding materials or otherwise by making eaves deeper. Charred siding was one of the affordable solution to seaside communities. It seems to me that affluent merchant communities in the region prefer exterior plaster finishing rather than cheap charred siding. Charred siding has some weak points too. For example, charred layer is rather brittle and slowly erodes away by rain, so regular replacing in around 30+ years cycle is required. Other notable flaw is that it can stain your clothing pretty badly when you touch it, so it might be a good idea to apply clear coating just like these guys do in Texas when it comes to modern application. As someone mentioned in comments below, '"genuine" charred siding is made not by roasting with gas torch but by unique funnel technique. Three sugi planks are tied together with metal wires to form a triangular pipe and is erected on top of pieces of brick so that fair amount of air can flow in from the bottom and flow out to the top. Wooden funnel is easily ignited with some starting fire from the bottom such as a rounded news paper, and the rest of the burning process is done all by itself. Planks are roasted from inside pretty evenly by its own fuel and all you have to do is to cut the wire when the charred layer reaches the desired depth. Fire will naturally extinguish if funneling effect is lost. Talking about the tree species of the plank, sugi tree (Cryptomeria japonica) has always been the choice of Japanese. Not only it is cheap, abundant and light weight, but also it has less essential oil and resin compared to other cypress trees and pines, which components lead to violent burning. Plank tend to curve inward during burning process, so it a good idea to use rather thick plank like 15mm to minimize ugly deformation.

[@donnynelson5461]

Loved this, I've been trying this for a while with smaller butane torches, but to see this process the way you have done it is a game changer. Thanks for sharing. I am going to implement this in my shop today

[@listennowbreath]

Trade secret 😜 The best wood to use is cedar, do several burn passes to get a deep burn . Do not scrape off the char. Finish with several coats of tung oil . Japan 🇯🇵 has held this trade secret for thousands of years !

[@59seank]

Hi Matt -- Thanks for showing this. I never thought burnt wood would look nice on a house. I always look forward to your videos.

[@chrisvincebelen]

The firm that I work for here in the Philippines used this methodology in one of our housing project and it turned out really nice. This video is very informative about the techique, thanks!

[@buildshow]

+chrisvincebelen Very welcome!

[@colinvander993]

Matt, this is really cool! What an awesome product. thanks for sharing.

[@AccordBass12]

Awesome siding Matt you work is superior. As a carpenter you motivate me to do bigger and better things if I stick with this career.

[@dougbencam]

Great video Matt! I had no idea Delta produced so much shou sugii ban! Fire is always so captivating :-)

[@markfredericks9892]

Very cool - Matt your videos are really well done!

[@takeniteasyfriend]

Love it. Bought my torch and will be using for my outdoor furniture.

[@_lifeinflow_]

This is so amazing! We will totally be trying this on technique. Thanks so much for the video!!

[@buildshow]

+The Nielson Tribe do it! Tweet me a pic! Best, Matt

[@tiralie]

Thanks Matt, great video very cool!

[@whtahtefcuk]

Very unique look! Cool stuff!

[@ArtisanTony]

Pretty cool stuff!

[@virgiliobalmori321]

Hi, Matt!! Man, you're awesome everytime I search for something regarding construction there`s a video of yours, hahaha. I typed "charred wood" and your video is the first!! I`ve looked for Insulation and there you are, about concrete slabs, you again, hidden doors, you!!! Man, what can I say? continue with your work and your passion. Congratulations

[@buildshow]

+virgilio balmori thanks buddy. That's really kind. Appreciate your support

[@virgiliobalmori321]

I`ve been following you since I was living in Spain. I moved to Miami in 2015 and still following you. Look how far you reach with your channel!! Congrats again

[@FusionLiquidDesignAtelier]

I had recently have a garage built with Yakisugi in a countryside of Japan. The surface is not as burnt as those in the video, but looks good in design aesthetic. I am thinking of using OSMO UV coating to add an extra layer of protection with ECO product.

[@MrAlonimus]

nice video work !

[@captinkangarouch]

Very cool! How long will the clear coat last? Any other maintenance involved?

[@Hearthman1159]

The "fire resistant" term used here is a bit misleading. This wood carries a class B flame spread rating. This means it propagates a slower flame front than red oak flooring in a 25ft. Steiner Tunnel Test (ASTM E-84). What it doesn't tell you is that since this wood is now pyrolyzed, it carries a lower ignition temperature. The US Forest Products Service conducted long term studies on this that concluded in the late 40's. From this primary research we get our clearances to combustibles. When a factory chimney calls for 2" clearance to combustibles that means to ordinary combustibles. This is an extra-ordinary combustible so the maximum surface temp. rise of 90°F above ambient allowed by UL103 for instance would be insufficient with this material. This means it is easier to ignite than the red oak its being compared to. It's just that once it ignites it doesn't spread as quickly as the oak. Thermally Modified Timber is used in exterior applications because once the sugars have been drive off by heating, there isn't food for bugs or rot. Also, the structural strength of the wood is compromised. You will also note how heating the wood on one side creates a contraction of that face resulting in the wood curling. At least TMT uses uniform heating on all faces to keep the lumber more dimensionally stable. It you think it looks cool, that's fine but just understand its limitations.

[@jessesnowden]

im interested in where you gather this info. can you site this so I can read up on it? i want to be sure this will be code compliant and really the best choice for my home before I try making it. is charred and oiled western red cedar siding going to be more fire resistant than stained rough sawn cedar of the same dimensions? thats what i'm trying to figure out. I may end up charring it for the look then staining it just to be safe. thanks for the honest info!

[@garywheeler7039]

I suspect he is in the fireplace industry.

[@oldhamegg]

That is kind of the feeling I get when seeing this and I have always thought this process is dumb af and if the above is correct it is dumb af.

[@benhardwiesner6963]

There are wooden houses built with this technique that are over a 1000 years old! Even if you're right then it still isnt as severe as you let it look like... The plusside that it wont rot is nothing to underestimate when building actual houses or things that need to last long out of wood!

[@Mrcaffinebean]

Hearthman1159 thank you for writing this! You should do write a white paper or something on this stuff.

[@spinn1]

Matt, at 0:29 sec, what type of corner treatment is used for the siding? Is that available commercially or is it a custom bead?

[@GrantRTanner]

Super cool, I do wonder how often a new sealer would need to be reapplied.

[@contakt23]

the japenese do not add a finish..

[@joannas2753]

I love the "cracked earth" pattern (1,56 min) - is it possible to achieve with every type of wood ? Wondering if it is about how long the wood is being burned or type of wood...

[@AtheistCook]

The benefit is not the "fire resistant" but the finish lasts 80 to 100 years. wood barnishes, paints and coatings lasts 5 to 7 years in exteriors, compare that to 100 years of sugi ban.

[@ivan.storojenko]

Robbie like a robot at few last seconds (look at his eyes) :D

[@ShevaDoggie]

Thank you for the video. Can this technique be done on green wood?

[@ericwar8492]

I would move from California just to work here. lol

[@luckynyaa2826]

Thank you! What coating was used?

[@ontakesan1]

Do you have a video on the shutters that you used on this house? They look like a Japanese style sliding shutter to me.

[@sangkhumphalchung2649]

Can u tell us the details of the sealent you use for external siding?

[@tomclark9142]

Once the gator board is installed, what is the suggested periodic surface maintenance suggested? Annually or every “X” number of years?

[@kricketkitty]

Can this wood charring method be used on fresh sawn, green lumber? Maybe it would take a lot longer with all the moisture content, to work properly for wood preservation?

[@jamese3474]

What is the life expectancy for this siding? Also, is there required maintenance and if so how often?

[@738polarbear]

It must stink surely?How much strength does it take from the wood?

[@ukaszrutkowski369]

what color is the roof in this house? it looks great 😊

[@mikeobrien3744]

Can you use this technique with fresh milled wood, or must the wood be kiln dried before it can be charred?

[@shonuffisthemaster]

matt "so how do you like, burn wood" guy: "by burning it"

[@aMiR-zp3hi]

Does regular pine benefit from this process or is it just for cypress and cedar?

[@terrybrown8591]

What product is used for the exterior outside corner detail?

[@sammeerocket3776]

doesnt want to show his secret technique that he got from someones secret technique.. lol. dont make it seem as though its a life long craft. for some it may be but this is commercial. i think he just dont want people to see how easy it is and stop buying wood that just got burned.lol

[@Giganfan2k1]

He doesn't want to show the exact process to do it on a commercial level. I suspect it is harder than just putting wood on a conveyor belt with a blow torch somewhere.

[@calebreasons]

Sammee Rocket or that he wants to protect his patents on the machinery and technique that he has developed to mass-produce.

[@adammacer]

The 'secret technique' that he got from someone else is burning wood to create rot resistance. The secret technique he developed for burning it will have nothing to do with the traditional method which is to connect 3 boards into a 'toblerone', stand it up and light a fire at the bottom of it.

[@passiveaggressivenegotiato8087]

it's really just small businessman ego; where they want to have a niche, but they have working class ex employees, so any secrets they have are available to future employers of those ex-employees. Big companies with inner circle secrets (apple, microsoft, ect) enrich such developers with high incomes; under-pinned by asset liquidating non-disclosure agreements. And that's not always safe, but any job you have regular rank & file employees performing is not a secret.

[@Fishcamp]

Everyone has their own "style" when it comes to using an ancient and traditional technique. We're not shy; here's out technique! kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3i5dWSsiNVpoa8

[@ridik4267]

Does it have to have a sealer or clear coat after the burn?

[@lpc5152]

Can this torching process be applied to T1-11 plywood siding if done carefully. I know T1-11 is fairly thin compared to planks they are using.

[@edixonjoel1]

every day I love my job

[@zakiducky]

I wonder what the embodied carbon is of making such a finish? While we still have a long way to go in the US of using more energy efficient construction (passive house, net zero, etc.) the flip side of that is trying to work with materials that have a lower environmental impact (something LEED and FSC address to varying degrees). The tentative first steps are already being made to help bring some standards to material selection for lower embodied and lifecycle carbon, among other factors. And while a Shou Sugi Ban finish might have a long lifecycle, I’d imagine the burning process eats through fuel.

[@StanTheMan-us3tp]

Can you do deck beams and joists ?

[@texassteve6826]

I don't know why they add sealer the whole point of this stuff is that it is not supposed to need any treatment. The sealer probably destroys all of its fire retardant properties.

[@agn855]

You're right. The only thing they would have to do is to wash any remains of black dust from the surface. But hey, that's aMurica ... ;o)

[@JoeLarge]

so does it need to be kiln dried...? does it shrink...Great video.

[@eyeswideshut2800]

Joe Large yes, it needs to be dry or moisture will make it expand and warp even more.

[@darkNiGHTS0]

I'm curious why they use the clear coat as well. Shou sugi ban is pretty durable and waterproof - is it "just in case" or when you char it that far it loses the durability?

[@darkNiGHTS0]

Shou Sugi Ban doesn't char the wood that heavily, it's not brittle at all.

[@Hybridog]

@@JCWAS It is often brushed after charring to remove the loose material and decrease the chance of it being sooty. I figure the clear coat adds to durability and helps to lock in the look so it doesn't change much with weathering.

[@projectmaldives]

water pelting it from the side will inevitably produce some charcoal run-off. Probably cleaner to ship, handle & install once sealed - esp the heavily gatored styles

[@MOBankston]

Is there a certain type of wood this works best with?

[@paulorobertoazevedorodrigu7310]

A peça de madeira deve estar sobre uma superfície plana, pois, devido o aumento de temperatura há também perda de água e consequentemente deformação na peça.

[@laniepeterson7445]

do you brush the gator finish?

[@alexxb.7219]

I would like to know what the house looks like now !?

[@elouai]

Why the clear coat? I thought the purpose behind the burn was to create the 'stained' look. Can you elaborate on this?

[@JeffCampbell2016]

+eLouai - Music Medley Maybe to stop the burnt wood falling off as it is brittle when burnt. Charcoal crumbles easily so the clear coat acts as a glue?

[@benobj]

i believe it's purely for aesthetics. The clear coat helps the ripples pop out and gives it a low gloss shine.

[@sweetkellymay]

Robbie says the Japanese origins, date back several hundred years, more like a thousand...

[@lamooky284]

Whats the name of the exterior grade finished oil ?

[@nanneken]

Hi, one question, do you have to burn both sides of the wood or just the one exposed to the outside.

[@hamadilawson4396]

Both and lap the siding

[@ArthurDentZaphodBeeb]

There are videos showing how the Japanese produce this. Essentially conveyor belts running boards thru flames.

[@sarabiakristofer]

I like how he low key tries to say he figured this technique out him self before finding out it was already a thing the Japanese were doing. I don't trust this guy, Matt he's a cool dude tho , but the other guy I can't trust.

[@BadAssassin]

I don’t think the guy meant it that way. Matt asked him how he got into this line of work and he said it sorta happened by happenstance. I think it was more of a happy coincidence that his newfound hobby turned out to be an established technique in architectural style and wood preservation. He liked the way it looked when he burned some wood and as it turned out, he wasn’t the first to think that either. It’s the law of averages to think that when we do something that is totally unique to us, chances are that you likely weren’t the first to discover it. Although I do believe this style is probably unique to that area and not well established, so props to him on capitalizing on a niche market.

[@sarabiakristofer]

@@BadAssassin sounds reasonable what you explained.

[@sunalwaysshinesonTVs]

...harder to re-ignite, until shou sugi met the 20th century and firebombs.

[@ivancespedes4624]

Can this be done with any wood? Also. I'm assuming only non treated wood correct?

[@Firedog-ny3cq]

Burning treated wood is a toxic no-no. The fumes will do a number on your lungs.

[@miroslavnikocev8375]

which wood type can be treated in this way and which type of oil is used for protection

[@joannas2753]

probably tung oil - it is very popular with this technique

[@jason65118]

what is the process for correcting the warping from the burning stage? as i am doing a diy install.

[@LackeysLack]

From what I picked up from others doing this, charring it on the other side takes out the warp from burning because it bends back the other way.

[@christopher_barr]

Hi Matt, this is an excellent video and I love how the house looks with the Shou Sugi Ban siding. You can make Shou Sugi Ban siding at home without propane by copying the traditional way that the Japanese used (check out my KZbin channel if you're interested, I made a video showing exactly how to do this). I discovered this technique a while back when I stumbled upon a Japanese-language video here on KZbin! I have used it on a couple of home improvement projects (for the fascia board on a small pitched roof I built and for a designer clothes hanger made from charred wood and copper pipe). It looks REALLY cool and the wood doesn't need future maintenance like painting etc. so I'm sure it will become very popular in the future. Thanks for sharing! Cheers, Chris 👍

[@StansE250]

Do you, or any of your viewers have any knowledge as to the effectiveness of Shou Sugi Ban's effectiveness at preventing or deterring Poplar boards from CUPPING ?

[@gunther1955]

How do you deal with cuts when installing ?

[@raineking3066]

Bactine

[@projectmaldives]

spot torch

[@roseknight1369]

I would love this on our NM cabin, but we have Woodpeckers. Lots of them. 😞

[@Firedog-ny3cq]

Woodpeckers are going after bugs in the wood. This process seems to eliminate the bug problem.

[@thedegenerate9573]

Don't put anything on it after scorching. We did a poplar barn in 93 the size of a basketball court and two stories. You won't find a rotten board on it. A couple of soft spots (3' of two lapped siding boards) developed where the manure laid against the footing/ground margins but otherwise it's like new. Everyone said otherwise but were full of it.

[@benyoumans9072]

The video starts out saying we are at the birthplace of Shou Sugi Ban I thought it was in Japan but he thinks it is in Austin TX

[@jasonblackburn1949]

I think he was referring to the product used on the house shown, but point taken...

[@thefranciswatts]

Want.

[@LaGrandeBayou]

I totally get what your doing...and the charing look is incredible BUT of all wood species to use...Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) is an abomination...as Cypress is one of the most stunning wood grains in the entire plant kingdom...imo. Why not use SYP, or even low grade oak?

[@felixpopp64]

Very Cool video but you should start using ND Filters or at least shut down the aperture. It hurts to watch when you crank up the shutter speed.

[@SuziHubball]

Can it be heavy burn on ply or will it fall apart?

[@adammacer]

Ply is made of layers of wood around 1/8" thick with a thin layer of glue holding those layers together.. go figure

[@CergoFreelight]

"You can really feel the heat from that torch.", well no shit.

[@michaeld954]

I'll have my wood medium well please

[@cjschmitt4882]

Six sides!

[@semperfitt356]

how do you keep the "gator" finish from crumbling?

[@umbalaba]

+Semper fi I am not sure, but I suspect that is part of the reason why they clear coat it afterwards.

[@semperfitt356]

right on

[@somika87]

Shoe-shugey-bahn

[@Thoracius]

on four sides? why not all six?

[@jasonblackburn1949]

Lol

[@Firedog-ny3cq]

The board ends are where all your cuts are made. Charred ends would end up on the scrap pile.

[@ypcomchic]

Original method used in Japan doesn't get sealant put on it just fyi

[@mattyerge]

"a couple hundred years".... this technique dates back thousands of years with buildings still standing. Delta, do your homework.

[@mtvvlog3854]

I want buy

[@thehoneyeffect]

I love Japanese words

[@whatsmyageagain1000]

It is pronounced Sugi Ban, not Shugi Ban, just as it's spelt :)

[@vishakhasharma8900]

Suji bonda

[@nickmorris9383]

Thinking I could burn a shishi ...

[@tsieglieh]

cubes have six sides.

[@The69powerwagon]

Been nice if they show the wood and not the talking heads....

[@HE122368]

asphalt will definitely smoke if you get it real hot, like burning in a metal firepit for hours on a parking lot. i've seen it and smelled it. nasty

[@janodjano5828]

Ironic considering the fire bombing of WWII @ Lieutenant General Curtis LeMay is laughing

[@andrewbeaudry4399]

He says don't do it in your house, if he didn't say that how many ppl were going to do this in living room

[@agn855]

Hope you're aware that they're in the US, were every missing statement like this will make someone "better call Saul!" to squeeze every dollar out of the company by suing you right after burning down the house.

[@11219tt]

I really think the manufacture is wrong when saying “previously burned wood is harder to reignite” isn’t that why char cloth and charcoal ignite so easily, because they were previously burned??! 1:15

[@Colabear59]

I have never come across charcoal that ignites easily.

[@11219tt]

Colabear59 really??? Interesting. Next time you’re near a fire pit (that uses wood) take a piece of charcoal wood that’s black but very light. You can easily light that and blow it into a hot coal way faster than a piece of wood. Thats the exact reason for creating what’s called char cloth for survival. It takes a piece of fabric and turns it into charcoal cloth making it take a spark much easier than a regular piece of wood.

[@Colabear59]

LOL

[@simonac688.]

Dont do this at home folks...🙈🤪🙈

[@whereisbardo]

trade secret lol

[@AXNJXN1]

Wrong! Not hundreds of years; rather THOUSANDS....

[@scottsjchilling5524]

The voice is the killer. Otherwise it's a good show.

[@nickhammer1356]

It’s Yaki Sugi. Shou Sugi Ban is a mistranslation by some idiot Berkeley students who visited architect Terunobu Fujimori (first hand experience of his words not mine). He repopularized the technique and introduced it globally with his tea house designs. They mistook a Chinese traditional kanji and now we have a nonsense name Shou Sugi Ban.

[@stevenhatton8275]

It's not called shou sugi ban, that's the company, it's called yakisuki.

[@cautiouslyoptimistic6185]

NO.............HELL NO !!!!

[@alex_saint-matthews]

It’s not Yakisugi or Shou sugi-ban if it’s not Cedar, it’s just charred wood. Sugi is the Japanese word for Cedar, and there’s no “H” sound in “sugi” so your pronunciation is wrong.

[@-D-5]

Wtf is the point of going to the trouble to torch it in an effort to naturally seal it, if you still out manmade sealant on it anyways. Waste of fucking time!!!

[@tsieglieh]

cubish...