Traditional Japanese Way to Preserve Wood with Fire using Shou Sugi Ban, Yakisugi on my log cabin

[@achensov2842]

I’m 24 years,student from London. Since I started watching your videos it honestly made me think what kind of man I want to be in life. I can only speak from the videos I’ve watched as I don’t know you in person but I can tell that you’re genuinely a good man.

[@mitch5077]

So you want to become an Arson? jk🤣

[@Gorondus]

After watching these videos, I'm also thinking about my life a lot: what are my goals, why am I doing what I'm doing. Most of the time everything I did it was because others did it too (for example going to the university, getting a driving license) without even thinking about what I really want.

[@ronsmid2695]

@@Gorondus Its good that you are inspired by what you see. When I was your age I looked to mentors for guidance that changed the course of my life. I hope you discover what you are called to do and find the courage to follow your own path. There you will find your truth.

[@garthwunsch]

Wise thoughts... you only get one crack at this life... use it well... from a guy whose passed the three quarters of a century mark.

[@izzyplusplusplus1004]

Wow! I was one of the people who recommended metal roofing, but man o man what a great choice! Thank God for wives who prompt us to step out of the box.

[@sukotu23]

Absolute legend, Shaun. I'm hopefully going to use this technique to re-roof an old cottage in Scotland - should hopefully be cheaper, and easier to do than slates, given I'm not a roofer! Thanks for the inspiration, and I love Japanese woodworking skills and using ancient techniques that have been long forgotten.

[@ChrisProuse]

So cool! Tons of respect... really admire that you took the time to learn a great technique from a different culture and try it out instead of just going the common route :)

[@MySelfReliance]

Thanks Chris!

[@jordanl7459]

My Self Reliance in the future will you show the layout of the cabin and compare r value between what you're doing and modern building?

[@BeSatori]

Jordan Lammers, R value is actually uses wood thickness as it's measure. What I mean by that is that an R value of 1 has the insulating ability of 1 inch of wood. R2 is 2", and so forth. The R value of his cabin would be the average thickness of his walls, roof, etc. Hope that helps.

[@jordanl7459]

BeSatori ya thx

[@jasonlee7593]

thank you mate

[@condeerogers5858]

Years ago in the late 60's early 70's I used to take old cable spools and burn the tops and wire brush them, just like you did, and then varnish the tops several times. They made really good tables. Better than just staining them. This was back in the hippy days. If this preserves wood I guess they are still around. LOL. You are amazing. The hardest worker I know of.

[@klownmittenz8715]

Definently a hard and dedicated as well as a skilled worker.

[@Mantreaus]

Remember the Pillow Furniture? My whole Living room was made like this, Girlfriend sewed the pillows. From complete shelf units for Stereos and Albums. Couches , Chairs End Tables,Coffee tables. Made it all with nuts and bolts to be taken apart easily and moved. Oh made wood plant holders also to be used with the Macrame she also did. But this is beyond cool. When I was in Japan I saw some of this and asked about it, and as He said, There are buildings there that have survived for Hundreds of years using this technique. I am wondering if they learned this from the History of cities being burnt during the many earthquakes, and then through using the burned timbers they could, they found the preservation method.

[@condeerogers5858]

I remember macramé. Boy, what a fad.

[@Mantreaus]

LOL. Yup. I still see it at times in some shops. Vintage ones are going for good prices. Had holes all over the ceiling hanging them for her. LOL

[@jimvoos]

Gosh! I was forced to learn macrame in 5th grade in Marin County growing up. Had a hippie teacher with a volkswagen van. I came from parochial school in San Francisco in 4th to public in 5th. Couldn't believe how easy it was. She even had a couch in the back of the classroom so if you didn't feel like listening, you could sit in the back. Thinking that was the beginning of public schools in California descending to 49th in the country :-).

[@plantbasedprepper]

Wow, your cabin is turning out awesome!! I really like the way that roof looks! If someone finds your cabin in 100 years, they will have no idea how you did that so it's great you are sharing and documenting your work!!

[@timothycarr9657]

Um, quick question....and my apologies if already asked, but won't vegetable oil go rancid? Shouldn't a non spoiling oil be used.

[@asefb9864]

Oh my god! Looks gorgeous! The zoom in on the oiling part is so satisfying!

[@gutyup101]

Fascinating technique! Thank you for including this in a video.

[@christaunnasch932]

Simply awesome. That technique has become in England very popular too. Soooo much work, but you never minded that, Shawn. Did you??? Your wife had a great idea there!

[@Draimen89]

The close up of you applying the oil...so. Oddly satisfying!!!

[@MsNevadakid]

great job and lots of danger as far as wildfire ... i would go with the propane method any other exterior pressure treated works itself. thanks for the vid.

[@mfavia620]

Thanks Shawn for taking us along on the cabin build video to see this remarkable technique being applied. I see it being impervious to a wide range of the elements. ATB Mike

[@amdeleted6720]

A real teacher !!!I learned something !!!Going to have a great day this sunday.

[@zoiedee5341]

I love the way the wood looks! I am so EXCITED for a full cabin tour when it's all done!💙

[@OregonMikeH]

I had used this technique a few times for the beauty it provided to small number of furniture pieces I made. I had no idea of the other positive properties doing so provides to building materials. Fascinating Shawn and an important step to have taken.. Brilliant! .. Mike.

[@AOKUrbanHomestead1]

Mad respect goes to you and the hard work you do to make these materials. You are awesome!

[@breapalmerchuk6892]

Tip for tiger torches! The tip of the flame is the hottest point, hold further back and you’ll receive better results! :)

[@TheFlatlander440]

I build Adirondack chairs as a hobby and use the char staining technique with a propane torch and they come out fantastic.

[@eugkra33]

Wow, the old fashioned method was way more effective than I thought.

[@josephsuman8805]

I was searching about fire protection for log cabins as I was thinking about your kind of cabins' safety from fire, and unknowingly clicked your video for the same to find answer.. that is really wonderful.. 🤔👌☺️

[@87xfute]

Great job Shawn !! My Grandad used to char fence posts and he had a fire pit like what you see those fire walkers walk on and he'd lay the posts along the pit turning them when needed and when it was done he'd just roll it out the other side of the pit and roll another on. It was wonderful watching him work as a 7yr old !! I'm 61 now and those posts are still there !! He also treated the part in the ground and around the base with oil a few times each year ! Old sump oil from diesel trucks was best he said because it had the most carbon in it !! Thanks mate that bought back a lot of wonderful memories !! Seeya Rob

[@MySelfReliance]

That's great - funny how we've forgotten so many of the old ways.

[@carlsoutdooradventures9882]

Love this technique Shawn. Fantastic demonstration on how to do it. Great video Sir.

[@AnnetteZang]

Great technique of charring the wood using the fire pit...

[@jaywildhorsepatterson4432]

Thank you once again ! I never new of this process untill u mentioned it in one of your previous productions. I appreciate you shareing this knowledge. Jay Wildhorse Patterson USA Tennessee

[@shieh.4743]

This is so beautiful. I love the natural approach and it’s so pretty.

[@BLHomestead]

That is something I have noticed on my own, didn't know it was something done in history. I have a few trees on my property that have char on them from a fire over thirty years ago and it is rock solid. Awesome to see. I love the look it gives once brushed and oiled.

[@woodroww.2233]

Bad ass. The joy you will have with these boards both under your feet and on your roof after this effort will be amazing! Brilliant.

[@davidoyama9753]

Wow !!! That looks so cool but it is a lot work ! But it must be very rewarding after building something that is going to last along time ! Great video - Thanks Shawn !

[@rongoris3022]

Looks fantastic! Labour intensive but well worth it in my humble opinion.

[@axlent123]

I just found this video.. I’ve see.some are f your videos using this technique, but without much elaboration on it. I am familiar with this technique, and would love to use it on walls and the floor in my workshop… st this point I’ve only made raised beds using shousugi ban… I notice that you do use propane like I do, but also the triangle burn technique that seems traditional. One other thought is creating two fires parallel to each other but running about 8 feet long or however long your boards are and placing your boards, one at a time, between them, to get the burn… I’d guess that you’d get a nice even burn from both sides… I know that the “log” fire, based on this is sometimes used to create a body length campfire to keep a person warm when trying to stay warm outdoors without a sleeping bag or other protective covering.. I figured doubling it up my price useful for shou Sugi ban…

[@sunflower9797]

I used this method on all the woodwork in my tiny house. I only have 2 windows and a door, plus the framing for my bathroom wall, so I just sat there with a blow torch and burned them all. It's pretty relaxing doing that. :) Then I washed them with water, let them dry, and used paste wax, and buffed it. The results are amazing. I love that you don't just *see* the grain in the wood, but you can *feel* it too. Plus no sanding necessary as all the slivers are burned off.

[@MySelfReliance]

Sunflower Happy with the wax? Considering it

[@sunflower9797]

I really like the wax. I have a brush that attaches to my drill that makes the buffing really easy.

[@anitakania2882]

wow first time I saw such secret method of preserving woods ..respect

[@rogers53]

You're patience is amazing.a lot of respect for you.

[@karencarss9482]

Thanks for doing this video. I'd been admiring the dark wood of the roof and the floor and assumed it was just a stain. It was really interesting to see you burning the wood. A lot of work but it was worth it. I love how the grain pops out. Nice job.

[@Traveling_with_FIVE_Cats]

I have been using this technique for my wooden sculptures for decades.. I did a pyramid plant stand/ pedestal that has lasted one decade with some bleaching but I think cedar will hold its color nicely over time.. I have just love the weathered, raised grain look!! I have also experimented with organic amorphous shapes that really play well with the grain on curves especially 3D shapes!!. I hope it holds up for you! I picked up this technique when I studied the Japanese martial art of Aikedo.. Your wife has great taste! Thank you for sharing!

[@xysix2548]

Shawn, My hat's off to you and your wife for suggesting that idea.

[@WarrenPostma]

Looks FANTASTIC. And looks like fun to do.

[@mkuro5330]

One little detail that may be important for this technique: after putting a bit of oil on wood they usually heat it up (with propane) to help the oil penetrate deeper into the structure.

[@cluelessbeekeeping1322]

Are you familiar with this technique? I'm a beekeeper and I've charred all of my hive stands with this method except I have not added oil. So far, I'm very disappointed with the turnout. After 1 year, even less, much of the char has simply flaked off. I am not using cedar, perhaps this is why, do you know? Also, perhaps me not adding any oil is also a problem. Next time I char some hive stands, I'll try adding oil. There are a couple of hive stands which I have to 'touch up' and I'll rechar them, I'll add oil this time (used motor oil).

[@notbuyingit5698]

CluelessBeeKeeping DON'T USE MOTOR OIL FOR A BEEHIVE!! Use coconut oil or even olive oil but NOT motor oil!

[@cluelessbeekeeping1322]

@@notbuyingit5698 Both go rancid. I'd never use either. I don't / wouldn't / won't use motor oil on the hive. The hive stand, yes, I'd try motor oil (bees never go on the hive stand). I need to experiment with something to try and make the charring stay on a bit better. The technique doesn't seem to work very good on pine. Do you have any other suggestions which would help keep the char on longer???

[@justaspivoriunas9416]

In Lithuania beekepers boil boards used to build beehives in food grade paraffin wax, it makes them last very long time, no charring necessary.

[@jesmondo5785]

Mineral oil would do the trick as it doesn't go rancid. You can get non food grade stuff much cheaper as well.

[@granskare]

much better than what I saw in another video - they did not even have cheap plastic beneath to prevent rot - this is good!

[@PlantSugar]

Wow, this is amazing. Love the idea of connecting the beams and putting them on fire!

[@tocov]

Interesting technique. Though the grain looked so beautiful with the oil on it.

[@ej1020]

I'm very happy to wathc "SUGIYAKI" burn tree technic. It is not us to building technic even temple in japan, very much. Old Japanese houses and temples were made of trees and paper.no using iron nails. Over 1200 years progress temples, now healthy and using. No power tool, fantastic! Thank!

[@Hiznogood]

The fire caramelizes the wood, giving that dark amber shine after oil is applied. The floor is going to look awesome. Again, good choice and fits well into your passion for new discoveries! Looking forward to see your further work on the cabin!

[@fudogwhisperer3590]

Its nice to find a method of treating wood without all the chemicals that are harmful for the environment. thanks for showing

[@TuckerSP2011]

Awesome idea! Yes, this technique will preserve the roof for many decades, much longer than typical roofs today. Very labor intensive but well worth the effort. Your cabin is beautiful.

[@agentbertram4769]

Good to see someone using this technique. I have some recycled timbers that I know are at least 100 years old and they are as good as new.

[@Pr0ph3cy-k5z]

You are building a dream of mine. I'd LOVE to live off grid and off the land with what mother nature has given us although, convincing my wife who LOVES the luxuries of stores, is another story. I believe living off grid is her worst nightmare lol. I am sneaky with her by sneaking in some off grid projects "after the fact" that she likes, such as catching rain water from our gutters to use for gardening.

[@ThePainterr]

Learned something new today...thanks for going a bit more in depth on this subject of Shou Sugi Ban. Fantastc when you watch something on youtube you know will have a lasting effect on your mind.....

[@rymdlego22]

Best roof i ever seen! Gigantic project! and u nailed it!!!

[@dave1secondago]

what a brilliant idea bro thumbs up

[@trailbreeze]

Good cliff hanger from your last vid. The burn process seems like an art in itself. Fun one to watch thanks

[@elizabethshipman3947]

That is si awesome! You are an amazing worker. I'm envious of your abilities...You inspire me to push myself for the finer things of this life.

[@Casey1pj]

Not only is that charred wood Excellent but the fact that when one of the boards does go bad for whatever reason, It looks like it would be quick and easy to replace. I think you are going to love the decision you made in your roof design. The only thing to worry about may be weather the hot summer sun does any warping to the slats. Job well done Shawn. Cheers!

[@BK-vh3do]

I have done this to smaller outdoor wood projects for years but didn''t know about this thanks

[@EconoChallenge]

I look forward to seeing how this way of preserving wood works out. I know I have seen many charred cedar stumps in my kneck of the woods that were burned in the 50's during a forest fire and still look like they were burned yesterday.

[@likearockcm]

the finished product looks really great and your wife is brilliant!

[@steve5975]

I had been wondering about this technique since i first saw you installing the roof; but I did not see an explanation etc. Glad I found it finally.

[@jamesoncross7494]

That's so cool, I've never even heard of this technique before. Outstanding!

[@Commongoodleathercraft]

Fantastic job

[@kknkenr]

Fantastic job and execution, will surely use this method

[@jayday4879]

if using for fire protection you must wet the wood surface with a garden sprayer before the burning the wood to open the grain to let the sap draw to surface

[@jaenmartens5697]

I wondered how those ancient stave churches lasted a thousand years, now I know. Such a simple brilliant technique. Great filming. Thank you!

[@JadonGuitaristGuy]

This is intriguing and really cool! I think the black roof makes the cabin look better also with the added contrast.

[@sathancat]

I really like the deeper char you got from using the traditional method, your roof looks great

[@killerkane1957]

Very nice. On a much smaller scale, I’ve learned that the wood stays hot surprisingly long. Hot wood absorbs oil much faster and deeper as a result. Great cabin!

[@larryjacobs5713]

One thing for sure you are not afraid of work! This is amazing would love to see how it turns out

[@andrewjfaas]

I am very curious how this turns out, new,.. or different techniques being used is very interesting. Great to learn something new every day. Thank you for making your videos.

[@debrakellerman7364]

turned out beautiful. great choice

[@cillaloves2fish688]

Wow! Never knew about that method... learn something new everyday! Thx!

[@Greg-ys8wq]

Glad you decided on this method, a lot of hard work and it looks great, and unique!

[@ThaGr8Cornman]

Really does look beautiful that way. Very informative-thank you

[@lucm6476]

Hey ,that Shou ...thing is very cool , thank you for sharing that video

[@S.PaulMentzer]

I had read in a book about "Old-Timers Recipes and Techniques" that a way to make "A fence that will last longer than you will live" was to mix finely ground charcoal with Linseed oil and stain the fence with the mix.I'm assuming it works on the same principles displayed here, though I would say your technique is probably a lot faster. Very cool, thanks for the upload!

[@smallfootprint2961]

This was popuilar in the '70s. Many sort of 'hippy houses' had furniture or a wall of chared wood. Some were very nice. I like the look, and especially the idea of using it to preserve the wood for outside use. Thanks for the lesson.

[@chrismauceri6416]

Awesome video Shawn, almost ready for winter!

[@roelenriquez3257]

wow!!! thanks for a very powerful but cheap technology sir!!! awesome!!!

[@virginiareid5336]

Had never heard of this type of preservation before. Very interesting video

[@chrlmn7372]

Hello Shawn! Again you take advance by using a very smart charring method! and which is also based in an ancient and old functional technology to increase the durability of tree material, and it is so nice to see that you take this method in use for today! Yes I hope your roof will keep well against the elements of sun, rain and winter temperatures and ice and snow for many many years!

[@noahludford3667]

I love that rich stained color. Will have to try that on some of my wood projects soon.

[@MB-ew4by]

Awesome, I will do the same thing on my cabin. Great job, you give to us a lot of ideas and all of your video's are full of positive energy. I enjoy watching every time. 👍

[@andyperrine9987]

Wow, lots of work. It looks great, very educational. Thx!

[@caspianblue4141]

What a hard worker!! Wow!!!

[@robd7703]

Outstanding. I enjoy all your videos. Thank you.

[@susanbrown2909]

Very interesting idea. Probably be good on some fences...for that different look. Thanks for bringing theses unusual ways of doing things ,,to us.

[@garybartek]

WOW! Hope it works as intended. An interesting approach to your roof. Thanks for the quality of your videos. Pace,sequence.of video shots outstanding. Minimalization of audio in all your uploads makes it more interesting in my view, Look forward to seeing the project completed.

[@joebrown1382]

Interesting method. Sounds like it will serve the purpose also looks nice. I sugi'd a rifle stock once looked really nice.

[@keithmorrison2853]

Love it ! Looks beautiful, natural and some old techniques too... that will look great as indoor floor board too.

[@brucemcconnell1467]

Another great video. I used this same technique to make a table out of a wire spool in the '70's but at the time didn't know there was a name for the process. Worked great and was beautiful.

[@brucemcconnell1467]

It's a lot of work taking them apart and reassembling them and I'm too old for that.

[@GettingtheTruthOut]

Thanks for sharing your work and the editing is fantastic.

[@davidvermeer560]

Thanks for showing how you did this. As Chris Prouse said Tons Of Respect. You are doing an incredible job!

[@janishani1]

Waw!! So insightful, grateful! You basically answered all... every single one... questions I had on my mind about this magnificent japanese process / way to preserve wood, plus it turns out aesthetically pleasant. Grateful again! Best wishes, always! *

[@sunchaserw1477]

Great teaching, benefit tremendously! Thanks so much!

[@reyrogers2806]

So much work - awe inspiring. I hope your cabin lasts for 100 years or more so that your great grandchildren will be able to use it and honor you for it.

[@crystalizedlv]

Thanks for making these videos, the times when i get notifications of your new video, i get excited, because i want to see what amazing knowledge i will get today. Keep safe. From Latvia.

[@fjdkfdfjdf33]

Looks great! Look forward to seeing the floor installed.

[@TheMrJoeMac]

I've used this technique on a garden house. It works really well. gives the wood a beautiful, natural look.

[@I3ayIey]

I admire your persistence with this method, seem's it will take alot of man hours to get this done. Fair play!

[@mrgarypitman]

what a great job

[@young-soonkim6730]

Hello James and Cali! I saw this video last night and this morning still thinking! I remembered my father using candle wax on our wooden floor and polished afterward. Perhaps, it will definely preserved wood better than vegetable oil! Melted the candles and paint the wood with the brush quickly because wax do harden. After, you give it a good polish so that the wax will penetrates in the wood! In Korea and Japan, they use a lot of pine woods! There are alot of pine trees over there and we have a lot of maple trees here in Canada!

[@markspc1]

Great technique and first time I see it done. Long time ago I used to go I new of a restaurant that the interior was charred wood and fireman loved it because it is supposed to be fire resistant.