FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Discover our range of shou sugi ban charred timber finishes
Suyaki - Full Char
Gendai - Smooth Brushed
PikaPika - 2x Brushed
At The Blackwood Project, we seamlessly blend ancient Japanese craftsmanship with modern technology to offer an extensive selection of charred timber finishes. By reimagining the traditional method of Japanese charred timber cladding, we've curated a range of profiles and styles that cater to a variety of architectural designs.
Our commitment to quality and innovation shines through in every finish we offer, ensuring that each one delivers a unique look and style to elevate your project. Whether you're drawn to classic designs or seeking a contemporary twist, our charred timber finishes are sure to inspire.
In terms of expected years in service for charred timber, the proof is found in the 1000s of old buildings clad in Shou Sugi Ban all over Japan. Many examples can be seen that have over 40-year-old charred timber cladding and are still strong and weather tight.
Shou sugi ban will improve naturally durable timber cladding. As to how long depends on the timber type, and local weather patterns.
The charred finish is designed to slowly erode away, but you can expect the charred surface to last many years. Subtle visible erosion is expected around 4-5 years but 20 years is our estimated lifetime of the char subject to local conditions.
The service life of the timber cladding will differ based on the durability rating of the timber species and the correct installation of the building. The carbon layer of the burnt timber slowly erodes outdoors under the influence of wind, rain and hail.
Yes, the traditional full charred finish has a much lower maintenance cycle due to its UV protective qualities and with some selected timbers you never need reapply oil. The charred timber becomes more bug resistant, hydrophobic and is given UV protection.
The charred timber cladding arrives to your project with a 4-side factory oil coating. After installation, you will need to apply a second coat of oil, and for some timbers this can be the last time you oil stain cladding. We advise a reapplication every 5 years for full char to add strength to the char layer, and for charred and brushed finish every 3-5 years to keep the colour looking fresh. Low Maintenance should not be confused with stain colour fading. With our brushed finished colour fade will happen due to UV breaking down the colour pigments in the Oil stain.
To be maintenance free comes down to the timber selection which we can provide you with advice for this decision.
When using a traditional full charred finish, you must embrace an admirable cultural thinking of the Japanese, where they embrace the evolutionary changes of nature.
In a word, Wabisabi. This is the Japanese acceptance of the changes of nature and the love of its impermanence and imperfections. Read more on Wabisabi on this website.
Yes. Our double brushed finish (Pikapika) was developed specifically for this purpose. It is a highly textural finished product that has been double brushed to remove all the char from only the softer early growth while leaving the black on the hard late growth.
This finish leaves a distressed look to the timber and shows the beauty of the textured undulating surface but additionally the stunning contrast of the black late growth rings against the light colour of your choosing.
Yes it is! We are located in Putaruru Waikato. All our charred timber cladding is produced from our local factory. In addition, all our feed stock is supplied from local New Zealand timber mills, and importers. Our timber oil is made by a local New Zealand manufacturer and tested to meet the harsh demands of our climate.
No as the char is a very clean material. Charcoal is used in toothpaste to remove stains and very little char comes away from the timber due to the factory oil coat we provide.
The first couple of rainy days will wash any residual loose char from the installation process away.
It is important to note that Char or charcoal does not stain most surfaces, it's a natural product that is used in a wide range of health products. It simply washes away. Some more porous surfaces may hold the char but should be able to washed clean. (We recommend testing surfaces if your uncertain, we can send a bag of char dust)
Your installation guide is for the weatherboard profile and timber species not the shou sugi ban finish. It is important to note that councils consider Shou Sugi Ban as a finish to your weatherboard like an oil stain. It is the feed stock or timber cladding that the council is concerned with. When you are supplied timber from one of The Blackwood Project's Mills we supply you with their Producer Statement and Branz or Codemark. This is a document verifying the timber species and weatherboard profile as suitable for timber cladding and durable for New Zealand conditions.
Yes we can provide you with the appropriate weatherboard installation guide for your project. The installation of charred timber cladding does not actually require an installation guide, but the timber profile and the timber species are what the installation guide are needed for. These are available for downloading.
In short, all of them. Shiplap is the most popular weatherboard profile in today's market followed closely by Bevelback and Rusticated. There are few profiles we do not char, please ask us about this.
Yes a light charred board is possible. However, we do not recommend this for an exterior use as the char will fade very quickly. You also do not get the full protective characteristics of the shou sugi ban process when the char layer is less than 2mm.
The charring process time varies from 2-3 weeks from time of the timber arriving.
The acquisition of the timber will be the main factor in the timeframe needed to get your charred timber cladding. At the time of writing this (April 2024) our timber mills offer 4 – 6 weeks. Its best to inquire directly with us for accurate timeframes.
Yes we char timber supplied by our customers. We also work with long-standing timber mills who produce high quality timber cladding. We will make this process very easy and liaise with them and you to help arrange your timber and the desired specied and profile.
Yes. We have a shou sugi ban order form on the website in which you can receive samples of all the charred timber finishes. https://www.blackwood.nz/ordersamples
CHARRED NORWEGIAN SPRUCE TIMBER
Also known as Norway spruce and Nordic spruce, Norwegian spruce is a lightweight softwood valued for its fine, even grain and natural warmth.
At The Blackwood Project, we carefully burn spruce boards, taking a modern approach to the traditional Shou Sugi Ban technique. The result: charred timber with a distinct surface expression and greater durability, well-suited for contemporary architectural projects.
Norwegian spruce is ideal for charred timber cladding, screens, soffits, and interior feature walls where a subtle, cohesive look is desired.
Why Choose Charred Norwegian Spruce?
Nordic spruce features a straight, uniform grain that responds beautifully to the Shou Sugi Ban process. Through charring, it develops a long-lasting carbonised surface ideal for the rich Sumiyaki finish.
At the same time, the softwood’s natural light tone and high level of absorbency make it ideal for the brushed Kindai and Hikari finishes. Coloured oils can deeply soak into its surface, effectively bringing out a wide range of hues.
Charring Norway spruce increases its hardness and burns off cellulose, enhancing dimensional stability and preventing decay caused by insects and fungi. Overall, the material unites aesthetic appeal with lasting strength.
Charred Spruce Finishes
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Sumiyaki (Full Char): A deep, carbon-black finish with bold tonal depth and refined texture. Sumiyaki Scandinavian spruce is ideal for exterior applications where a confident architectural presence is desired.
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Kindai (Brushed): Removing the char layer entirely reveals the charred spruce’s natural colour and smooth grain. Ideal for interior panels and detailing where a softer tactile surface is preferred.
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Hikari (Double Brushed): We brush back the charred surface to reveal fine-grain variation and a warm, natural undertone. Suitable for façades, soffits, screens, and interior feature walls.
Many architects, designers, and homeowners choose Hikari and Kindai finishes, which prominently showcase the grain and are ideal for colour stains.
European Spruce Applications
Charred spruce wood is ideal for residential and commercial buildings where warmth and refined grain expression are priorities. Thanks to our precise burning technique, we can char almost any weatherboard profile.
Uses for yakisugi spruce wood include:
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Burnt spruce cladding for façades and sheltered external surfaces
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Architectural screens and fencing
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Interior feature walls and ceiling panels
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Soffits and transitional spaces
Sustainability and Durability
We work with local timber mills that source Nordic spruce timber from FSC®- and PEFC™-certified forests. Our low-carbon flash-firing process creates a natural carbon shield that protects timber from moisture, decay, and pests without using chemical treatments.
All in all, charred spruce board offers a sustainable, low-maintenance solution suitable for New Zealand’s varied climates.
Caring for Nordic Spruce Charred Timber Cladding
We finish each charred Nordic spruce wood board with timber oil to support even weathering from the outset. After installation, we recommend resealing boards with another coat of oil to lock in the soot.
Over time, the weather will bring out the wood’s natural grain and develop a patina that reflects the environment. Reapplying oil every few years slows down the weathering process, preserving the colour and texture of the board.
Re-oiling schedule:
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Sumiyaki: every 3-5 years
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Kindai, Hikari: every 5-7 years
Technical Details
Nordic spruce features a fine, even grain and a controlled movement profile that supports clean alignment and detailing across timber cladding and interior applications.
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Density: ~430 kg/m³
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Movement class: Low to moderate
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Coating compatibility: Excellent with breathable, oil-based finishes
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Length availability: Commonly supplied in 2.4-4.2 m lengths
Contact our team for project-specific advice or specification support.
In terms of expected years in service for charred timber, the proof is found in the 1000s of old buildings clad in Shou Sugi Ban all over Japan. Many examples can be seen that have over 40-year-old charred timber cladding and are still strong and weather tight.
Shou sugi ban will improve naturally durable timber cladding. As to how long depends on the timber type, and local weather patterns.
The charred finish is designed to slowly erode away, but you can expect the charred surface to last many years. Subtle visible erosion is expected around 4-5 years but 20 years is our estimated lifetime of the char subject to local conditions.
The service life of the timber cladding will differ based on the durability rating of the timber species and the correct installation of the building. The carbon layer of the burnt timber slowly erodes outdoors under the influence of wind, rain and hail.
Yes, the traditional full charred finish has a much lower maintenance cycle due to its UV protective qualities and with some selected timbers you never need reapply oil. The charred timber becomes more bug resistant, hydrophobic and is given UV protection.
The charred timber cladding arrives to your project with a 4-side factory oil coating. After installation, you will need to apply a second coat of oil, and for some timbers this can be the last time you oil stain cladding. We advise a reapplication every 5 years for full char to add strength to the char layer, and for charred and brushed finish every 3-5 years to keep the colour looking fresh. Low Maintenance should not be confused with stain colour fading. With our brushed finished colour fade will happen due to UV breaking down the colour pigments in the Oil stain.
To be maintenance free comes down to the timber selection which we can provide you with advice for this decision.
When using a traditional full charred finish, you must embrace an admirable cultural thinking of the Japanese, where they embrace the evolutionary changes of nature.
In a word, Wabisabi. This is the Japanese acceptance of the changes of nature and the love of its impermanence and imperfections. Read more on Wabisabi on this website.
Yes. Our double brushed finish (Pikapika) was developed specifically for this purpose. It is a highly textural finished product that has been double brushed to remove all the char from only the softer early growth while leaving the black on the hard late growth.
This finish leaves a distressed look to the timber and shows the beauty of the textured undulating surface but additionally the stunning contrast of the black late growth rings against the light colour of your choosing.
Yes it is! We are located in Putaruru Waikato. All our charred timber cladding is produced from our local factory. In addition, all our feed stock is supplied from local New Zealand timber mills, and importers. Our timber oil is made by a local New Zealand manufacturer and tested to meet the harsh demands of our climate.
No as the char is a very clean material. Charcoal is used in toothpaste to remove stains and very little char comes away from the timber due to the factory oil coat we provide.
The first couple of rainy days will wash any residual loose char from the installation process away.
It is important to note that Char or charcoal does not stain most surfaces, it's a natural product that is used in a wide range of health products. It simply washes away. Some more porous surfaces may hold the char but should be able to washed clean. (We recommend testing surfaces if your uncertain, we can send a bag of char dust)
Your installation guide is for the weatherboard profile and timber species not the shou sugi ban finish. It is important to note that councils consider Shou Sugi Ban as a finish to your weatherboard like an oil stain. It is the feed stock or timber cladding that the council is concerned with. When you are supplied timber from one of The Blackwood Project's Mills we supply you with their Producer Statement and Branz or Codemark. This is a document verifying the timber species and weatherboard profile as suitable for timber cladding and durable for New Zealand conditions.
Yes we can provide you with the appropriate weatherboard installation guide for your project. The installation of charred timber cladding does not actually require an installation guide, but the timber profile and the timber species are what the installation guide are needed for. These are available for downloading.
In short, all of them. Shiplap is the most popular weatherboard profile in today's market followed closely by Bevelback and Rusticated. There are few profiles we do not char, please ask us about this.
Yes a light charred board is possible. However, we do not recommend this for an exterior use as the char will fade very quickly. You also do not get the full protective characteristics of the shou sugi ban process when the char layer is less than 2mm.
The charring process time varies from 2-3 weeks from time of the timber arriving.
The acquisition of the timber will be the main factor in the timeframe needed to get your charred timber cladding. At the time of writing this (April 2024) our timber mills offer 4 – 6 weeks. Its best to inquire directly with us for accurate timeframes.
Yes we char timber supplied by our customers. We also work with long-standing timber mills who produce high quality timber cladding. We will make this process very easy and liaise with them and you to help arrange your timber and the desired specied and profile.
Yes. We have a shou sugi ban order form on the website in which you can receive samples of all the charred timber finishes. https://www.blackwood.nz/ordersamples
Suyaki.
Traditional full charred finishes. Dark, moody textured timber.
Suyaki, the traditional finish for Shou Sugi Ban, showcases the original char of timber cladding. The 100% UV-proof char repels water, and slows photodegradation requiring minimal maintenance.
Dive into the timeless allure of Suyaki, where the timber is fully charred to achieve a deep, rich finish. This classic option exudes sophistication and durability, making it a perfect choice for both traditional and modern designs.
Charred at 1060°C and immediately spritzed to temper it, we apply the first oil coat at the factory for comprehensive coverage on all sides. This locks in char particles, preventing black residue and extending the char's life.
While it naturally erodes over decades, reapplying oil every 5-7 years ensures prolonged durability. Embrace the evolving finish, revealing the beautiful grain beneath, ultimately transitioning to a Gendai finish.
Before making yakisugi cladding part of our timber business, we needed to see the process and the product in its traditional setting. Our interest was sparked after supplying a large project in Auckland, that featured on Grand Designs, where the home-owner charred his own timber.
We flew to Japan to see how shou sugi ban was made by the masters, and hoped to learn why it works so well. We were impressed, and it was reassuring to see so many old examples of yakisugi 30 and 40 years old still looking great today, some examples were over 120 years old.
As timber professionals we could see excellent benefits to the end user from the yakisugi process that made the timber stronger, more stable and maintenance free.
With what we learnt in Japan, we started to experiment with yakisugi using different effective burning techniques. After 1000s of hours and tenfold as many meters of timber we made good progress. Now we are very excited to say we have been offering Yakisugi Japanese charred cladding since 2018.
Alto
Accoya
TMT Pine
TempleWood
Alto
Accoya
TMT Pine
TempleWood
Alto
Accoya
TMT Pine
TempleWood
Suyaki.
Traditional full charred finishes. Dark, moody textured timber.
Alto
Accoya
TMT Pine
Temple Wood
Suyaki, the traditional finish for Shou Sugi Ban, showcases the original char of timber cladding. The 100% UV-proof char repels water, and slows photodegradation requiring minimal maintenance.
Dive into the timeless allure of Suyaki, where the timber is fully charred to achieve a deep, rich finish. This classic option exudes sophistication and durability, making it a perfect choice for both traditional and modern designs.
Charred at 1060°C and immediately spritzed to temper it, we apply the first oil coat at the factory for comprehensive coverage on all sides. This locks in char particles, preventing black residue and extending the char's life.
While it naturally erodes over decades, reapplying oil every 5-7 years ensures prolonged durability. Embrace the evolving finish, revealing the beautiful grain beneath, ultimately transitioning to a Gendai finish.
Gendai.
Charred and smooth brushed. Enhanced grain , intriguing embossed patterns.
Gendai, our highly popular charred timber finish, features a smooth texture that accentuates the wood grain's inner beauty, yet carried a subtle embossed pattern from where the char once was.
Charred and Brushed: Experience the understated elegance of Gendai, a finish that combines the rustic charm of charred timber with a refined brushed texture. The result is a surface that offers depth and character while maintaining a sleek and contemporary appearance.
Achieved through deep charring followed by vigorous brushing with a high-speed quad head brushing unit, Gendai comes with a factory-coated oil stain in clear or black, enhancing the lifespan of the Yakisugi timber and showcasing its beautiful grain.
As the UV protective layer of char has been removed, to maintain colour reapply stain every 3-5 years to preserve its ebony black appearance. Or you can allow the colour to fade and slowly change over time.
Accoya
Western Red Cedar
TMT Pine
Temple Wood
Pika Pika.
Charred 2x Brushed. Highly textural, light colours
Alto
Accoya
TMT Pine
Temple Wood
Charred and Double Brushed: Elevate your space with Pika Pika, a finish that pushes the boundaries of traditional charred timber. Through a double brushing process, the grain clarity is enhanced, and a modern twist is introduced, adding a touch of sophistication to any setting.
Pika Pika offers a distinctive textural finish and striking contrast achieved through a single intense burn and double brushing process.
This specialized charred and brushed timber cladding finish is receptive to colored stains, excelling in absorbing oil stains and accentuating the wood's inherent beauty.
The second brush, a specialized head, intensifies timber textures, cleans residual char, and restores the natural color of the wood, with some timbers the winter grain retains its distinctive black ridges adding contrast to texture.
Why choose us?
Expertise:
With years of experience in the industry, we are experts in the art of Japanese charred timber finishes. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional results that exceed your expectations.
Innovation:
We pride ourselves on our innovative approach to traditional techniques. By combining the ancient art of charred wood with modern technology, we create finishes that are both timeless and cutting-edge.
Quality:
Quality is at the forefront of everything we do. From the selection of timber to the finishing touches, we uphold the highest standards to ensure that each product meets our rigorous quality control measures.