Charred wood is a strikingly bold, blackened timber look that stands the test of time. Besides creating an aesthetically pleasing tone, it also increases the timber’s durability. Find out all you need to know about wood charring here and how you could use it in your next project.
What is Charred Wood?
Wood charring, also known as Shou sugi bun, refers to the method of timber colouring and preservation, which is conducted through applying flames to the surface of the timber planks & boards. The flame lightly chars the exterior of the timber planks, creating a visually appealing, natural look, which can be tailored to look slightly grey charred to deep black in appearance.
What is Shou Sugi Ban?
Shou Sugi Ban (焼杉板), originating from Japan, is a centuries old technique of timber charring. The final product of the timber charring process, referred to as yakisugi (‘yaki’ meaning to heat with fire and ‘sugi’ referring to cypress), provides a finish that not only looks great, but practically, gives longevity to the timber by resisting fungal attack.
Is Charred Wood Water Resistant?
Once the timber is thoroughly charred, it is a wrapped in a layer of carbon that is formed within the burning process. This layer helps the timber become highly resistant to water compared to the raw timber and essentially renders the charred timber as waterproof.
Does Charred Wood Repel Rot?
Yes! Rot and borer attack is encouraged by providing lignin food to bacterial and invasive parasite. Charring the timber naturally removes the lignin making it less desirable to parasitic decay.
Does Burning Wood Make it Stronger?
When timber is heated within the flames of a fire, the grains of the timber are fused even tighter together, resulting in a stronger, more durable board. If the timber is left within the fire for too long however, this will begin to deteriorate the condition of the timber, resulting in burning, scorches and cracks.
What Wood is Best for Wood Charring / Shou Sugi Ban?
Any hardwood with a durability class 1 rating is suitable for charring/shou sugi ban, but Western Red Cedar is also a suitable option as it is easier to perform the charring process on this specie without it burning or getting scorched. Wood charring also works well on Spotted Gum, American White Oak and Hemlock Timber.
How Long Does Charred Wood Last?
Charred timber can last for over 50 years if treated properly, due to its durable and strong nature formed from heating the timber in flames.
How is Wood Charred?
There are many and varied methods for charring timber, the most common modern methods being to use either a brick oven with gas burners, or to use a basic hand held propane torch to burn the surface of each board. The traditional Japanese method was to bind 3 boards together with theirs fronts facing the centre, to create a triangular ‘tunnel’, then start a fire within the tunnel. Once the surface has been charred, the boards are doused with water to extinguish any flames, then left to dry.
Should I Oil / Seal My Charred Wood?
To prevent the removal of the charring by rubbing and abrasion, Coach House Timbers has developed a sealer coating process that maintains its natural look. No worries about charcoal stains to your hands or clothes!
Got any questions regarding charred wood? Ready to get your next project underway? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Coach House Timbers team today for a free quote.
Explore our Range of Charred Timber Products
At Coach House Timbers we provide an exceptional range of Australian hardwood and oak timber species for your charred timber needs. Explore our range of charred timber and charred timber cladding products now.
As a seasoned expert in wood treatments and architectural aesthetics, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the fascinating realm of charred wood, particularly the traditional Japanese technique known as Shou Sugi Ban. My extensive background in woodworking, combined with a deep appreciation for the intersection of form and function, allows me to shed light on the transformative process of charring wood.
Understanding Charred Wood (Shou Sugi Ban):
1. Definition and Process: Charred wood, or Shou Sugi Ban, is a captivating method of timber coloring and preservation. This involves applying flames to the surface of timber planks and boards. The controlled flame chars the exterior, resulting in a visually appealing, natural look that ranges from slightly grey to a deep black appearance.
2. Origins and Technique: Shou Sugi Ban, originating from Japan, has been practiced for centuries. The technique, known as yakisugi, involves heating the wood with fire ('yaki') and specifically refers to cypress ('sugi'). This ancient method not only enhances the wood's visual appeal but also imparts longevity by making it resistant to fungal attacks.
3. Water Resistance: Once thoroughly charred, the wood develops a carbon layer through the burning process. This layer renders the timber highly resistant to water, surpassing the raw timber and essentially making charred wood waterproof.
4. Rot Resistance: Charring removes lignin from the wood, making it less susceptible to rot and borer attacks. The absence of lignin diminishes the appeal of the wood to parasitic decay, contributing to its durability.
5. Strength and Durability: Heating timber in flames tightens the wood grains, resulting in a stronger and more durable board. However, prolonged exposure to fire can lead to deterioration, causing burning, scorching, and cracks.
6. Suitable Wood Species: Any hardwood with a durability class 1 rating is suitable for charring. Western Red Cedar is particularly suitable, given its ease of charring without burning or scorching. Other viable options include Spotted Gum, American White Oak, and Hemlock Timber.
7. Longevity: Properly treated and maintained charred timber can last over 50 years due to its inherent strength and durability acquired through the charring process.
8. Charring Methods: Various methods exist for charring timber, ranging from modern approaches like brick ovens with gas burners to traditional Japanese methods involving triangular tunnels and controlled fires.
9. Sealing and Maintenance: To preserve the charring and prevent its removal through rubbing and abrasion, a sealer coating process can be applied. This not only maintains the natural look but also prevents charcoal stains on hands or clothes.
In conclusion, charred wood is not merely a visually striking choice but also a testament to the enduring fusion of craftsmanship and science. If you're considering incorporating this unique aesthetic into your next project, the Coach House Timbers team, with their expertise and quality products, stands ready to assist you. Feel free to explore their range of charred timber offerings and embark on a journey of timeless elegance in architectural design.
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