That may sound crazy at first. But that’s exactly what the Japanese Yakisugi method does: the wood surface is burnt – “carbonised” in technical jargon, making it more resistant and durable. At the same time, carbonisation creates a very special look!
The trend towards facades and other design elements made of burnt or charred wood originally came from Japan.
Several hundred years ago, it was discovered there that wooden buildings that were damaged but not completely destroyed by fire were subsequently more resistant.
The charred remains withstood natural weathering over many years much better than untreated natural wood.
Once people had become aware of these improved wood properties, some master builders in Japan began to use charred wood.
This gave rise to the term yakisugi (also known as shou sugi ban): Yaki means “burnt”, “grilled” or “charred”, Sugi stands for the Japanese sickle fir.
In Japan, the Japanese cedar – also known as sickle fir or sugi – is predominantly used for carbonising using the yakisugi method.
Depending on the region, however, local woods with similar properties can also be used instead, e.g. larch wood or modified woods such as Accoya® and Kebony® in Europe.
We apply strict quality criteria when sourcing our wood in order to be able to guarantee you a high-quality product.
Today, Yakisugi wood is also increasingly being used outside Japan for wooden facades, furniture, wall panelling, artwork and other areas.
The trend towards black carbonised wood is becoming increasingly popular with architects, master builders, private and commercial customers across Europe and internationally.
On the one hand, because the carbonised – i.e. charred – wood surface impresses onlookers with its unique appearance and three-dimensional structure. On the other hand, the carbonised yakisugi wood also scores points for its high weather resistance and durability, especially when used outdoors.
Using our traditional, vertical deep-charring process, our woods are carbonised with pure flame according to the Japanese Yakisugi method, resulting in extremely resistant, durable wood products with a unique, black charred surface structure which, thanks to its exclusive character, is also compared to alligator skin, silk wood or leather.
If you opt for the refined style, the already carbonised wood is then carefully brushed by hand and refined using a special process so that the grain and structure are revealed under the layer of carbon. Depending on the processing and type of wood, our wood finishing creates an exclusive colour look: from elegant silver-grey to an ingenious reclaimed wood look in rustic brown tones.
It goes without saying that the burnt, black charred wood surface with its characteristic, three-dimensional structure is very popular with onlookers. In addition to the unique look, the carbonised wood also has other decisive advantages.
Durch das Verkohlen der Holzoberfläche verdichten sich die Holzzellen. Folglich können Witterungseinflüsse von außen – wie z.B. Wind und Wetter, Regenwasser, Feuchtigkeit und UV-Strahlung – sowie holzzersetzende Pilze, Schädlinge und Insekten kaum bis gar nicht in das karbonisierte Holz eindringen.
Die schwarz verkohlte Oberfläche wirkt daher als natürlicher Schutz, die das Holz vor Verwitterung bewahrt, seine Widerstandsfähigkeit erhöht und es sehr langlebig und beständig macht.
The charring of the wood surface causes the wood cells to become denser. As a result, weather influences from outside – such as wind and weather, rainwater, moisture and UV radiation – as well as wood-decaying fungi, pests and insects have little to no chance of penetrating the carbonised wood.
The black carbonised surface therefore acts as a natural protection that protects the wood from weathering, increases its resistance and makes it very durable.
The high weather resistance and durability of black carbonised wood leads directly to the next advantage: facades and other components made of carbonised wood are very low-maintenance and require little to no maintenance for many years!
In contrast to untreated, glazed or painted facades, which need to be touched up, repainted or even replaced after a few years at the latest.
One of the biggest advantages of black charred Yakisugi wood is its sustainability factor: it is considered a particularly environmentally friendly product!
One of the main reasons for this is their sustainable production. However, there is a big difference here that you should definitely be aware of: A distinction is made between traditionally carbonised and industrially carbonised woods.
Traditionally carbonised woods are much more environmentally friendly than industrially carbonised woods!
According to the original Japanese Yakisugi method, the wood is carbonised in the traditional burning process in a vertical position with a pure flame. This environmentally and climate-friendly method completely dispenses with chemicals and fossil fuels such as gas!
The industrial firing method is different: Here, several pieces of wood are flamed next to each other in a horizontal position with the fossil fuel gas.
Ennobled GmbH does not use this industrial burning method! We carbonise our wood using the traditional Yakisugi method in a special and sustainable deep-charring process.
In times of rapid consumption and mass consumption, sustainable values such as quality, durability and longevity are once again gaining in importance.
The high durability and resistance of black charred wood ensures that carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere is bound in the wood for longer.
You can easily order the right accessories for installing and maintaining our wood from our online shop.
At Ennobled, local woods such as spruce or larch and modified woods such as Accoya®, Kebony® and thermowood are used for the traditional Yakisugi firing process.
Depending on the type of wood, a unique effect is created: for example, Accoya® impresses as an exclusive, extremely hard-wearing premium product with a beautiful, particularly three-dimensional and clearly structured wood surface, while other woods have a used look or a striking black charred appearance with a strong character.
The properties and areas of application of the charred woods can vary slightly depending on the type of wood. However, all woods have one thing in common: carbonising them using the traditional Yakisugi method gives them additional durability and weather resistance as well as a beautiful, black charred wood texture.
Like all styles and design elements, black carbonised woods are of course a matter of taste. If you are looking for an alternative to carbonised woods, you will find it in Ennobled’s diverse range: Because we also offer refined woods in different colour variations!
The refined wood is first carbonised and then carefully brushed by hand and finished using a special technique. In this way, the natural, curved wood grain is revealed under the carbonised layer.
Depending on the finish, different colour looks are created: from glossy black to a sophisticated silver-grey or the rustic old wood look through to soft, dark brown tones.
