Local Lumber: Shou Sugi Ban

Here are some common questions we get about shou sugi ban.

What are the advantages of Shou Sugi Ban?

Shou Sugi Ban is a Japanese burning process that makes siding boards more weather resistant. The outside layer of the wood is carbonized, then often oiled, which makes it less permeable to rain and less desirable for bugs. 

What species do you recommend for Shou Sugi Ban 

Local softwoods –such as pine, poplar, and cedar– are recommended. Pine is the best option if you want grain patterns to be visible. Poplar offers a modern matte appearance and is a great option if you want to use shou sugi ban as an accent to be complimented by a contrasting siding elsewhere. Cedar is hard-to-find in large volumes but is the traditional material for shou sugi ban. It is the most rot resistant but the base wood is 2-4x the cost of pine or poplar. Hardwood shou sugi ban is possible; however, hardwoods expand and contract seasonally more than softwoods, so cupping is more an issue over time. If a hardwood is used, then ash is better than oak, maple, etc. due to its light weight and dynamic grain pattern. 

Is it necessary to oil Shou Sugi Ban?

No, traditional Shou Sugi Ban is not oiled. It weathers over time. But, in the U.S., homeowners tend to want their siding to look somewhat new for its entire lifespan, and resist signs of aging. 

What maintenance is involved with Shou Sugi Ban?

We recommend checking for protruding nails every couple of years, and re-oiling every five years.

What Shou Sugi Ban widths do you recommend?

We can cut any width for shou sugi ban siding. However, we recommend five to eight inches wide. 

What edge profiles do you cut and/or recommend?

We sell Shou Sugi Ban as boards, board and batten, ship lap, reverse board and batten, and tongue and groove. We recommend tongue and groove for it tight’s fit over time. 

Do I need to install a rain screen and furring strips over the house wrap before installing Shou Sugi Ban?

We recommend that you install both a rain screen and horizontal furring strips, nailed into studs, 32” OC over your house wrap. This ensures that both the front and back of your Shou Sugi Ban siding dries evenly through humidity and weather events. 

What burn intensities do you offer?

We offer light, medium, and heavy burns for our shou sugi ban siding. This is mostly an aesthetic choice. 

What’s the life expectancy of Shou Sugi Ban?

Shou Sugi Ban is reputed to have a life expectancy of 100-150 years. Much of this longevity depends on regular maintenance and deep eaves. 

What’s the best way to attach Shou Sugi Ban to the furring strips or house studs?

Builders who use our product use stainless steel or galvanized nails and screws– often face nailed into the board surface. Some builders choose to paint the nail heads before using a nail gun. 

What oils do you recommend using on Shou Sugi Ban?

Our most common stain is a Tung Oil mixed with Mineral Spirits. We also love Pine Tar mixed with pigmented Linseed Oil.