Timber Cladding... and Make it Black

Anita | Benjamin | Ben - March, 2025 

There are a few ways to achieve the black cladding aesthetic. Here, we share our experience with Shou Sugi Ban and Ignite timber cladding.

Introduction

The world of architectural cladding offers a range of choices, each bringing its own set of aesthetics and functional benefits. In recent years, black charred timber cladding has grown in popularity.  

Among these, Shou Sugi Ban and Ignite Cladding stand out, offering unique approaches to exterior finishes. This article will provide information on both types of cladding to help you decide which is best suited to your next project.

Origins and Techniques

Shou Sugi Ban

Shou Sugi Ban, also known as Yakisugi, is an ancient Japanese technique that dates back to the 18th century. The process extends the service life of the timber and involves a deep burning of the surface wood.

Yakisugi was originally developed to preserve wood. The charring process creates a carbon layer that acts as a protective shield, enhancing the wood's durability.

The traditional method involves carefully controlled burning, followed by cooling. The result is a beautiful bespoke textured surface that showcases the natural grain of the wood while offering heightened resistance to the elements.

The Shou Sugi Ban we offer at Barwon Timber is supplied with its charred surface giving the cladding its black appearance. Shou Sugi Ban can be offered in a number of finishes.

Ignite Thermory Cladding

Ignite Cladding, produced by Thermory, creates the aesthetic of charred wood with the additional durability and stability that comes from the thermal modification process it undergoes. Ignite uses thermally treated Spruce timber which is then embossed with a dragon scale pattern and is then painted black.   

Ignite does not leave the messy residue that Shou Sugi Ban leaves given the process taken to emboss and coat. The process to produce Ignite is completely flame-free, meaning the product will not stain or crumble during or after installation.   

Aesthetic Appeal

Shou Sugi Ban

Visually striking from installation and throughout its service life, the charred and blackened Shou Sugi Ban Barwon Timber offers a bespoke cladding option that will transform as it ages. The pattern on each board is unique. 

Run an online search of historic buildings in Japan using Yakisugi and it will return images of cladding in different stages of patina and weathering. Patina can cause some of the black charring to dislodge from the cladding, exposing the uncharred timber beneath. The effect is striking and unique to each building.    

Ignite Cladding

Ignite cladding gives homeowners and clients a black timber cladding option that, from a distance, achieves a similar aesthetic to Shou Sugi Ban when it’s installed – without the flames. 

Ignite is embossed with a dragon scale pattern that does not change the timbers’ properties. The product does not leave a residue, making it suitable for interior and exterior applications.

Durability, BAL ratings and Maintenance

Shou Sugi Ban

One of the key benefits of Shou Sugi Ban is its durability and stability owing to the deep charring process.  

Barwon Timber can supply Shou Sugi Ban to comply with a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL)-LOW rating using Cypress and a BAL-29 rating using Australian Hardwoods. Given the requirement on many of the sites we supply need to comply with a BAL rating, this is an important consideration.

Shou Sugi Ban will grey off and patina over time, meaning recoats to retain its initial black colouring may need to be sprayed on as brush or roller application may dislodge more of the charring. It’s important the homeowner or client understands this and that if the product patinas, it is performing as expected.

Ignite Cladding

Ignite cladding is produced from thermally modified Spruce. It does not have a BAL rating.

Owing to the thermal modification process the timber undertakes to produce Ignite, it will have additional durability and stability compared to Spruce, which has not had the same treatment. 

Ignite will grey off over time unless it is routinely maintained and recoated.  It is important the home owner or client understands the ongoing maintenance requirements of the product.

Both Shou Sugi Ban and Ignite timber cladding options are thermally modified, giving each enhanced durability.  Consideration should be given to more exposed faces of the building and the accelerated weathering likely to occur on these.  

Ensure all supplying mill product information and installation guides are read prior to making a product selection. If you can’t locate these, contact the sales team at Barwon Timber, and we will help you.

Conclusion

Both Shou Sugi Ban and Ignite Cladding offer distinct advantages and aesthetic qualities that cater to different architectural needs and preferences.  Both products are thermally modified, giving them extended service life. 

Shou Sugi Ban brings a touch of timeless tradition and natural beauty, ideal for projects that value handcrafted authenticity and organic charm.  The face of the Shou Sugi Ban Barwon Timber supplies is deeply burned, enhancing its durability and extending its service life.  

Shou Sugi Ban will patina and change appearance over the course of its service life.  For homeowners and clients wanting a durable product that will tell a story over time, Shou Sugi Ban should be considered.  Barwon Timber offers Shou Sugi Ban cladding in two BAL-rated options.

Ignite Cladding achieves a similar aesthetic to charred wood and provides the reliability of a thermally modified product.  With regular maintenance and recoating it will retain much of its original characteristics and aesthetic.  

It is worth considering both products the next time you are looking for charred timber cladding, keeping in mind that retaining the black appearance of both options will require regular maintenance and recoating.  

Barwon Timber has a display of both products in our showroom, and we’re able to give you the information to help you make your decision. 

Visit our Showroom to learn more.