The term "Shou-Sugi-Ban" is Japanese (焼 杉 板) and translates literally as "cedar plank". The term is often used to describe the centuries-old Japanese technique of charring "sugi" (cedar) boards used for cladding, screens and flooring.

Originally, Japanese carpenters sought an artistic and unique finish from driftwood from the Japanese coast. Because of the weathering process wood undergoes when exposed to the harsh conditions of salt water, surf and sun, Japanese driftwood was valued for its unique appearance and durability in many different carpentry media.

Driftwood that had undergone the proper weathering process was scarce, while the demand in Japan for such a product was high. So the Japanese turned to a different weathering process to achieve the durability and aesthetics. Fire-burning was the preservative of choice with the unique and artistic dimension that Japanese homeowners and craftsmen were looking for.

The practice of charring Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica), commonly called Japanese cedar, has been common in Japan since 1700, and probably earlier. In the last 50-100 years, the practice has fallen out of favour in Japan due to the advent of modern plastic- or cement-based cladding, decking and fencing. In addition, wood has been scarce in Japan for a long time and most wood has to be imported, increasing costs. These factors caused Shou Sugi Ban to become a "lost" technique.

In the early 2000s, Shou Sugi Ban was "first discovered", first in Japan, but then it quickly caught the attention of architects and designers in Europe and North America and began to appear in specially designed homes and buildings. In the last few years, its use has really exploded, for the same reason that it was popular in Japan hundreds of years ago.

Wood burning as a method for colouring, finishing and preserving cladding, floors and fencing is on the rise. Since Japanese cedar is only native to Japan, builders in other countries and continents have been looking for other wood species such as western red cedar, cypress, Accoya, Douglas fir, oak, larch, etc. The result is just as good, if not better, than Japanese cedar.

Glossary

Driftwood is wood that has washed ashore on a beach or riverbank by the action of wind, waves and tide. It is in some cases, but not always, a form of marine debris. In some areas, driftwood occurs in large quantities. Wikipedia