The Studio
About Senmonka
"We founded Senmonka on a single conviction: that the oldest methods are often the most enduring."
Paul — Founder
Senmonka was established in 2015 by paul following three years studying traditional yakisugi in Nara, Japan. The name — (Senmonka) 専門家, meaning "specialist" — reflects our singular focus: charred timber, done properly.
We work from a workshop in North Yorkshire, producing bespoke yakisugi for architects, interior designers, contractors, and private clients across the United Kingdom and Europe. Every board is hand-charred, brushed, and finished in-house.
Our clients come to us because they want something that cannot be replicated by a factory process. They want material with presence — surfaces that carry the evidence of their making and improve with the passage of time.
The Process
How yakisugi
is made.
Selection
We source sustainably grown cedar, larch, oak and Accoya from certified UK and European suppliers. Timber is selected board by board for grain, density, and character.
Charring
Each board is hand-charred using a propane torch or open flame, depending on the desired depth of char. The process is controlled and repeatable, but no two boards are identical.
Brushing
Once cooled, the char is brushed to remove loose carbon and reveal the grain beneath. The degree of brushing determines the final texture — from deeply tactile to silky smooth.
Finishing
Boards are finished with natural oils or left raw, depending on the application. We work to your specification and can produce samples before full production.
What We Stand For
Our values
Fire
Controlled transformation
Every board passes through fire. The char is not a finish — it is a fundamental change in the material. We work with fire as a precision tool, not a destructive force.
Wood
Material honesty
We source sustainably grown timber and let its character show. Knots, grain, and variation are not imperfections — they are the signature of the material.
Time
Built to last
Yakisugi timber outlasts untreated wood by centuries. We design for permanence — surfaces that deepen and improve as they age rather than deteriorate.
Space
Restraint in design
We believe in doing less, better. Our work is characterised by precision, quiet confidence, and an absence of unnecessary ornament.
We are located in
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
The People
Our team
Paul
Founder & Lead Craftsman
Paul trained in traditional Japanese joinery before founding Senmonka in 2015. He spent three years in Nara studying under master yakisugi practitioners.
Michael
Design Director
Michael brings a background in architectural practice to every project. He leads the design process from specification through to installation.
James
Workshop Manager
James oversees production in our North Yorkshire workshop. With twenty years in timber craftsmanship, he ensures every board meets our exacting standards.
Work With Us