Charred timber cladding — yakisugi shou sugi ban exterior boards
Products/Charred Timber

Shou Sugi Ban Cladding

Hand-charred and produced to order in our North Yorkshire workshop. We hold hundreds of m² in stock and offer a one-week turnaround on all products.

Char Depth|Species6 products

Yakisugi cladding, hand-charred in North Yorkshire

Senmonka's charred timber cladding range brings the ancient Japanese technique of yakisugi — also known as shou sugi ban — to contemporary British architecture. Each board is hand-charred in our Harrogate workshop, wire-brushed to the desired finish, and sealed with a penetrating exterior oil.

We offer four timber species — Western Red Cedar, Siberian Larch, European Oak, and Accoya — each available across a spectrum of char depths from a subtle cold grey to a deep raven black. All 17 profiles are available across every species and char depth. Standard lengths are 2.4m, 3.0m, and 3.6m; bespoke dimensions are available on request.

Accoya is an acetylated softwood with Class 1 durability — dimensionally stable, resistant to rot and insects, and guaranteed for 50 years above ground. It takes the char exceptionally well and is the premium choice for architects specifying longevity on demanding projects.

The carbonised surface is naturally resistant to moisture, UV, insects, and fire — making charred timber cladding one of the most durable and low-maintenance exterior finishes available. We hold hundreds of m² in stock and offer a one-week turnaround on standard orders, with UK-wide delivery and free sample boards for architects and designers on live projects.

Hand-charred

Every board fired in our Harrogate workshop

17 profiles

Square-edge, shiplap, feather-edge, rebated & more

UK-wide delivery

In stock — one-week turnaround

Free samples

For architects & designers on live projects

Raven — yakisugi charred timber cladding in light char finish
Raven

Raven

Deeply charred for maximum visual impact and weather resistance. The dense, resinous nature of the timber makes it exceptionally well-suited to deep charring — the resulting surface is hard, durable, and striking. Wire-brushed to a smooth finish and sealed with exterior oil.

  • 17 profiles available
  • Lengths: 2.4m, 3.0m, 3.6m
  • Finish: Brushed & Oiled
  • Exterior use

SKU: SH-SG-BN-CDR-9373cd

From £44.00per m²
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Gator — yakisugi charred timber cladding in deep char finish
Gator

Gator

Deeply charred to a rich, black finish. The dramatic surface texture is achieved through an extended burn, then wire-brushed to remove loose carbon and sealed with exterior oil. A bold choice for statement facades, garden buildings, and contemporary architecture.

  • 17 profiles available
  • Lengths: 2.4m, 3.0m, 3.6m
  • Finish: Wire-brushed & Oiled
  • Exterior use

SKU: SH-SG-BN-CDR-fc1035

From £44.00per m²
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Cold Gray — yakisugi charred timber cladding in medium char finish
Cold Gray

Cold Gray

Cladding boards with a medium char depth — the most versatile finish in our range. The tight grain holds the char beautifully, producing a consistent, deep grey-black surface with subtle texture. Brushed and oiled for exterior use.

  • 17 profiles available
  • Lengths: 2.4m, 3.0m, 3.6m
  • Finish: Brushed & Oiled
  • Exterior use

SKU: SH-SG-BN-LRC-46d6b5

From £44.00per m²
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Red Sky — yakisugi charred timber cladding in deep char finish
Red Sky

Red Sky

Cladding boards lightly charred to a warm bronze finish. The surface is hand-brushed to reveal the natural grain beneath, then finished with a protective exterior oil. Ideal for contemporary residential facades where warmth and texture are key.

  • 17 profiles available
  • Lengths: 2.4m, 3.0m, 3.6m
  • Finish: Wire-brushed & Oiled
  • Exterior use

SKU: SH-SG-BN-LRC-130a67

From £44.00per m²
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Hash Gray — yakisugi charred timber cladding in light char finish
Hash Gray

Hash Gray

Cladding boards with a light char that accentuates the distinctive grain and open texture of the timber. The warm, golden-brown tones make it a refined choice for high-end residential and commercial projects. Brushed and finished with a natural exterior oil.

  • 17 profiles available
  • Lengths: 2.4m, 3.0m, 3.6m
  • Finish: Brushed & Oiled
  • Exterior use

SKU: SH-SG-BN-K-173f3b

From £44.00per m²
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Very Berry — yakisugi charred timber cladding in medium char finish
Very Berry

Very Berry

Cladding boards with a medium char depth — a sophisticated balance between the natural warmth of the timber and the depth of the charring process. The open grain takes on a rich, complex texture at this char level. Brushed, oiled, and ready for exterior installation.

  • 17 profiles available
  • Lengths: 2.4m, 3.0m, 3.6m
  • Finish: Brushed & Oiled
  • Exterior use

SKU: SH-SG-BN-K-664e9b

From £44.00per m²
Enquire

FAQ

Common questions about charred timber cladding

What timber species are available?

We offer charred timber cladding in Western Red Cedar, Siberian Larch, European Oak, and Accoya. Cedar produces a rich resinous char; larch a consistent deep grey-black; oak a warm open-grained texture; and Accoya — an acetylated softwood with Class 1 durability — a dimensionally stable, premium-grade char with a 50-year above-ground guarantee.

What profiles and lengths do you supply?

All cladding is available in square-edge, shiplap, feather-edge, and rebated profiles. Standard lengths are 2.4m, 3.0m, and 3.6m. Custom lengths and profiles are available on request.

How is charred timber cladding installed?

Boards are fixed to a ventilated timber batten system using stainless steel secret-fix clips or face-fix screws. A minimum 25mm ventilated cavity is recommended. We supply full technical data sheets and fixing guidance with every order.

Does charred timber cladding need maintenance?

Very little. We recommend re-oiling with an exterior timber oil every 5–10 years to maintain colour depth and surface protection. Compatible maintenance oils are available in our Extras range.

What is the lead time?

We hold hundreds of m² in stock and offer a one-week turnaround on standard orders. Bespoke specifications may require additional lead time — contact us to confirm availability.

Is charred timber cladding suitable for the UK climate?

Yes. The carbonised surface is naturally resistant to moisture, frost, and UV — making yakisugi exceptionally well-suited to the UK's wet climate. Unlike painted timber, the char does not peel or flake. Our cladding is finished with a penetrating exterior oil for additional weather protection.

Does charred timber cladding meet UK fire regulations?

Charred timber is a combustible material and must be specified in accordance with Approved Document B. It is suitable for buildings up to 11m without additional treatment. For taller buildings, a fire-retardant treatment can be applied. We supply full technical data sheets to support your specification.

Bespoke Specification

Need a custom species,
char depth, or profile?

All our cladding is produced to order. If you require a specification not listed here — a different species, a custom length, or a bespoke profile — contact us to discuss. We also offer free sample boards for Home owners, architects and designers on live projects.