Authentic Yakisugi Cladding
Imported from Japan

Every board is sugi, Cryptomeria japonica, the Japanese cedar the technique was developed for. Our timber is PEFC certified and Goho Wood certified under Japan’s Clean Wood Act, so the chain of custody is documented from forest to facade. The boards are flame-charred in Japan by a mill that has practised the craft since 1974. The carbon layer itself becomes the protection, with no paint or film required, and Rubio WoodCream is available as an optional wax where you want additional UV and colour control.

Modern coastal house featuring Yakisugi a.k.a Shou Sugi Ban charred Japanese cedar cladding overlooking the ocean.

Authentic Yakisugi Cladding
Imported from Japan

Since 1974,

Studio Tsukuru supplies authentic yakisugi: genuine Japanese cedar, charred in Japan, finished in Melbourne and delivered Australia-wide. Shou sugi ban and yakisugi are two names for the same craft, and we import the original article rather than charring local hardwood. The result is charred timber cladding with the deep, even blackened timber surface the technique is famous for.
Japanese craftsman handling cedar timber board in a woodworking workshop.

Crafted in Japan,
Tailored in Melbourne

Since 1974

Melbourne’s Shou Sugi Ban Timber Specialists

Crafted in Japan – Tailored in Melbourne

From our Knoxfield workshop we inspect, finish and pack every order, and we colour-match custom finishes across all three ranges. Architects and builders get spec-level support: board profiles, wall build-up guidance and physical samples before you commit. We deliver Japanese timber cladding Australia-wide.

shou sugi ban cladding

Built for Australian sites

Shou sugi ban cladding is suited to Australian conditions when it is specified properly. Sugi yakisugi can be used directly at BAL-LOW and BAL-12.5, and within a compliant wall system at BAL-19. Left uncoated, the char weathers naturally and gracefully; coated finishes should plan on a recoat about every five years, or every three years on harsh coastal or high-UV sites. Every board is backed by a 10-year manufacturer’s limited warranty.

Sustainably sourced
Icon representing sustainably sourced timber used for Yakisugi a.k.a Shousugiban cedar cladding.

Responsibly harvested timber from
certified Japanese forest

Made in Japan
Icon representing Yakisugi a.k.a Shousugiban timber made in Japan.

Flame-charred in Japan using
authentic Yakisugi methods

Designed in Melbourne
Icon representing products made or finished in Australia.

Tailored specifically for
Australian climate and architecture

Handcrafted
Icon representing handcrafted Yakisugi a.k.a Shousugiban timber craftsmanship.

Each piece carefully crafted by
skilled Japanese artisans

Low CO2 Emissions
Icon representing low carbon CO₂ impact for Yakisugi timber products.

Environmentally conscious
production with minimal carbon footprint

Icon representing the Yakisugi a.k.a Shousugiban cedar product range.

Our Product Range

Discover our range of authentic Shou Sugi Ban & Yakisugi timber products, each crafted with traditional Japanese techniques and adapted for contemporary Australian projects.

Custom colour matching is available across all three ranges.

Hakuu Natural Yakisugi a.k.a Shousugiban Japanese cedar cladding showing deep charred texture and dramatic wood grain.

Deep Char Japanese Cedar

Hakuu

Hakuu is the traditional unglazed Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban) finish where the charred surface is left intact.
The deep black char: a traditional, unglazed yakisugi finish with the full carbon texture left proud.

Benii Natural Yakisugi a.k.a Shou Sugi Ban Japanese cedar cladding showing natural wood grain with subtle charred finish.

Light-brushed Shou Sugi Ban

Benii

Benii is Japanese cedar with an elegant light-brushed Yakisugi finish.
Light-brushed, revealing the timber grain beneath a softer black tone.

Close-up of Sumii Yakisugi a.k.a Shousugiban cedar timber cladding showing charred cedar grain pattern.

Deep brushed Custom Colour

Sumii

Sumii is premium Japanese cedar with a distinctive hard brushed Yakisugi finish.
Hard-brushed and available in warm coated colours including Sahara, Mocha, Drift and Dune.

Studio Tsukuru logo, authentic Yakisugi a.k.a Shou Sugi Ban timber brand in Australia.

About Us

Japanese cedar boards prepared in a traditional Yakisugi a.k.a Shou Sugi Ban workshop before the charring process.

Studio Tsukuru

“Tsukuru” (作る) means to create or to craft in Japanese. The name reflects our mission: transforming raw Japanese timber into architectural art.

At Studio Tsukuru, we specialise in Yakisugi, also known globally as Shou sugi ban, the traditional Japanese method of charring and carbonising sugi (Japanese cedar). Our material is sourced directly from Japan, the pioneer of industrial yakisugi since 1974, and refined to suit the demands of Australia’s climate.

We present yakisugi not just as charred timber cladding but as a balance of tradition and modernity. This timber carries centuries of heritage while meeting contemporary design standards. With its deep texture, enhanced grain, and organic shadow lines, yakisugi delivers a unique aesthetic and enduring character that set it apart from other Japanese cladding or timber systems.

Based in Melbourne, we understand the unique requirements of Australian architecture, from coastal exposure to high solar conditions. We work closely with architects, builders, and designers to specify the right finish, profile, and textured cladding for each project, whether a bold exterior façade or a refined interior feature wall.

Studio Tsukuru is Australia’s dedicated connection to authentic Japanese timber craft, bringing the timeless appeal of yakisugi into today’s architectural landscape.

Calm sea landscape in Japan.
Close up texture of Yakisugi a.k.a Shou Sugi Ban charred Japanese cedar showing the natural carbonised wood pattern.

Exploring the Art of Yakisugi

Yakisugi, widely known as Shou Sugi Ban, is the process of superficially carbonising the timber surface, a traditional Japanese method of weather protection.

The process of heating and charring Sugi converts all the soft outer layers into carbon and closes the pores of the inner timber. This creates a hardened carbon surface that sheds water and weathers slowly.

Hakuu Yakisugi a.k.a Shousugiban charred cedar cladding texture close up.
Hinoki cypress and sugi cedar trees in a traditional Japanese forest environment.

Hinoki & Sugi

Hinoki and Sugi are the primary timber sources for Japan’s construction industry.

Hinoki: Chamaecyparis obtusa is a native Japanese species prized for its aroma, its durability and its pale blonde colour.

Sugi: Cryptomeria japonica It is a monotypic genus in the cypress family indigenous to Japan.  Our sugi is milled and graded for maximum durability in exterior applications, showcasing the inherently beautiful grain.

Icon representing Yakisugi a.k.a Shousugiban architectural project gallery.

Project Gallery

Explore our portfolio of yakisugi projects, showcasing the versatility and beauty of Shou Sugi Ban cladding in contemporary architecture.

Our Torikumi

Icon representing handcrafted Yakisugi a.k.a Shousugiban timber craftsmanship.

Craftsmanship

Every board is finished with precision and care, reflecting the craftsmanship that defines our Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban).

Our process combines traditional charring techniques with modern finishing methods to ensure both beauty and long-term performance.

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Local Expertise

Based in Melbourne, we understand the unique demands of Australian design.

Our team collaborates with architects and builders to specify the perfect finish, profile and texture for each project.

Icon representing custom colour options for Yakisugi a.k.a Shousugiban timber finishes.

Custom Colour Available

We offer custom colour and finish options to suit diverse design visions.

Whether you seek subtle warmth or deep contrast, our team works closely with designers to achieve the exact tone and texture you envision.

See the char in person. Order samples of Hakuu, Benii and Sumii, or talk through your project with us on 0401 270 818 or contact@studiotsukuru.com.au.