Benii
紅
Benii Yakisugi: Light-Brushed Japanese Cedar Cladding
Elegant Charred and Brushed Cedar Finish
Benii is Japanese cedar with an elegant light-brushed yakisugi finish.
Charred timber for modern Japanese cladding, interior and exterior. Professional specification support Australia-wide.
For colour tone, grain reveal, and surface feel, you can check our Benii Black Yakisugi samples prior to specification.
Colour range
BENII Yakisugi Cladding
Elegant Light Brushed Cedar
Warm grain, modern edge
Benii is our most authentic yakisugi finish. After authentic shou sugi ban charring on Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), the surface is lightly brushed to reveal the grain. From a distance it feels calm and refined, while up close it is richly textured for modern Japanese cladding, with deeper tonal contrast seen in Benii Black Yakisugi.
Built for Australian exteriors
The charred-then-brushed surface sheds water while staying breathable. For Australian exteriors, use a non-film-forming, VOC-free hydrophobic cream or oil to manage moisture and UV. Specify marine grade stainless or fasteners detail for durability.
Natural silvering, low‑touch care
Outdoors, raised grain can silver subtly while valleys remain darker, deepening shadow lines, a softer expression that aligns closely with Benii Natural Yakisugi.
Specifications
1. Type A : Tongue and Groove
• Species: Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese cedar/Sugi)
• Length: 3,930 mm (3.93 meters)
• Width : 140 mm (effective coverage 122 mm)
• Thickness : 21mm
• Applications: Exterior timber cladding, decking, railings, pergolas; interior paneling/feature walls
• Moisture content: ≤ 14% at installation
• Density: ~360–420 kg/m³
• Hardness: 320–500 lbf (Janka)
• Weight: ~11 kg/m²
• Serviceable life: 30+ years with proper maintenance
• Grading: Meticulously graded for colour and grain uniformity
2. Type B : Shiplap
• Species: Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese cedar/Sugi)
• Length: 3,930 mm (3.93 meters)
• Width : 140 mm (effective coverage 129 mm)
• Thickness : 21mm
• Applications: Exterior timber cladding, decking, railings, pergolas; interior paneling/feature walls
• Moisture content: ≤ 14% at installation
• Density: ~360–420 kg/m³
• Hardness: 320–500 lbf (Janka)
• Weight: ~11 kg/m²
• Serviceable life: 30+ years with proper maintenance
• Grading: Meticulously graded for colour and grain uniformity
Installation Tips
• Overage: Recommend adding 15–25% additional material; important for avoiding expensive supplemental shipping
• Exterior fixings: Use ring shank or screw shank headed fasteners; install on rigid battens
• Interior fixings: Use tube adhesive and pin nails; follow design specifications for substrate
• Layout: Suitable for vertical or horizontal installation; compatible with all profiles
• Site cuts: Limited to dark tone colours for consistency; treat cut edges with the professional touch up oil or finish system
• Prefinish option: VOC free breathable hydrophobic cream (wax based); typical application rate 120–200 ft²/L
• Cure time: Approximately 12 hours depending on climate conditions
• Maintenance cadence: Plan a 3–10 year cycle based on exposure
Inspirations
FAQ
Benii is charred then lightly brushed to reveal sugi grain and warm undertones. A deep char keeps a thicker, near‑solid black layer with less visible grain. Benii trades some depth of char for a more tactile, textured look.
Yes. It suits feature walls, soffits, and cabinetry. In high‑touch areas, use a breathable sealer to stabilise the surface and reduce minor carbon transfer while keeping the tactile feel.
Site cuts are allowed but limited to dark‑tone colours. Cut cleanly, pre‑drill where needed, and treat exposed end grain right away with the approved touch‑up oil or finish to maintain moisture resistance and colour continuity.
Expect gentle patina: raised ridges may silver, recessed grain stays darker, increasing shadow lines. Rinse salt and dust periodically, schedule light washdowns, and re‑oil or seal every 3–10 years based on exposure.