Benii Clear
Benii Clear
Charred + Brushed + Coated
Traditional charred Yakishgi (Shou Sugi Ban) Japanese cedar, brushed and coated for a rich brown, durable finish ideal for high-traffic areas.
Product Overview
Benii Clear (Coated) is a brushed sugi cladding, finished with a refined Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban) texture and a protective coating that enhances its natural warmth to a rich brown hue. This coating not only deepens the colour but also provides superior durability, making it ideal for high-traffic interior and exterior applications where both aesthetic appeal and robust performance are paramount. It represents the coated, performance-led option within the Benii Yakisugi range.
Key Features
-Brushed Yakishgi (Shou Sugi Ban) char that reveals warm timber grain
-Sustainably sourced Japanese cedar (sugi)
-Protective coating enhances natural warmth to a rich brown colour
-Superior durability and resistance, ideal for high-traffic areas
-Smooth, modern aesthetic with subtle shading and low sheen
-Finished and colour-matched in Melbourne for consistent results
-Reduced surface dusting and improved long-term appearance
Use Cases
-High-traffic interior feature walls and ceilings in commercial and hospitality settings
-Exterior cladding and refined facades requiring a rich, durable finish
-Entryways, lobbies, and public spaces where durability and aesthetic impact are key
-Privacy screens, battens, and architectureal shading devices in exposed areas
-Mixed interior/exterior transitions such as porches and breezeways
-Feature joinery and panelled linings in demanding environments
profiles and dimensions
(mm)
Specifications
Our boards are supplied in two profiles, tongue and groove or shiplap.
Species, thickness and length are the same across both; only the cover width differs:
- Species: Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese cedar / sugi), density 350 to 420 kg/m3
- Board width: 140mm total. Cover width 122mm for tongue and groove, 129mm for shiplap. Use the cover width for take-off, not the 140mm face.
- Thickness: 21mm
- Length: 3,930mm
- Serviceable life: 30+ years
- Moisture content: 14% or lower at installation
The low density that makes sugi easy to handle and quick to install is the same property that gives genuine shou sugi ban its character. It is a cladding board, designed and milled for the wall.
Installation Tips
Always include a ventilated back cavity (min 20 mm), stainless steel fixings (use 316/A4 in coastal zones) and leave a 6–10 mm expansion gap to accommodate seasonal movement. Pre-finish cut edges with the supplied breathable hydrophobic coating and avoid non-breathable sealers; expect recoats roughly every 2–3 years in coastal exposure and 3–5 years inland.
Request a coated sample or the full technical spec sheet via studiotsukuru.com.au.
FAQ
Benii is a Yakisugi a.k.a Shousugiban charred timber cladding made from premium Japanese cedar (sugi), featuring a light-brushed finish that subtly enhances the wood’s natural grain and texture. It offers a refined, modern interpretation of the traditional Yakisugi aesthetic and is suitable for both interior and exterior use.
Unlike deeper-charred profiles, Benii has a lighter brush finish, giving it a smoother and more understated look while keeping the durable charred character of Yakisugi timber. It is available in original or custom dark tone colours and can be installed with or without coating depending on the desired aesthetic.
Benii is versatile enough for prestige residential builds, architectural facades, minimalist interiors, and refined wall treatments. It is suitable for vertical or horizontal installation on exterior cladding, interior feature walls, soffits, railings, and pergolas.
Pre-coated boards feature a breathable hydrophobic cream that resists UV damage, moisture, and dirt build-up. When installed without oil, Benii will develop a natural patina over time; re-oiling can be done later to maintain or enhance the colour. Regular gentle cleaning is recommended to preserve its refined appearance.