Sumii Clear
Sumii Clear
Charred + Brushed + Coated
Traditional charred Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban) Japanese cedar, hard-brushed (double-brushed) and coated for a durable finish suited to high‑traffic areas
Product Overview
Sumii Clear is the coated version of Sumii Natural. The double-brushed Yakisugi surface aggressively reveals fibre relief and grain, then receives a breathable protective coat that produces a warm blond character and significantly improves durability. Sumii Clear is designed for projects that need the bold, textural presence of double-brushed sugi with the added performance required in high-traffic interior and exterior environments. It is one of several finishes available within the Sumii Yakisugi range.
Key Features
-Double-brushed (hard-brushed) Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban) that accentuates grain and depth
-Coating produces a warm blond character while preserving texture
-Sustainably sourced Japanese cedar (sugi)
-Breathable, non-film-forming protective coat for colour stability and durability
-Low‑sheen, high‑contrast tactile finish with improved cleanability
-Finished and colour‑matched in Melbourne for consistent results
-Spec‑ready profiles for cladding, battens and feature linings
Use Cases
-High‑traffic interior feature walls, lobbies and commercial fitouts
-Exterior cladding and textured facades requiring durable finish
-Entryways, porches and public spaces where wear resistance is needed
-Privacy screens, battens and architectureal shading devices in exposed locations
-Balconies, pergolas and external joinery in moderate exposure zones
-Feature joinery and panelled linings that require a blond, time-honed aesthetic with robust performance
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
Sumii is a Yakisugi a.k.a Shousugiban charred timber cladding made from premium Japanese cedar (sugi), featuring a distinctive hard-brushed finish that brings bold texture and depth to the wood’s surface. Each board is handpicked for colour and grain consistency, offering a striking and tactile aesthetic for both interior and exterior applications.
Unlike smoother profiles such as Hakuu or lightly brushed finishes like Benii, Sumii’s hard-brushed surface creates a more pronounced texture, enhancing the visual impact and tactile quality of the timber. This makes it ideal for projects that prioritise strong, architectural statements while still benefiting from Yakisugi’s durable charred surface.
Sumii is perfect for exterior cladding, architectural facades, feature walls, and high-end interior applications. It is suitable for both vertical and horizontal installation and complements contemporary, rustic, and traditional design styles that require a textured finish.
Coated boards feature a breathable, non-film-forming finish with hydrophobic protection, resisting UV, moisture, and dirt build-up. When installed without oil, Sumii 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 bold texture and refined appearance.