Charred Timber Cladding Range: Hakuu, Benii and Sumii
Our charred timber cladding range comes in three finishes. Shou sugi ban cladding is timber preserved by fire: in Japan the technique is called yakisugi, and it is the name we use for the genuine article. Each board of Japanese cedar is charred the traditional way, so the carbon layer itself becomes the protection, with an optional wax for UV and colour control. Explore the Hakuu, Benii and Sumii ranges below, with custom colour matching available and delivery Australia-wide.
Discover our collection of authentic Shou Sugi Ban & Yakisugi timber finishes. Each board is crafted in Japan, refined in Melbourne, and designed to deliver lasting performance in Australian architecture. Whether you are seeking a smooth contemporary profile or a bold charred texture, our range offers a finish that brings warmth, depth, and character to every project.
Hakuu is the traditional unglazed Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban) finish where the charred surface is left intact. This creates a striking black façade with a distinctive texture and the highest level of protection against the elements.
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Deep matt-black Yakisugi Water-shedding charred exterior cladding Modern minimalist wall 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.
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Light-brushed Yakisugi Warm cedar texture for interiors Refined natural Japanese finish
Sumii is premium Japanese cedar with a distinctive hard brushed Yakisugi finish. Charred timber with bold depth and texture, designed for architectural cladding, interior feature walls and exterior applications across Australia.
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Deep-brushed Yakisugi Deep grain and bold texture Custom colours, modern cladding
Meet the three signature Shou Sugi Ban & Yakisugi finish families that define the Studio Tsukuru collection. Each offers a distinct character tailored to different architectural styles.
Hakuu Natural Charred + Unbrushed + Uncoated Traditional charred Yakisugi Japanese cedar, unbrushed and unoiled for a matte, time-honed finish Product Overview Hakuu Natural is Studio Tsukuru’s unoiled, unbrushed Yakisugi (shou sugi ban) cedar. The boards are heat-charred using traditional Japanese technique to produce a…
Hakuu Patina Charred + Unbrushed + Coated Traditional charred Yakisugi Japanese cedar, unbrushed and coated for a colour-stable, weather-resistant finish Product Overview Hakuu Patina in the Charred · Unbrushed · Coated specification pairs traditional Yakisugi heat-charring with a premium, breathable protective coating. Boards are left unbrushed so the charred surface retains its…
Hakuu Black Charred + Brushed + Coated Traditional charred Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban) Japanese cedar, Hand brushed and coated for a matte, textured, water-repellent finish Product Overview Hakuu Black pairs authentic Yakisugi heat-char with a Hand brushing to subtly reveal grain while retaining the signature crackled char texture. Finished in Melbourne with a breathable, hydrophobic…
Benii Natural Charred + Brushed + Uncoated Traditional charred Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban) Japanese cedar, brushed, char-removed and uncoated for a warm, pre-aged finish that preserves crackle shading. Product Overview Benii Natural is a purpose-developed Yakisugi finish that gently removes surface char while retaining the fine crackle shading and a pre-aged,…
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)…
Benii Black Charred + Brushed + Coated Traditional charred Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban) Japanese cedar, Brushed and black-coated for a deep, durable finish Product Overview Benii Black is the coated black variant of Benii Clear. Brushing reveals warm sugi grain while a breathable protective coat produces a consistent, rich black tone…
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…
Sumii Mocha 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 Mocha is the coated variant of Sumii Clear. The double-brushed Yakisugi surface exposes bold fibre relief and grain, then receives a…
Sumii Sahara Charred + Brushed + Coated Traditional charred Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban) Japanese cedar, double-brushed and desert-sand coated for a warm, sand-toned durable finish Product Overview Sumii Sahara is featuring double-brushed Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban) with a breathable desert-sand brown coating. The aggressive brushing exposes…
Sumii Drift Charred + Brushed + Coated Traditional charred Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban) Japanese cedar, double-brushed and coated in weathered grey-brown for a calm, zen-toned durable finish Product Overview Sumii Drift is crafted from premium Japanese cedar, refined through centuries of forest management. All brushing and coating are performed in Melbourne to ensure…
Sumii Dune Charred + Brushed + Coated Traditional charred Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban) Japanese cedar, double-brushed and coated for a neutral sand‑beige finish with soft grey undertones Product Overview Sumii Dune pairs authentic double-brushed Yakisugi texture with a breathable protective coat that produces a calm, sand-beige tone softened by subtle grey undertones. The…
Meet the three signature Yakisugi finish families that define the Studio Tsukuru collection. Each offers a distinct character tailored to different architectural styles.
HAKUU
Hakuu is the traditional unglazed Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban) finish where the charred surface is left intact. This creates a striking black façade with a distinctive texture and the highest level of protection against the elements.
–
Deep matt-black Yakisugi Water-shedding charred exterior cladding Modern minimalist wall 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.
–
Light-brushed Yakisugi Warm cedar texture for interiors Refined natural Japanese finish
Sumii is premium Japanese cedar with a distinctive hard brushed Yakisugi finish. Charred timber with bold depth and texture, designed for architectural cladding, interior feature walls and exterior applications across Australia.
–
Deep-brushed Yakisugi Deep grain and bold texture Custom colours, modern cladding
Discover our collection of authentic Yakisugi timber finishes. Each board is crafted in Japan, refined in Melbourne, and designed to deliver lasting performance in Australian architecture. Whether you are seeking a smooth contemporary profile or a bold charred texture, our range offers a finish that brings warmth, depth, and character to every project.
Authentic Shou Sugi Ban & Yakisugi Timber for Australian Architecture
Yakisugi, also known as Shou Sugi Ban, is a traditional Japanese technique where cedar is gently charred to enhance durability and texture. This process creates a hardened carbonised surface that sheds water and weathers slowly.
Studio Tsukuru works closely with Japanese timber artisans to supply genuine Yakisugi crafted with precision and heritage. Each board is then refined in Melbourne to meet the performance needs of Australian environments. The result is a luxurious collection of charred cedar cladding that blends craftsmanship with design longevity.
The Benefits of Shou Sugi Ban & Yakisugi Timber
Naturally Durable
The carbonised surface is a traditional protective layer that slows moisture uptake.
Low Maintenance
Yakisugi ages gracefully with minimal upkeep, perfect for both residential and commercial projects.
Sustainable Choice
Produced without chemicals and sourced from responsible forestry.
Weather Ready
Proven performance in Australian climates with high UV exposure and coastal conditions.
Rich Texture and Tone
Each board is unique, offering depth and character that enhances architectural design.
Choosing the Right Shou Sugi Ban & Yakisugi Finish
Selecting the right Shou Sugi Ban & Yakisugi finish is an important part of shaping the overall mood and character of your project. Each finish in the Studio Tsukuru range offers its own expression, allowing you to tailor the final look to your architectural style and design goals.
If you prefer a smooth and modern aesthetic, choose Hakuu. Its refined surface and gentle tonal variation create a clean, contemporary feel that complements minimalist spaces.
If you want natural warmth with visible grain, choose Benii. This finish highlights the organic beauty of cedar and pairs well with balanced palettes and soft textures.
If you are seeking dramatic depth and strong visual impact, choose Sumii. Its deep char and bold shadow lines bring richness and contrast to façades and feature walls.
Why Choose Studio Tsukuru?
Responsibly harvested timber from certified Japanese forest
Flame-charred in Japan using authentic Yakisugi methods.
Tailored specifically for Australian climate and architecture
Each piece carefully crafted by skilled Japanese artisans
Environmentally conscious production with minimal carbon footprint
Shou Sugi Ban & Yakisugi requires very little ongoing maintenance due to its naturally preserved surface. The carbonised layer provides strong protection against the elements, so the timber ages gracefully without demanding heavy upkeep. Depending on exposure, a light surface refresh may help maintain its appearance over time.
Yes. Yakisugi performs very well in coastal locations where salt, moisture, and wind exposure are common. The charred surface offers additional resilience and helps reduce issues that typically affect untreated timber in these regions.
Hakuu is smooth and modern, offering a clean and refined surface that suits contemporary designs. Benii has natural warmth with soft grain detail that feels organic and balanced. Sumii is the most dramatic finish, featuring a deep char and strong shadow lines for architectural impact.
Yakisugi is known for its impressive longevity and can last for decades when installed correctly. The carbonised surface acts as a natural protective layer that slows moisture uptake and weathers slowly. Routine care will support its performance and preserve its aesthetic over time.
Yes. Studio Tsukuru offers delivery to architects, builders, and homeowners throughout Australia. Our team coordinates shipping to ensure your Yakisugi arrives safely and ready for installation in any region.
