Yakisugi Charred
Timber Cladding

Yakisugi is a traditional Japanese method where the surface of timber is charred, brushed and sealed. The process creates a dark timber finish with visible grain and a textured surface that differs from standard coated or stained cladding.

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What is Yakisugi

Yakisugi is created by burning the face of the timber board and brushing the surface to remove loose carbon. The level of brushing controls how much of the timber grain is exposed. After brushing, the boards are finished with an exterior coating to protect the timber and define the final appearance of the cladding.

Traditional Japanese timber treatment
Charred surface to 2 — 3mm
Brushed to enhance grain texture
Precision made In-house
Factory finished cladding boards

yakisugi timber cladding sample board in back colour

A Natural Alternative to Imitation Finishes

Yakisugi is a traditional Japanese timber treatment where the surface of the wood is charred, brushed and coated to create a distinct textured finish.

Unlike composite boards that attempt to replicate texture through embossed patterns, Yakisugi is a genuine material finish. The grain, depth and variation come directly from the timber itself rather than being applied or manufactured.

In modern applications, the long-term performance of the cladding is driven by the base material and coating system, with the charred finish providing the visual character of the façade.

Avara™ Clear

Avara™ Character

Douglas Yakisugi sample board in depp black colour

Douglas Fir

Texture

The appearance of Yakisugi cladding varies depending on the timber species used. Grain structure, density and natural character influence how the charred surface brushes back and how much grain becomes visible after finishing.

Colour & Coatings

After charring and brushing, the boards are finished with an exterior coating. The coating protects the timber and defines the final appearance of the cladding. Clear finishes allow the timber to weather naturally over time, while coloured coatings require periodic maintenance to retain their intended appearance.

Colours shown on screen are representative only and may vary depending on screen settings, timber grain and coating application. Physical samples should be reviewed before making final colour selections.

Dark Night

Thunder Grey

Moon Stone

Walnut

Merbau

Tan

Profiles

Yakisugi boards can be machined into suitable cladding profiles such as Classic, Rhombus and Vento. These profiles maintain sufficient material at the board edges to allow proper charring without weakening the joint. Traditional tongue and groove profiles are generally avoided, as a properly charred surface would remove too much material from the tongue, affecting the integrity of the joint. Profile choice therefore influences both the visual shadow lines of the façade and the suitability of the board for the charring process.

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Corell Yakisugi vs imported charred timber

Not all charred timber is the same. Many products on the market are produced from unmodified spruce or pine with a surface char only.

Surface charring vs full timber modification
Charring is a surface treatment. The carbon layer sits on the outer face of the board and does not change the internal structure of the timber. Once brushed or weathered, the material beneath remains untreated. It creates a visual effect, but does not fundamentally improve durability or stability.

Why base material matters
Unmodified spruce and pine are low durability softwoods. Applying a charred finish does not change how the timber behaves over time. In contrast, thermally modified timber is altered through its full cross-section, improving stability and resistance to moisture and biological decay. Douglas fir offers a higher level of natural durability than standard spruce or pine, but still does not achieve the same level of stability or durability as thermally modified timber.

The Corell approach
Corell Yakisugi is produced using thermally modified spruce and thermally modified radiata pine, alongside Douglas fir where specified. Each board is selected for stability and consistency before the Yakisugi finish is applied in a controlled process. This ensures the appearance and the underlying performance work together as a complete cladding system.

The difference is not just how the timber looks, but how it performs over time.

Irish Made Yakisugi
Fully In-House
Built For Better Projects

All Yakisugi cladding is produced in-house in Ireland, giving full control over the charring, brushing and finishing process. This ensures consistent quality, reliable lead times and a repeatable finish across every project.

corell irish made Avara® timber cladding

On-site Workability

Yakisugi boards install in the same way as other timber cladding systems. Boards can be cut and fitted on site using standard woodworking tools, allowing installers to adjust board lengths and detailing during installation.

Install Guide

Beyond Cladding

Yakisugi timber is also used for screens, fencing and external features where a darker timber finish is required. The charred surface provides a strong contrast against materials such as render, metal or glass.

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