Yakisugi is a traditional Japanese process where the surface of the timber is charred, brushed and coated. The result is a darker timber finish with visible grain, texture and natural variation that cannot be replicated with standard coatings alone.
Yakisugi charred timber cladding is created by charring the surface of the timber and brushing back the carbon layer to expose different levels of grain and texture.
After brushing, the boards are coated to define the final appearance and protect the timber externally.
Traditional Japanese timber treatment
Charred surface to 2 — 3mm
Brushed to enhance grain texture
Precision made In-house
Factory finished cladding boards

Yakisugi is a genuine material finish created through fire, brushing and coating rather than embossed or printed surface effects.
The depth, grain and variation come directly from the timber itself rather than being manufactured into the surface.
In modern applications, long-term performance depends on the underlying timber species and coating system, with the charred finish primarily influencing the visual appearance of the façade.
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.
Yakisugi boards can be machined into profiles such as Classic, Rhombus and Vento, where sufficient material remains at the board edges after charring.
Traditional tongue and groove profiles are generally avoided, as deeper charring can weaken the tongue detail.
Profile selection therefore influences both the visual appearance of the façade and the suitability of the board for the Yakisugi process.
Not all charred timber performs the same. Many imported products are produced from untreated spruce or pine with only a surface char applied.
Yakisugi itself is primarily a surface finish. The long-term behaviour of the cladding is still heavily influenced by the underlying timber species.
Corell Yakisugi is produced using thermally modified timber or Douglas Fir, depending on the intended appearance and performance requirements. This allows the visual character of Yakisugi to be combined with a more stable and durable base material.
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.
Yakisugi boards install in the same way as other timber cladding systems and can be cut and detailed on site using standard woodworking tools.
Yakisugi is also used for screens, fencing and external architectural features where a darker and more textured timber finish is desired.
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