Using Locally Sourced Cedar Shou Sugi Ban in the Northwest Traditional house in Japan with aged Shou Sugi Ban siding (Yakisugi) The choice of materials in architecture shapes more than just the physical structure. It connects a building to its environment, culture, and history. In the Pacific Northwest, Western Red Cedar (WRC) carries deep significance that goes beyond its physical properties. For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples have called it the “Tree of Life,” using

I took a call from a self-professed “Nerd” today. Their question was simple, but it stopped me in my tracks: “Why are you still calling it * Shou Sugi Ban* ? You know it’s actually called * Yakisugi* , right?” That one question turned into a great conversation—one that gave me pause. Charred wood planks showcasing the Yakisugi technique Sure, I already knew that Yakisugi is the traditional Japanese term for the process we use: an age-old technique that preserves wood by cha

Addressing the Durability of Shou Sugi Ban One of the most frequently asked questions that I receive about Shou Sugi Ban is its durability. Homeowners and builders alike are eager to understand how this ancient technique stands up to the test of time, especially in the face of modern weather conditions and environmental challenges. The allure of a beautiful, long-lasting exterior is undeniable, and Shou Sugi Ban promises to deliver on both aesthetics and resilience. Shou Sugi