Burnt wood cladding
The facade is one of the most important parts of a building – it protects the structure from environmental factors and also creates the first impression of the house. Therefore, when choosing a finish, it is not only the color or style that matters, but also how the material will hold up outdoors: how it will react to the sun, moisture, temperature changes, and natural aging. Charred wood for facades is the solution for those who want a natural, expressive, and practical exterior finish.
Medeksa’s charred wood cladding is crafted from select wood, treated with fire, brushed, and oiled. This is not merely a decorative effect – properly selected and installed charred boards become a long-lasting part of the architecture.
Why should you choose japanese burnt wood cladding?
A natural, distinctive finish
A charred wood facade retains the wood’s visible structure – its grain, texture, and surface relief. The wood is not hidden beneath a thick layer of paint, so the facade appears vibrant, natural, and architecturally expressive.
Designed for outdoor use
Exterior siding is exposed to the sun, moisture, wind, and temperature fluctuations on a daily basis. Wood that has been burned, brushed, and oiled helps reduce the surface’s susceptibility to environmental factors and keeps the facade looking neat for longer.
Easy to match
Charred wood for facades complements concrete, glass, metal, stone, and other contemporary materials. It can be used for the entire facade or for specific areas – such as the entrance, a terrace wall, an extension, or an architectural accent.
Less trouble than painted wood
Burnt wood cladding is not coated with a standard thick layer of paint, so the facade does not flake as a poorly maintained painted finish. A properly maintained oiled surface can be refinished over time while preserving the natural character of the wood.
What is burnt wood and why is it suitable for facades?
Burned wood is wood that has been treated with fire, a technique known in Japan as Yakisugi or Shou Sugi Ban. During the charring process, a carbonized layer forms on the surface of the boards; the wood is then brushed to remove excess char and reveal the natural wood grain. Finally, a special oil is applied to the charred wood, providing the desired color and additional protection for outdoor wood.
This finish is suitable for facades for several reasons. Wood is lighter than most mineral-based finishing materials, so it can be used in a variety of projects -both in new construction and renovation. Additionally, charred siding gives the facade a unique look, as each board has a different grain, texture, and surface nuances.
Compared to thermowood or conventionally painted finishes, shou sugi ban wood planks are often chosen when the goal is not only technical functionality but also a more striking visual character. Thermowood has its own advantages, but charred wood offers deeper tones, a more pronounced texture, and a more natural, artisanal feel to the surface.
Yakisugi cladding – types of wood
Exterior siding can be made from different types of wood, so the final result depends not only on the color but also on the raw material itself. Medeksa offers a choice of spruce, larch, or pine, and the specific wood is selected based on the project’s objectives, budget, desired appearance, and conditions of use.
Spruce
This wood is often chosen when a calmer, visually more uniform facade appearance is desired. It is suitable for projects where a subtle texture, clean architectural lines, and a good balance between price and aesthetics are important.
Larch
It is valued for its denser structure and more pronounced wood character. Charred larch gives the facade a more solid, expressive surface, so it is often chosen for projects where higher visual quality and the natural strength of the material are desired.
Most importantly – don’t judge siding solely by the name of the wood. The final look of the facade is influenced by the profile, the thickness of the boards, the surface texture, the oil finish, the direction of installation, and the context of the building itself. Therefore, before placing an order, it is worth seeing samples in person and assessing how the chosen shade will look next to the windows, roof, foundation, or surroundings.
Installation and maintenance of exterior siding
Even high-quality exterior siding will not reach its full potential if it is installed improperly. A wooden facade must have a ventilated structure so that air can circulate behind the cladding and moisture can escape. This helps reduce the risk of the wood being constantly exposed to trapped moisture and ensures the facade system functions more reliably.
During installation, it is important to select the right nails and fasteners, leave the necessary gaps, and protect structural areas where water may accumulate. It is also essential to determine whether the siding will be installed horizontally, vertically, or in another direction – this affects not only the appearance but also the structural solutions.
Maintenance depends on the facade’s orientation, sun intensity, ambient humidity, and the chosen color. Darker surfaces may heat up more in the sun, and sides of the facade exposed to intense sunlight will change faster than shaded areas. To maintain the chosen shade for longer, it is recommended to periodically renew the oil coating. The right oil for exterior wood helps maintain surface protection and aesthetic integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
The price depends on the type of wood, profile, dimensions, level of finish, oiling, quantity, and the specifics of the project. Therefore, the most accurate way to calculate the price is on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the facade area and the chosen solutions.
Yes, they can be used to finish the entire facade or specific areas. Burnt wood finish is often chosen for the entrance area, a terrace wall, an extension, or an architectural accent.
Yes, natural wood changes when exposed to the elements. The sun, rain, the orientation of the facade, and the frequency of maintenance all affect the color change. This is a normal part of the wood’s aging process, which can be slowed down with proper surface maintenance.
Yes. We don't have a minimum order quantity - you can order as much as you need for your project.
Thermally modified wood is treated with heat throughout its entire structure, whereas charred wood is primarily treated on the surface, creating a carbonized layer and a distinctive texture. Both approaches have their merits, but charred wood is often chosen for its stronger visual character.
We manufacture to order, so delivery times depend on the quantity, color, type of wood, and seasonality. Production typically takes 1 to 4 weeks. We will provide an exact delivery date along with your quote.
Yes, charred wood planks are often combined with plaster, concrete, metal, glass, or stone. This combination allows you to highlight specific areas of the building, create contrast, or give the facade a more natural look without resorting to an all-wood finish.
When choosing a color, it’s best to rely not only on photos but also on actual samples. The same shade can look different depending on the orientation of the facade, lighting, the roof, window frames, and the surrounding environment. Therefore, before placing an order, it is recommended to view the samples in person and assess how they complement the specific building materials.
Make a confident decision
When making decisions, it’s not just aesthetics that matter, but also technical and cost considerations.
In our product catalog, you’ll find available wood profiles and standard prices, and by ordering samples, you’ll be able to assess the texture and colors of the charred wood in your own environment.