Why Charred Lumber Is the Upgrade Your Next Woodworking Project Needs

If you’re thinking about building a deck or even just installing some shelves, but you’re having a hard time choosing a wood finish, charred wood is the way to go. Charring adds color to the wood, making it darker and more visually distinctive while retaining some of the best characteristics of natural wood, but can also make the wood more durable and water resistant. Here’s what you need to know about charred lumber before you tackle your next woodworking project.

A Brief History of Burnt Lumber

The technique of charring lumber originated from Japan and was popular during the Edo period as a method of preserving wood, especially for exterior sheathing. The process of charring wood, called yakisugi in Japanese and often called shou sugi ban in the United States, can be done using traditional methods or modern methods borrowed from older innovations.

Charred wood is more durable.

When the outer portion of the lumber heats up, the wood fibers compress and fuse, creating a denser, harder outer skin of the board. Charring not only makes the material denser, but also allows it to repel water more effectively. Its increased durability and water resistance make it a particularly good siding option for use in damp areas.

Charred lumber is less susceptible to rotting.

Because the charring process kills rot-causing bacteria on the surface of lumber and makes it more water-resistant, it can prevent lumber from rotting much longer than some other natural finishing methods. Charring creates carbon on the outside of the wood, essentially coating it with a thin layer of antimicrobial charcoal. And because charcoal decomposes more slowly than wood, it can help prevent rot.

Charred wood requires limited maintenance to maintain its color.

Lumber that is lightly charred on the outside will retain its color for over a hundred years if properly cared for and oiled every five to ten years. If you prefer an aged look, you can allow a patina to develop, but the color will change over time. If you prefer a darker brown color, you will need to apply oil to keep the color intact.

You can char your own lumber

If you have special needs for your project and want to save some money on a custom result, you can char your own lumber using a torch or heat gun , but keep in mind that in order for your lumber to maintain its structural integrity, you must make sure that only the outside is charred. Charring too much will actually burn the wood, effectively reducing its strength by destroying the underlying grain structure of the wood. As always, wear appropriate safety equipment when working with tools, including gloves and safety glasses, and always keep flames away from structures and dry brush.

Recommended Products:

• Refillable Butane Torch $31.89.

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You can get pre-burnt wood

If you don’t want to char yourself, you can buy different types of pre-charred lumber.

• Pine trims are eight feet long, one by four or one by six.

• Shiplap can be found in many finishes, usually pine.

• Ash or pine tongue and groove boards come in a variety of colors.

• Traditional sukiyaki siding comes in several different finishes and is designed to be used outdoors for any outdoor project you may have.

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