Shou sugi ban is an ancient Japanese tradition of preserving wood with flame. Charring wood creates a layer of carbon that makes the wood resistant to water, fire, insects, and decay. When the carbon is brushed away, the resulting finish (called yakisugi) is a beautiful blackened wood. Shou sugi ban is a way to preserve wood without the use of harsh chemicals, creating a sustainable material that’s durable and long-lasting. This treated wood also has a dreamy textural finish that can add a unique and elegant charm to both rustic and modern settings.

MIll and Woods, supplied here at State and Season, offer a beautiful selection of cypress wood finished in the shou sugi ban technique. Handcrafted in the USA, these environmentally-friendly materials are incredibly hard-wearing.

Whether they’re used as flooring or wall cladding, these charred cypress panels can add a unique character to a variety of design styles. Mill and Woods have a selection of different tones from cool to warm and light to dark. So whether you like your home to be bright and modern or cozy and rustic, there’s a place for shou sugi ban.

Whether it’s a feature wall or a whole room, shou sugi ban can have a dramatic effect when used in wall paneling. The enhanced grain creates an intriguing textural finish that can add charm to a modern setting, or it can sit comfortably alongside more rustic furnishings. Mill and Woods ‘Carbon’ is a great choice for a dark and dramatic feature wall. Scared of making a room too dark and moody? Read our guide to making bright rooms with black walls!

Not all wood that is charred using the shou sugi ban technique is dark or carbon-heavy. Mill and Woods ‘Arlo’ cypress panels have a pale finish that looks modern and bright, but still retains the textural grain that’s so characteristic of this method. This modern take on tradition works very well in a modern farmhouse style. Try ‘Arlo’ on floors, wall paneling, or doors for a fresh and modern look.

The shou sugi ban technique makes wood more durable, waterproof, and flame resistant, so it creates a great material for outdoor furnishings and finishes. Try this charred wood in your exterior wall cladding, decking, or patio furniture for an elegant and characterful space.

Discover the Mill and Woods shou sugi ban collection and much more at State and Season Home Design and Supply.