Does Burning Wood Seal It?

If you have ever visited Japan or watched videos of Japanese techniques in woodworking, chances are you have learned of the ancient ways of wood joinery and the building of houses without nails, screws, or other mechanical connecting elements.

The mastery shown is very impressive, and we enjoy watching those videos.

We also love Japanese hand saws.  There is a particular Youtube channel we watch, a young man who has built everything in his apartment, desk, bookshelves, tables, workbench, chairs, and more, using the old Japanese ways, and his collection of hand saws with swappable blades is what I hope to have in my shop someday.

Among the ancient ways in woodworking is the Japanese technique of burning wood, known as “shou sugi.”  Charred wood is used to finish planks for exterior siding, fences, and more.  This may seem counterintuitive, burning wood, but there are actually valid and good reasons for doing so. We included the technique in an article a while ago on raising the wood grain. 

Japanese Woodworking Techniques

Japanese woodworking techniques are a diverse and sophisticated set of skills that have been developed over centuries. These techniques are used to create a wide variety of objects, from furniture to musical instruments to works of art.

One of the most important aspects of Japanese woodworking is the use of natural materials. Japanese woodworkers typically use wood that has been harvested from sustainably managed forests. They also use a variety of other natural materials, such as bamboo, paper, and lacquer.

Another important aspect of Japanese woodworking is the emphasis on precision and craftsmanship. Japanese woodworkers take great pride in their work, and they often spend years perfecting their skills. This attention to detail results in some of the most beautiful and well-made wooden objects in the world.

Some of the most common Japanese woodworking techniques include:

• Mortise and tenon joinery: This is a type of joint that uses interlocking pieces of wood to create a strong and secure connection.
• Dovetail joinery: This is another type of interlocking joint that is known for its strength and beauty.
• Wax finishing: This is a type of finish that is made from natural waxes and oils. It is used to protect and enhance the natural beauty of the wood.
• Lacquering: This is a type of finish that is made from a resinous substance called lacquer. It is used to create a hard, durable finish that protects the wood from scratches and damage.

Japanese woodworking techniques are a complex and fascinating subject. If you are interested in learning more about them, there are many resources available online and in libraries, including the online videos we have watched on the subject. You can also find classes and workshops that teach these techniques.

Building Houses Without Nails, Spikes, or Screws

Japanese woodworkers learned millennia ago how to build their houses without the use of any mechanical connecting elements – no nails, no spikes, no screws.  Master carpenters today still practice the old ways, even though most construction now is what we in the West consider current methods.

There are many ways to build a house without nails or screws. Here are a few examples:

• Timber framing: Timber framing is a traditional method of construction that uses large wooden beams to create a sturdy framework for a house. The beams are joined together using mortise and tenon joints, which are interlocking joints that do not require any nails or screws.
• Brikawood: Brikawood is a system of interlocking wooden bricks that can be used to build houses without any nails or screws. The bricks are designed to fit together snugly, providing a strong and stable structure.
• Natural materials: It is also possible to build a house using only natural materials, such as stone, mud, and straw. These materials are often used in traditional building methods, and they can be very durable and sustainable.

No matter what method you choose, building a house without nails or screws can be a rewarding experience. It is a great way to learn about traditional building methods and to create a unique and sustainable home.

Here are some additional tips for building a house without nails or screws:

• Use high-quality materials. This will help to ensure that your house is strong and durable.
• Hire experienced builders. If you are not familiar with traditional building methods, it is a good idea to hire experienced builders who can help you to build a safe and sound home.
• Be patient. Building a house without nails or screws can take time and effort. But the results are worth it!

Here are some of the benefits of building a house without nails or screws:

• Sustainability: Natural materials are often used in traditional building methods, and they can be very sustainable. For example, timber framing can be a very sustainable way to build a house, as it uses wood from sustainably managed forests.
• Durability: Traditional building methods can be very durable. For example, timber framing is a very strong and durable method of construction.
• Uniqueness: Houses built without nails or screws can be very unique and beautiful. They can also be a great way to express your personal style.

Burning Wood To Preserve It

When it came to finishing wood for that home and building construction, burning it became a customary practice, and for good reason.  In Japanese, the term is “shou sugi” or “shou sugi ban,” and dates back to around the 18th century in Japan.

Shou sugi ban, also known as yakisugi, is a traditional Japanese wood-preservation technique that involves charring the wood surface with fire. The charred wood is then cooled and cleaned with a wire brush to remove any loose char, and finally finished with a natural oil.

Shou sugi ban has been used for centuries in Japan to protect wood from the elements and insects. It is also known for its aesthetic appeal, with the charred wood taking on a deep, rich color.

In recent years, shou sugi ban has become increasingly popular in the West as a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to treat wood. Propane torches are used to burn the wood, rather than the old way of burning:  taking three wood planks of untreated pine of Japanese cedar and joining them with wire in a triangular assembly and placing it over a fire for the flames to run up the center of the triangle until sufficiently charred.

It is also being used as a decorative finish for a variety of projects, from furniture to home exteriors and fencing, as well as patio furniture and other exterior applications.

Here are some of the benefits of shou sugi ban:

• Sustainability: Shou sugi ban does not require the use of any chemicals or harsh treatments, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to treat wood.
• Durability: The charred surface is naturally resistant to water, rot, and insects, making it very durable.
• Aesthetics: The charred wood has a deep, rich color and a unique texture that can add a touch of luxury to any project.

If you are looking for a sustainable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing way to treat wood, shou sugi ban is a great option.

Does Charred Wood Require Any Topcoat Wood Finish?

Charred wood does not require a topcoat finish, but it can be finished with a variety of natural oils, waxes, or finishes to enhance its natural beauty and protect it from the elements.

Here are some of the benefits of finishing charred wood:

• Water resistance: A finish can help to make charred wood even more water resistant, which can extend its lifespan.
• UV protection: A finish can help even further to protect charred wood from the sun’s UV rays, which can fade the wood over time.
• Increased durability: A finish can help to make charred wood more durable, making it less likely to scratch or chip.  However, there 
• Enhanced beauty: A finish can help to enhance the natural beauty of charred wood, giving it a more polished look.

If you choose to finish charred wood, it is important to use a finish that is compatible with the type of wood you are using. You should also apply the finish in a thin, even coat and allow it to dry completely before using the wood.

Here are some of the most common finishes used for charred wood:

• Natural oils: Natural oils, such as linseed oil or tung oil, can be used to finish charred wood. These oils penetrate the wood and help to protect it from the elements.
• Waxes: Waxes, such as beeswax or carnauba wax, can also be used to finish charred wood. Waxes provide a water-resistant barrier and help to enhance the wood’s natural beauty.
• Finishes: There are also a variety of finishes that can be used on charred wood. These finishes, such as polyurethane or varnish, provide a hard, durable finish that protects the wood from scratches and damage.

Again, though, the burning of the wood is sufficient to create protection from water, rot, and insects.  The texture and the color are changed in the burning, and the wood cells are shrunk in the “shou sugi ban” process, thus making the wood less permeable to damage from the most common sources.

Tips For The DIYer Who Wants To Try Burning Wood

While you can do it the old way, with a fire and wiring wood planks together, as mentioned earlier, there are safer and easier ways to do it today.  If you’ve decided to give it a try, here are a few tips to follow:

Stay with Softwoods

Japanese cedar was a common wood used in Japan, and it is well suited to the treatment.  Other softwoods will work well for you, including pine and fir.  Don’t use hardwoods, though, as their density keeps them from charring well.

No Prep is Necessary

Don’t bother sanding the wood before burning it.  The burning will be more than enough.

Propane Torches Work Well

A propane torch is easy to control for the burn, and they are not expensive.  You can source them at the local hardware store, the big DIY stores, and even from online retailers.  The cellular breakdown in the wood fibers will occur in the 500 – 1000 F degree range, and propane torches can easily reach that temperature.

Keep a Steady Hand

You want the burn to be even, so maintain a steady hand while burning.

Use A Wire Brush

A wire brush will remove the char.  Give the wood 10 – 15 minutes to cool before brushing, and remember that the longer you brush, and deeper you go, the lighter the wood will be.  Brush until you have reached the depth that will reveal the color you want, and one that accentuates the charred grain will be spectacular.

Clean After Brushing

Use a wet cloth or an air compressor to clean off soot and dust after brushing.

As Is Or Finished

At this point, you could choose to leave the wood as is, or you can choose a topcoat finish from the list we provided above.  Without is still fine; with can enhance both the appearance and the durability.  The choice is yours.

Video Demo

Here’s a quick video demo of shou sugi ban on two pieces of untreated wood:  one is brushed deeper than the other to create two different degrees of burn on display (pun intended), and a topcoat was used in each instance.

We’re considering using shou sugi ban to finish a fence entry to a meditation garden, and if we do, we’ll revisit this article with pictures.  Even if we decide on another fence style and finish, we’re sure we will give this technique a try sometime.