Yakisugi Sumi Cladding | Japanese Charred Cedar

$25.80 per linear metre (Inc. GST)

Sumi (炭) is the original Yakisugi — Japanese sugi (cedar) deeply charred in Japan, then left bare. No brushing, no oil, no pigment. The same pure-charred finish you'll see on traditional homes, walls and fences across Japan, imported directly from Japan Yakisugi in Gifu.

Built to patina — that's the point

This finish is meant to weather. Over time the charred surface partially flakes and softens to reveal hints of the cedar beneath. In Japan that patina is the defining aesthetic of Sumi cladding — the look is what you're buying. If you want a stable, flat black with no flaking, see our Charred, Brushed & Oiled Yakisugi instead.

Where it works

• Outdoor cladding — the classic application. Embraces the patina. Used in Japan for centuries on exterior walls, fences and storehouses. Properly installed exterior Sumi lasts 80+ years.
• Indoor use — ask first. The raw char layer is fragile and transfers easily onto clothing, hands and furniture. For interior installs we can apply a specialist consolidant coating that locks the char in place. It's a delicate coating made for a specific purpose — not for high-traffic surfaces. Talk to us about your application before ordering.

Specifications

• Profile: Tongue and groove
• Cover: 165mm
• Thickness: 19mm
• Length: 3.9m boards
• Species: 100% authentic Japanese sugi (Cryptomeria japonica)
• Source: Japan Yakisugi, Gifu, Japan
• Finish: Charred only — no brushing, no oil, no pigment
• Applications: Exterior cladding, fences, traditional Japanese-style walls; interior with optional char-locking coating

Why Sumi

• Authentic. This is the original yakisugi as practised in Japan — not a stylised version.
• Carbon-positive. Each board stores carbon for its full lifespan.
• Long-lived outside. Properly installed exterior Sumi lasts 80+ years.
• Honest texture. Pure char surface. Cracked, alligator-skin grain. No filler, no paint.

FAQ

Why is the char meant to fall off?
That's the traditional finish. In Japan, Sumi cladding is installed bare and allowed to weather — partial char loss is part of how it ages, and the look it develops is exactly what people are buying. It's been used this way for hundreds of years.

Can I use it inside?
Yes, but raw Sumi will transfer char onto anything that touches it. For interior installs we can apply a specialist consolidant coating that holds the char in place. It's a delicate coating for a specific purpose, not for high-traffic surfaces. Talk to us about your application.

I just want a flat black wall, no flaking. What should I order?
Order our Yakisugi Brushed Cladding in Black. Same boards — but the char is brushed off and the surface is oil-coated. Stable colour, no transfer.

What's the lead time?
Sumi is made to order in Japan. Lead times typically run 8–12 weeks. We'll confirm timing when you enquire.

Can I get a sample?
Yes. Order a sample pack to see and feel the char texture before committing to the full quantity.

$25.80 per linear metre, Inc. GST. Contact our team for pricing on your order quantity, freight, and to discuss whether Sumi is the right finish for your project.