The traditional Japanese Art of Charred wood

At Ottawa Valley Timber Works we apply Shou Sugi Ban, an ancient Japanese technique that preserves wood by charring with fire. The process involves charring the wood, cooling it and finishing it with a natural oil. The final product us not only gorgeous with it rich silvery finish; the charred wood also resists fire, rot, insects, and can lasts up to 80 years.

Person using a blowtorch to char wooden beams outdoors in a snowy landscape.
Charring wood beams in a grassy field with trees and a trailer in the background.
Close-up of two wooden boards side by side; one is painted black and the other is unfinished with visible wood grain.
Outdoor timber pergola with black beams on a patio, surrounded by trees and a small shed with a red roof in the background.
Timber frame joint with wooden pegs, outdoor background with trees and grass, autumn foliage.
Timber-framed porch with exposed wooden beams and light wooden ceiling, overlooking a yard with trees and a small shed with a red roof in the background.