The timeless appeal of black wood cladding means it’s a long-standing trend in architectural design. So, what are the options if you want to specify black wood for your build project?
Why is Black Wood Popular with Architects?
Firstly, timber is growing in popularity as a renewable, low-carbon building material. The bold, dark finish of black wood offers subtle impact, which never goes out of style. For architects, this supports Future Homes building standards and delivers designs that will look striking for decades.
Secondly, black wood works in harmony with an extensive range of other building materials. In some designs, the timber helps a building blend into its surroundings, while in others it ensures the building stands out.
Thirdly, black wood is sufficiently versatile to fit the brief for modern new builds, heritage renovations, barn conversions, garden rooms, and more! You’ll see it on urban and rural developments, for domestic, commercial and public buildings. This opens up considerable design possibilities.
Finally, timber grain and cladding installation can be used to create an interesting play of light and shadow, to add depth and visual interest to a build project.
What Are the Options for Black Wood Cladding?
If you are considering a black wood finish to your design, let us tell you the four options:
- Traditional yakisugi charred timber hard or soft timbers
- Painted hard or soft timbers
- Charred modified timbers, including Accoya® and Kebony
- Moulded fibre cladding, such as Millboard®
It is important to clarify that the timber is responsibly sourced and suitable for exterior use.
Traditional Yakisugi Charred Timbers
Japan shares a similar, seasonal climate with the UK. For centuries, the Japanese have used a controlled charring method to help preserve building timbers. For them, this focused on a natural and practical means of increasing the longevity of buildings. However, the aesthetic has long been admired.
Charring timber to specific depths and temperatures alters the cell structure. The porous outer layers are removed, moisture is released and the density of the wood increases. This greatly increases the timber’s resilience to moisture ingress and rot, UV degradation and weathering, and burrowing insects. It also minimises the need for maintenance.
We learnt the yakisugi method and developed it to create the Shou Sugi Ban® range. This includes the deep crackled finish which is seen on Japanese temples and homes. However, we also offer smooth and grained variations, all with the same preservation benefits.
Timbers Painted Black
Black paint can be applied to create a dark wood finish. This is usually the lowest cost option, and it is a practical option for completely transforming the look of an existing building. Fortunately, most exterior paints contain preservatives which help protect timbers from the elements.
To achieve a consistent application of paint, it is advisable to select a smooth, knot-free timber. It is also possible to have factory-applied paint finishes, which deliver an even coating. Over time, the paint layer will crack and peel. Therefore, to retain the look and protection, regular reapplications are required.
Charred Modified Timbers
Modified timber is typically a soft wood which has undergone a non-toxic, chemical process called acetylation, or infused with a bio-alcohol and cured. Either way, the result is a durable, stable wood with minimal expansion and contraction. Combined with a charring process, the result is a long-lasting, strong, resilient, and low-maintenance black wood.
Accoya® is the most popular of the charred modified timber that we supply for cladding. However, we also offer charred Kebony with a smooth finish. Both offer a premium finish.
As with yakisugi timber, modified timbers can be recycled at the end of use.
Moulded Fibre Cladding
Millboard delivers the look of timber, yet it doesn’t actually contain any wood. The material is made from a blend of resin, polymer fibres and mineral filler. Detailed moulds, taken from natural oak, are used to shape the planks and create a convincing wood effect. This is further enhanced with layers of pigments, which are applied to the surface.
The benefits of Millboard include the fact that it contains around 38% recycled content and that it won’t warp, rot or degrade in any way. As a result, the cladding can be repurposed at the end of use.
UK Supplier of Responsibly Sourced Black Wood Cladding
Our market-leading Shou Sugi Ban® range includes charred natural hard and soft timbers, as well as Accoya® and Kebony cladding. We handcraft the charred timber cladding in our on-site workshop and can apply additional fire-retardant coatings.
We invite you to call us on 01494 711800 to book an appointment to visit our Buckinghamshire showroom. This enables you to compare the options and see examples of charred timbers that have been exposed to the elements. Alternatively, download a brochure from our website and request samples.