What Is Scorched Oak?

WHAT IS SCORCHED OAK?

Scorching timber has been used for centuries as a way of preserving wood. The Japanese still practice the ancient art of Yakisugi (charring timber with fire) to clad their houses, not only for the incredible dark charcoal colour, but to also prevent insect attack, rot and weathering. The technique is now a highly desirable design aesthetic and is often found cladding Scandinavian buildings, strongly contrasting against the weather worn landscapes.

Scorching the oak’s surface with an intense flame will burn off the slightly less dense spring wood and leave more of the summer late wood, giving the surface a rich texture full of character. Once it has been given a good brush down to remove the loose charring, sealing with oil enhances the natural charcoal-black colour and makes the oak durable, weatherproof and strangely enough, fire resistant. Outdoor furniture with this scorched oak finish needs very little maintenance.