Charred Timber Decking in Sheffield
Timber decks and steps charred by hand in the Japanese shou sugi ban style, then brushed back and oiled to bring out the grain. A finish with real character, built and finished by our own team. Priced per job: send a few photos for a provisional quote.
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Charred Timber Decking, Finished by Hand
Charring timber is an old Japanese technique. Its traditional name is yakisugi, and in the UK it is usually known as shou sugi ban. The surface of each board is charred with a flame, then brushed back and oiled, leaving a deep, dark finish with the grain standing out in relief. No stain or paint looks quite like it.
We char deck boards and step treads ourselves, by hand with a gas torch, as part of building the deck. It suits gardens where a deck should feel crafted rather than off the shelf, and it sits well beside stone, planting, glass and rustic timber. Alongside our standard timber decking and composite decks, it is one of the more unusual jobs we take on.
Why Char the Timber?
A finish with depth. The flame burns into the softer growth rings more deeply than the harder ones, so brushing back leaves a textured surface that catches the light, anywhere from near black to a rich dark brown.
Extra protection. The charred layer helps the surface stand up to weather, rot and insects, which is why the technique was used on Japanese houses for centuries. It works alongside good timber and a well built frame, not instead of them.
Every board different. Because each board is charred by hand, no two take the flame in quite the same way. The result looks made rather than manufactured.
Charred Timber on a Raised Hillside Deck
A deck built out from a sloping garden with a long view across the valley. The boards, the main flight of steps and the open treads under the house were all charred by hand, then edged with rustic branch spindles, clear glass where the view matters and frosted panels for privacy.
Brushed, Oiled and Ready to Walk On
On a deck the charred surface is brushed back before it is finished, rather than left as a heavy black char. A heavy char looks dramatic on a wall but rubs off on bare feet and clothes, which is no good underfoot. Brushing removes the loose carbon, opens up the grain and leaves a surface you can walk on, sit on and put furniture on. A coat of oil then seals it and deepens the colour.
How dark the finish ends up is a choice. A light brush keeps it close to black, while working the surface harder brings out more of the brown, as on the deck above. We talk it through with you before any timber is charred.
Looking After Charred Timber
Charred timber is still timber, and it repays the same care as any wooden deck: keep it swept, do not let wet leaves sit on it, and give it a fresh coat of oil when the surface starts to look dry or patchy. Balustrades and handrails can be left natural, as here, or finished to match; our balustrade options cover glass, timber, metal and composite.
If you like the dark look but would rather not look after timber at all, dark composite boards give a similar colour with no oiling. Our composite decking page has the details.
Charred Timber Decking Prices
Charring is hand finishing, so it is priced per job once we have seen the area. As a guide, the timber deck underneath starts from our standard rate.
- Timber decking Frame included from £180 per m²
- Charred finish Charred, brushed and oiled by hand priced per job
- Timber balustrade Per running metre from £180 per metre
Like the Look of Charred Timber?
Send a couple of photos of the space with rough measurements, and tell us whether it is a new deck, steps, or existing timber you would like charred. We can usually come back with a provisional figure within 24 hours.
Charred Timber Decking Questions
What is shou sugi ban?
It is the name usually used in the UK for yakisugi, a Japanese way of finishing timber by charring the surface with a flame, then brushing and oiling it. It was traditionally used on cedar cladding. We use the same approach on deck boards and step treads.
Does charred decking come off on your feet?
Not once it has been brushed back and oiled, which is how we finish decks. It is the heavy, unbrushed char used on some cladding that marks clothes, and that finish is not suitable for anything you walk on.
Can you char an existing deck or steps?
Often, yes, as long as the boards are sound and the frame underneath is in good condition. Send us photos and we will tell you whether the timber is worth finishing or would be better replaced.
Is charred timber more durable than ordinary decking?
The charred layer helps the surface resist weather, rot and insects, but how long a deck lasts still comes down to the timber, the frame and how it is looked after. The frame underneath is built exactly as on any of our timber decks.
How much does charred timber decking cost?
It is priced per job, because the charring is done by hand. As a guide, the timber deck itself starts from £180 per square metre fitted, including VAT and the frame, with the charred finish on top. Send photos and measurements for a provisional figure.