COMPLETE GUIDE TO SECTIONS, FIXINGS, SUBSTRUCTURE AND FINISHES
The question is not simply what to choose, but how to specify Yakisugi so that the complete system performs consistently and lasts.
Yakisugi has established itself as a high-level solution for ventilated facades. The charred texture provides character, presence and stability against the elements, but the final quality of the coating does not depend solely on the finish. It depends on the system. Each decision – from the type of wood to the section of the boards, ventilation and fixing – determines how the façade will behave over time.
A facade does not perform on appearance alone. It performs through engineering.
INTRODUCTION
The use of Yakisugi on facades has grown in projects that require a clear, consistent construction design. The charred surface provides protection and a strong visual identity, but its performance depends on the system behind it.
A correct specification begins long before selecting the finish colour. It begins with understanding the relationship between the wood, the climate and the airflow behind the cladding.
The final stability of a Yakisugi facade cannot therefore be attributed to fire alone. It comes from the combination of the selected species, suitable dimensions, a continuous ventilation cavity and a structure that respects the material’s natural behaviour.
When these decisions work together, the facade lasts longer and retains its form over time.
WOOD AND CLIMATE: A RELATIONSHIP THAT CANNOT BE IGNORED
Selecting the wood is a crucial first step. All species used for Yakisugi are FSC certified, but each responds differently to climate, solar radiation and ambient humidity.
In dry areas such as Madrid, spruce remains stable at low humidity levels. In regions with strong temperature variations, such as Andorra, thermally modified wood offers greater dimensional control. In humid areas such as Galicia, Asturias or Cantabria, larch provides density and lower surface absorption—important qualities in climates with frequent rainfall.
Selection must not be arbitrary. The wood should be selected according to the expected climate conditions.
The right wood species reduces movement, maintains dimensional stability and allows the charred layer to perform for many years.
SECTIONS: BALANCING RIGIDITY AND STABILITY
Board sections determine the stiffness and stability of the cladding. Balanced sections distribute the wood’s natural movement more evenly.
The recommended board sections for Yakisugi facades are therefore:
- 20 × 95 mm
- 20 × 120 mm
- 20 × 145 mm
These dimensions create a consistent finish, reduce the likelihood of deformation and perform correctly within a ventilated system.
The correct relationship between wood, climate and section allows the facade to remain stable even under demanding exposure. A sound technical decision at this stage prevents many problems that otherwise emerge years later.
PROFILES, FIXINGS AND SUBSTRUCTURE
A Yakisugi facade depends on three key elements:
the selected profile, the type and distribution of fixings, and the way air circulates behind the boards.
Profiles: appearance
UYS and PAR profiles serve different visual purposes.
- UYS creates a pronounced shadow line between boards.
- PAR creates a more continuous, minimalist appearance.
Technical performance depends on the complete specification, not the visual profile alone.
The profile choice is primarily visual, rather than structural.
Fixing: the detail that supports the system
Correct fixing prevents unwanted movement and supports stability:
- A2 screws for most projects;
- A4 screws in areas near the sea;
- fijación siempre por la cara frontal;
- distance between screws: 40–60 cm.
Incorrect fixing often causes problems that appear over time: boards opening, irregular movement, surface marks or corrosion.
Substructure: the true foundation of the system
Regardless of the profile, every Yakisugi facade must be ventilated. This requires:
- a minimum 4 cm gap between the wall and the wood;
- air intake at the bottom;
- air outlet at the top;
- continuous ventilation across the entire surface.
Without this, no timber facade—charred or otherwise—performs correctly.
Configurations by profile
- PAR → one layer, 42 × 42 mm section;
- Horizontal UYS → also one layer;
- Vertical UYS → two layers, 60 × 20 mm sections.
When ventilation is continuous and the structure respects the wood’s natural behaviour, the facade gains long-term stability and functionality.
FINISHES AND HOW THEY EVOLVE OVER TIME
Finishes define the initial appearance and also the maintenance frequency.
Dark finishes: greater visual stability
Finishes such as Ebony contain more surface carbon, which:
- refleja mejor la radiación;
- preserves the colour for longer;
- support more even visual weathering.
They can retain their original appearance for up to 7 years, depending on solar exposure.
Light finishes: faster evolution
Finishes such as White Ash have:
- a thinner charred layer;
- a greater degree of brushing;
- more direct interaction with solar radiation.
They may therefore require aesthetic renewal after 3 to 4 years on highly exposed orientations.
Maintenance
Yakisugi maintenance is straightforward:
- Remove dust;
- Apply a water-based natural oil when you want to restore colour intensity.
No varnishes and no complex treatment regime, subject to the requirements of the selected product and finish.
CONCLUSION
A Yakisugi facade performs when the system performs.
When these elements work together, the facade becomes more than a cladding: it becomes a stable, functional surface capable of ageing gracefully.
Zenwood supplies the charred wood, substructure and suitable fixings for ventilated facades, and provides asesoramiento técnico to help specify each project accurately.