Board · Sizes pending
Timber — indicative fig. O·12
Fire Combustible CombustibleEmbodied carbon -0.08kgCO₂e/kg Stores carbonCompressive 40-80MPa StructuralDesign life 40yr
Japanese charring technique creating 2-3mm protective carbon layer on hardwoods. The char layer resists moisture, UV, insects, and fungi without chemicals. Available on Australian hardwoods achieving BAL-12.5 to BAL-29 bushfire ratings. Distinctive black aesthetic for architectural millwork with 40-80 year service life on appropriate species.
01 Physical
Density 650-1100kg/m3
Specific gravity 0.60-1.13
Porosity 5-15%
Water absorption 2-8%
Hardness 6.1-14.0kN
UV resistance Excellent
Chemical resistance Good
pH tolerance 4-8pH
02 Mechanical
Tensile strength 80-150MPa
Compressive strength 40-80MPa
Flexural strength 90-150MPa
Impact resistance 30-80J/m
Creep resistance Excellent
03 Thermal
Thermal conductivity 0.14-0.19W/mK
Specific heat 1200-1600J/kgK
Thermal expansion 0.003-0.005mm/mK
04 Compliance & Fire First question
Combustibility class Combustible - BAL rating per species
Fire resistance level BAL-19 to BAL-29 (species dependent)minutes
Ignition temp 400-500 (char layer)degC
Flame spread index 0-25 (Class A charred cypress)FSI
Smoke dev. index 100-200SDI
Heat release rate 150-300kW/m2
05 Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon -50 to 200 (species and accounting dependent)kg CO2-eq/m3
Carbon footprint -50 to 200kg CO2-eq/m3
Embodied energy 500-1200MJ/m3
Water footprint 50-200L/kg
Recyclability 90-100%
Recycled content 0-30%
Renewable content 95-100%
Circular score 8.5/10
VOC emissions <50ug/m3
Toxicity rating Non-toxic — chemical-free preservation
LEED contribution 4-6points
06 Durability · Cost · Logistics
Expected lifespan 40-80years
Maintenance interval 5-10years
Warranty period 5-25years
Material cost (range) 255-350AUD/m2
Material cost (per unit) 13400-18400AUD/m3
Lead time 14-42days
Lifecycle cost 280-450AUD/m2
Annual maintenance 1.50-5.00AUD/m2/year
Market availability Good - multiple Australian manufacturers
07 Assessment
Advantages
- Chemical-free preservation - no toxic treatments or leaching risk
- Enhanced resistance to UV, moisture, insects, and fungal decay
- Distinctive black aesthetic with natural grain texture
- BAL-29 achievable with Spotted Gum substrate (AS 3959)
- 40-80+ year service life on durable hardwood species
- Low maintenance compared to painted/stained timber alternatives
- Eliminates recurring VOC-generating paint/stain maintenance cycles
- Carbon storage in timber plus reduced replacement frequency
- Multiple Australian manufacturers and suppliers available
- Suitable for Australian climate zones and bushfire areas
Constraints
- Charring does NOT increase fire rating - BAL depends on base timber species
- Char layer is soft and wears away, especially on softwood substrates
- Higher cost than conventional timber ($255-350+ AUD/m2 supply only)
- Surface carbon may transfer on contact (handling/touch)
- Colour consistency challenges across batches
- Char layer visible erosion expected around 4-5 years exposure
- Estimated 20-year char lifetime before re-charring/refinishing needed
- Specialist installation and maintenance knowledge required
08 Applications
A1 External timber cladding and screening Primary application — vertical and horizontal cladding profiles with BAL ratings to AS 3959
A2 Architectural millwork and detailing Feature elements, reveals, soffits, and architectural trim in charred finish
A3 Feature walls and accent panels Interior and exterior feature walls with distinctive charred aesthetic
A4 Pergola and outdoor structure elements Posts, beams, and battens for outdoor structures with enhanced weathering resistance
A5 Garden and landscape architecture Retaining walls, garden beds, fencing, and landscape elements
A6 Bushfire-resistant construction (BAL zones) Cladding compliant with AS 3959 in BAL-12.5 to BAL-29 zones using appropriate species
A7 High-end residential and commercial projects Premium architectural facades for residential and commercial developments
A8 Heritage and Japanese-inspired architecture Authentic Shou Sugi Ban aesthetic for culturally-informed architectural design
09 Sources & Standards
Sources pending — citations for this material are not yet recorded. Verify all figures against manufacturer data and current standards before specifying.