SSB Charred Larch Brushed Stained Black - BEPPU

Charred Larch Cladding Black UK – Brushed Stained Shou Sugi Ban | BEPPU

BEPPU is our Siberian Larch charred timber cladding in a black brushed stained finish — the premium black charred larch exterior cladding in the range. Produced using the Shou Sugi Ban technique, the boards are charred to create a protective carbon surface, wire-brushed to remove loose carbon and refine the texture to a smooth but characterful finish, then sealed with a black stain. The result is a deep, controlled black exterior with the natural grain character of Siberian Larch reading through the finish — more tonal depth, more variation, more material quality than a Nordic Spruce equivalent.

The distinction between BEPPU and our Nordic Spruce black KOBE finish is one of material quality and character. Both are charred, brushed, and black stained. Both perform the same function on the building envelope. But the base species determines the final character of the finish in a way that is clearly visible at close range and appreciated by anyone who has handled both products. Siberian Larch has a more pronounced grain structure, natural resin content, and variable density across the ring pattern — qualities that survive the charring and brushing process and assert themselves through the black stain as subtle tonal variation, grain depth, and a warmth that flat-stained spruce cannot match.

For architects and clients specifying black timber cladding UK on premium residential projects, BEPPU is typically the first choice. It delivers a black exterior that reads as genuinely high-quality timber — the kind of cladding that improves a building's kerb appeal rather than simply meeting a colour requirement. It is well suited to contemporary extensions, new build houses, barn conversions, and commercial façades where quality of finish is a non-negotiable part of the brief.

BEPPU vs KOBE — Choosing the Right Black Finish

BEPPU and KOBE are both black brushed stained charred cladding — the decision between them comes down to whether material character or colour consistency is the primary concern. BEPPU on Siberian Larch delivers more grain depth and natural variation — the premium choice for projects where the timber quality matters. KOBE on Nordic Spruce delivers a more even, uniform black — the better choice for very large elevations where absolute consistency across hundreds of linear metres is more important than individual board character.

For the most raw, heavily textured black larch option, see our NAGASAKI deep charred larch finish, where the full alligator-skin texture of the burn is retained without brushing.

Performance and Durability

The Shou Sugi Ban charring process modifies the surface of the Siberian Larch at a cellular level — reducing moisture absorption, improving resistance to fungal decay, and creating a surface that performs in full UK outdoor exposure without the preservative treatments that untreated softwood requires. The wire-brushing step removes the loose carbon layer and reveals a harder, denser surface that takes the black stain more evenly and provides a better base for long-term colour retention. Compared to painted black softwood cladding — which typically requires retreatment every 3–5 years — charred wood cladding is significantly lower maintenance in practice.

Profiles and Dimensions

BEPPU is available across the full range of cladding profiles in 20mm and 21mm thickness, widths of 90mm, 120mm, and 140mm, and lengths from 2000mm to 6000mm. Profiles include Batten PAR, Half Lap, Shadow Gap, Shadow Gap V Joint, Tongue and Groove V Joint, Tongue and Groove V Joint Extra, Tongue and Groove V Joint Secret Fix, Rainscreen, and Rainscreen TIGA. Bespoke sizes and profiles can be made to order. Download the full profile schedule (PDF).

Installation Guidelines

Install as part of a ventilated rainscreen façade system with minimum 25mm clear cavity, breathable membrane, and minimum 150mm ground clearance. Use stainless steel A2 or A4 fixings throughout — galvanised or zinc-plated fixings will corrode over time in contact with the charred larch surface and cause staining. Seal all cut ends before installation. Ensure correct detailing at junctions, reveals, and sills. Where reaction-to-fire performance is required, BEPPU can be supplied with fire-retardant treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions