The traditional Japanese technique of using burned wood as siding is taking hold among environmentally friendly homeowners. Charred wood eliminates the need for preservatives, paints and retardants: believe it or not, charred wood is fire resistant.

There are many ways to achieve the look, including setting a fire or using a brick oven, but all involve charring the top one-eighth inch of each board. Remove the boards and douse with water to prevent further charring. Boards can be left as is, or they can be brushed and oiled. So when you are considering a sleek look for your home that has added environmental benefits, why not use charred wood siding?