There is a holistic series of millwork steps for heat treatment and dimensional stability that are different from American millwork. It is not just burning lumber until it looks right or copying techniques from videos online. We have been milling yakisugi “shou sugi ban” for several decades and use logs from our own forests. There is little chance you will be able to DIY it for less cost than we sell retail for the same grade of wood. However, if you’re dead set on doing it yourself here are the rules: Use cypress only. Face the outside of the log to the outside of the resawn moulder blank. Use shiplap or square edge, not tongue & groove. Use planks between 3/8" and 5/8" thick. Air-dry the wood completely, and use the traditional triangular Japanese flue method (weed burners do not work well at all.) Burn it way beyond your comfort level to where you think you’ve ruined the plank. Then, if desired, use a wire brush to knock down the soot, and finally apply an oil finish if desired.