(noob to) shou sugi ban on damp wood?

[wicky_boy]

i've inherited a naked untreated wood exterior stair rail made out of 4x2. its not rotting yet but its been raining a bit and its a bit damp.

if i take a blow torch to this wood to scorch it am i going to get any nasty surprises?

 

[thetyreman]

not really but you might find if the moisture content is too high it won't burn properly, the wood should be kept dry. I would bring it inside for a week then try burning it outdoors.

 

[AJB Temple]

I have used this method to clad a small barn. For this technique to work and give long life, you really need to get quite a deep char, wire brush it and then oil. Just doing one outside newel post may look a bit odd?