KEYAKI (JAPANESE ZELKOVA)
Keyaki, or Japanese Zelkova, is a highly esteemed hardwood in Japan, celebrated for its exceptional strength, durability, and striking grain. Its rich color palette ranges from pale brown to deep reddish-brown, with a natural luster that conveys a sense of weight and refined sophistication.
The bold, dynamic grain patterns vary uniquely from piece to piece, giving every slab a one-of-a-kind character. Its density and hardness have made Keyaki a preferred material in traditional architecture, including temple gates, pillars, and beams, where both structural integrity and aesthetic presence are paramount.
Today, Keyaki is also cherished for luxury furniture, large dining tables, flooring, and bespoke interior elements. When polished, the wood reveals a silky smooth surface that highlights the dramatic grain, while aging gracefully to develop a deeper, warmer patina.
Combining architectural robustness with artistic grain, Keyaki embodies the essence of Japanese craftsmanship and tradition, offering timeless beauty and enduring strength for interiors and furnishings.
SELECTED WITH CARE
At SLAB JAPAN, we believe that the quality of furniture starts with the material itself.
Drawing on years of experience and a trained eye, we carefully source our wood from trusted suppliers across Japan.
Every piece is thoroughly assessed— the wood species, condition, level of drying, and the beauty of the grain — to ensure only the finest materials are chosen.
We are deeply committed to five native Japanese woods: Hinoki, Sugi, Keyaki, Sakura, and Kusunoki.
Rich in history and deeply rooted in Japanese culture, these woods are crafted to express their timeless beauty and character. These woods form the very foundation of SLAB JAPAN's craftsmanship and define the timeless quality of our furniture.
HIGH-FREQUENCY PRESS DRYING PROCESS
At SLAB JAPAN, we use high-frequency press drying to protect the quality of our wood. This advanced process dries the wood evenly from the inside, ensuring stable and reliable results in a short time.
Compared to traditional air or hot-air drying, it helps prevent warping and cracking while preserving the wood’s strength and natural beauty.
Drying under pressure also stabilises the wood’s shape, making it ideal for furniture making.
At SLAB JAPAN, we carefully control the drying process to bring out the best in every piece of wood.
FLATTENING & HAND SANDING
At SLAB JAPAN, every piece of wood is first precisely flattened to remove any warping or unevenness, ensuring stability and strength.
After flattening, each piece is hand-sanded by our craftsmen. This finishing brings out the wood’s natural grain and creates a smooth, luxurious touch. As a result, the wood is not just beautiful to look at—it feels exceptional to the touch. SLAB JAPAN’s furniture blends precise technology with the finesse of the skilled hands.
WOOD FINISHING
For our finishes, we use “Polyurex” by WASHIN CHEMICAL INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD., a top-rated polyurethane coating for furniture offering:
- Exceptional durability: Resistant to scratches and wear, keeping its beauty for years.
- Water and stain resistance: Protects against spills and everyday use.
- Clarity that highlights the grain: Brings out the natural beauty of the wood.
- Environmentally friendly: Low-VOC formulation ensures safety for indoor environments and people.
Finishing is not just about protection—it enhances the wood’s texture, color, and overall character. At SLAB JAPAN, each piece is carefully hand-coated and polished, resulting in a finish that delights both the eyes and the sense of touch.