Finish What Nature Started
We believe the finish matters just as much as the build.
That’s why every Liberty Jones planter is treated with care, intention, and our signature house made oil: Formula J™.
Our finish options combine centuries-old Japanese techniques with modern durability, creating planters that resist the elements, age, beautifully, and elevate your garden with rich texture and timeless character.
Meet Formula J™
A proprietary blend of natural oils and waxes, Formula J is hand-mixed in-house and perfected through months of testing on cedar. It penetrates deep into the wood fibers, locking in moisture and sealing out the elements. All without choking the wood’s natural breathability.
- Plant/food safe
- Water-repellent
- UV-resistant
- Anti-fungal and mold-resistant
- 100% natural ingredients
- Soft, satin-matte sheen
- Brings out the grain like nothing else
It’s the final step in our finishing process and the first thing people notice.
Our Finish Styles
We offer four distinct finish options to match your aesthetic and needs:
Raw
Raw Western Red and Incense cedar . No finish, no oils, ready for you to let it age, or finish it yourself.
Pure
Our clean cedar, sealed and enhanced with Formula J. It deepens the color, highlights grain, and adds protection without changing the wood’s essence.
ForgeTec Yakisugi (
We char the wood using a modern technique, then lightly discard excess carbon. This creates a darker earthy look. Then sealed with modified Formula J. Naturally rot- and bug-resistant—ideal for a more rugged, elemental aesthetic
What Is Yakisugi/Shou Sugi Ban?
Yakisugi Shou Sugi Ban (焼杉板) is an ancient Japanese method of preserving wood by charring the surface with fire. Originally used to protect cedar siding from the harsh coastal climate, it creates a carbon layer that naturally repels moisture, insects, and rot.
Our finish options combine centuries-old Japanese techniques with modern durability, creating planters that resist the elements, age, beautifully, and elevate your garden with rich texture and timeless character.
Why it works
- Fire carbonizes the outer layer, making it water- and bug-resistant.
- It closes the pores of the wood, creating a natural seal.
- It highlights the grain like nothing else, creating a rich, dramatic look.
- When sealed with oil, it becomes even more durable and visually stunning.
A brief history
Shou Sugi Ban originated in 18th-century Japan, where it was known as yakisugi (“burnt cedar”). Farmers and carpenters would char cedar planks to preserve them without chemicals. The process faded as mass production skyrocketed. Then resurged as modern builders rediscovered its beauty, sustainability, and strength.
At Liberty Jones, we honor that history, but take it further with precision brushing, custom oil blends, and a modern eye for detail.
Why it works
- Fire carbonizes the outer layer, making it water- and bug-resistant.
- It closes the pores of the wood, creating a natural seal.
- It highlights the grain like nothing else, creating a rich, dramatic look.
- When sealed with oil, it becomes even more durable and visually stunning.
A brief History
Shou Sugi Ban originated in 18th-century Japan, where it was known as yakisugi (“burnt cedar”). Farmers and carpenters would char cedar planks to preserve them without chemicals. The process faded as mass production skyrocketed. Then resurged as modern builders rediscovered its beauty, sustainability, and strength.
At Liberty Jones, we honor that history, but take it further with precision brushing, custom oil blends, and a modern eye for detail.
Which Finish is Right for you?
Whether you want a natural look, a statement piece, or something that disappears beautifully into the landscape, we’ve crafted a finish for you.
Still not sure?
We’ll help you pick the right finish for your style, climate, and garden goals.