Fusuma Construction / Materials / Warranty
When carefully comparing available Fusuma, it’s easy to see the significant differences between Fusuma made in traditional Japanese craftsmanship and some versions available on the market due to the “Japan trend.”
Construction and Details
There are various construction methods for Fusuma.
Traditionally, they slide in wooden tracks at the top and bottom, which creates the characteristic sliding sound when opening and closing.
Nowadays, however, sliding rollers are often used and requested by many of my customers.
European fittings are also possible, but I personally prefer Japanese solutions since no metal tracks are visible.
Installing sliding doors later, for example in front of wardrobes, is generally not difficult.
It’s important to note that the length of wallpapers is usually limited to 2 meters.
Custom sizes are often possible but must be specially ordered from Japan.
The construction of a Fusuma is similar to the lattice framework of a Shoji, but overall, it is much more complex and demanding to build.
The thickness ranges from 19–25 mm. They are very lightweight and “soft,” providing a different feel and acoustic quality compared to doors where paper is simply glued onto a solid backing board.
Mounting the wallpaper is not easy and requires a lot of experience, especially since different paper qualities behave differently and can develop significant tension.
Traditionally, up to 10 layers of underlay paper were used before applying the decorative outer layer.
I use 2 layers, one of which consists of tear-resistant Shoji paper.
Softwood moldings are usually used for the frames, which were traditionally coated with black Urushi lacquer.
Today, modern lacquer is preferred for cost reasons.
Unfinished moldings or other colors, such as red, are also common.
The wooden frames are mounted invisibly and can be easily removed and reattached during re-covering.
Recessed handles (Hikite) are a very important aspect of Fusuma. Many of these parts are still handmade or produced in small batches.
Materials such as copper, iron, or brass sheets are used, as well as enamel, wood, bamboo, or plastic.
Beautiful examples of this craftsmanship can be found in temples, samurai residences, and palaces.
Wood
The doors must not warp; therefore, the highest wood quality is essential for this type of construction.
In the picture on the left, you can see my wood supplier, who has been supporting and advising me for many years.
Fusuma can theoretically be made from almost any type of wood, but I rely on the expertise of my predecessors and exclusively use fir wood, which is regionally available in the highest quality. This reduces long transport routes and minimizes environmental impact. My ongoing inventory includes about 5–10 cubic meters of high-quality softwood.
In Japanese rooms, even “scraps” are used—pieces that would typically be discarded in a conventional workshop. Even 30 cm long pieces find their use.
Lifetime Warranty
Thanks to the careful selection and processing of the wood, I can guarantee that there will be no functional impairments.
Of course, I cannot provide a warranty for wear and tear or damage caused by improper handling.