Above is a series of redwood planter boxes completed in the previously unused space of a piedmont residence.

this is a deck recently completed in Lucas Valley, CA.

it was done with a japanese wood burning technique called Shou Sugi ban,  it seals the wood making it both fire resistant bug resistant.  It is finished with a softwood oil and looks marvelous.  above is a photo of the technique as well as a finished product photo.