Looking for DIY outdoor decor that stands out? This giant Shou Sugi Ban wooden gecko climbs the wall with bold texture and gorgeous colour. I upcycled a free sideboard top, burned the timber for dramatic grain, and sealed it so it’s ready for the verandah or patio. One rescued panel. One simple technique. Show-stopping outdoor wall art.

This project is part of the Do It Over Designers hop hosted by Ann at The Apple Street Cottage. We “do over” old or unused items into something new. Scroll to the end to explore the other makers’ projects.

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Shou Sugi Ban Wooden Gecko Wall Art

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Materials Needed

• Recycled solid-wood panel (sideboard top works well)
• Full-size gecko template (projector or tiled printouts)
• Spray adhesive, masking tape, and clamps
• Jigsaw with fine wood blades
• Drill + 10–16 mm bits (relief holes)
• Non-flammable work surface (sheet metal or concrete)
• Torch and gas (MAP preferred; propane OK)
• Wire brush, coarse nylon drill brush or restorer tool
• Orbital sander (optional) + 120–180-grit discs
• Exterior varnish or spar urethane + brushes/lint-free cloths
• Unicorn Spit “Dragon’s Belly” (optional colour)
• Hanging hardware: French cleat or keyhole hangers, screws, masonry anchors
• Wood glue (repairs)
• PPE: P2 respirator, safety glasses, heat-resistant gloves, fire extinguisher

Tools and supplies include a jigsaw, torch with MAP gas, wire/nylon brushes, exterior varnish, a full-size template, and a French cleat for mounting.

Make the Template

To create a full-size gecko template, start by finding a clear silhouette with clean edges. Project the image onto a wall and adjust the distance until the gecko is the size you want. Tape a large sheet of paper to the wall and trace around the outline. This paper cut-out is your master template.

Lightly mist the back of the paper template with spray adhesive and position the template on the timber. The adhesive holds the paper in place while you cut.

Cut the Gecko Cleanly (Relief Holes Save Time)

Clamp the timber to a sturdy bench. Drill relief holes at tight turns, like toes and tail curves. These holes let the jigsaw blade turn without fighting the grain. Use a sharp, fine-tooth blade and work slowly.

I’m not a jigsaw pro, so the relief holes were a lifesaver. They made the fingers and toes much easier to cut.

Quick Fix for Mishaps

If a small piece breaks (a “finger” in my case), don’t panic. Glue it back, tape it in place, and let it cure fully. Clamping the timber before cutting prevents most vibration and breakages.

Burn Safely for That Shou Sugi Ban Grain

Move outside or into a well-ventilated area. Suit up with a respirator, glasses, and gloves. Place the gecko on a non-flammable surface like sheet metal.

I prefer MAP gas because it burns hotter and faster. Propane works, but large panels can warp if you linger.

Move the flame slowly and evenly. Aim for an even char with that fine, cracked sheen.

Brush Back to Reveal Texture

Knock off loose char with a hand wire brush first. This reduces dust when you sand.

Switch to a coarse nylon drill brush or a restorer tool and work with the grain. The hard latewood stays dark. The softer earlywood brushes back to a lighter tone. This contrast creates that deep, rippled texture you can feel.

Want more texture? Do a second—or even a third—light burn. Let the timber cool between passes, brush off loose char, then reburn in slow, even sweeps.

Tip: A restorer machine speeds this stage up a lot. I used to spend hours brushing. With a restorer, it’s minutes.

Sand for Drama (Deeper Sand = Brighter Colour Later)

Dial in the look with 120–180-grit sanding. Vary the depth a little to create light and shade. The deeper you sand in the low areas, the more colour variation you’ll get once sealed or stained. You can see the dramatic result of deep sanding in this post. Keep strokes aligned to the grain to avoid scratch marks.

After a second burn, the grain deepened and the ridges stood up beautifully. The camera barely catches it—the texture is far more dramatic in person.

Seal the Timber for a Weather-Ready Finish

Dust off with a tack cloth. Apply two coats of exterior varnish or spar urethane, letting each coat dry fully. Sealing deepens the tones and lifts the grain. It also protects against the sun and rain outdoors.

The colour shift after sealing is instant and very satisfying.

The images below show the texture of the surface.  This cannot be truly appreciated from the photos, as they do not do it justice.

Adding colour to the wooden gecko

(Optional): Add Colour With Unicorn Spit

I tested Unicorn Spit “Dragon’s Belly” for a bright green wash. Want to add colour to Shou Sugi Ban? I’ve documented the methods I tried and the exact products I used in this post.

Believe it or not, I only used one colour. The multi-tone look comes from sanding depth and grain contrast. Apply a light coat, wipe back, then reseal with clear exterior varnish once dry. Can’t decide between natural and coloured? Try both on test scraps before you commit.

Outdoor Suitability & Mounting

Best under cover on a patio or verandah. Re-coat yearly in harsh sun. Mount with a French cleat for strength and easy levelling. Use masonry anchors on brick. Seal any fresh holes.

More DIY Decor ideas

This shimmering wall hanging is made from recycled aluminium cans. I punch the cans into neat circles and smooth the edges. Then I nail each disc to a timber board in overlapping rows. In the wind, the discs shimmer and give a gentle, musical jingle.

Create a wooden suncatcher with an African theme for your garden using a slice of wood.

Do over designers’ blog hop

As I mentioned, this is the ‘Do It Over’ Designers Blog Hop, and there are some amazing projects!  Be sure to click on the links below for inspiration.

Exquisitely Unremarkable

Little Vintage Cottage

Modern on Monticello

Pandora’s Box

Purple Hues & Me

Southern Sunflowers

Unique Creations by Anita

Sum of Their Stories

Tea and Forget-Me-Nots

The Apple Street Cottage

Birdz of a Feather

Color Me Thrifty

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