Sauna Wood - An Important Decision in Sauna Design
What are my Choices of Sauna Wood?
Is One Sauna Wood Better than Another - Why?
 Sauna Wood
The Importance of Choosing well
Apart from the many health benefits we receive from the heat of a sauna,
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the timber with which a sauna is constructed goes a long way in creating a relaxed atmosphere. The look and feel of various timbers as well as that natural woody aroma the timber emits, seems to have an instant calming effect.
The wood you choose for your Home Sauna will depend on your personal preference when designing your own look and feel. Cost is also a consideration as is durability, particularly for an outdoor sauna. |
For an indoor sauna, certain types of wood lend themselves to
particular bathroom designs, so making an informed choice will ensure satisfaction with your investment.
 Sauna Wood and How to Build a Sauna
Types of Sauna Wood
Cedar
Cedar needs no introduction. This wood has been used for centuries and is present in our lives in a variety of forms aromatherapy, perfumed soaps, oils and candles. It has a unique ability to resist taking on outside odors, but always emits its own unique aroma. Just walk into an antique shop that has lots of cedar furniture or into a room in a home with old cedar furnishings and you will pick it up
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immediately. It has long been a popular wood for good reason.
Cedar has long been the wood of choice in North America for Sauna Rooms due to its ability to withstand harsh climates and its resistance to decay. It is a dark wood which leans towards a red and gold coloring.
Alaskan yellow cedar is an unusual light colored cedar with a strong aroma and is beautiful to look at. Cedar can be used as panels or as logs in sauna cabins.
Nordic White Spruce
This is a light colored, fine-grained wood with knots that give it a characteristic look This wood is traditionally used in Finnish Saunas and is lighter in appearance than some other woods. It does not produce much resin and therefore will not darken with time. It is a sound choice if you want quality at a price similar to Cedar.
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Nordic White Spruce is not to be confused with other White Spruce woods which have larger knots that tend to dry out with time and become loose. This wood can be used as panels or outdoor log sauna cabins.
Abachi
This wood is particularly suitable for use with interior benches as it remains relatively cool in heated conditions for a long period of time. It is a soft wood from Africa and is very smooth and has a good feel about it. It is a light toned wood and is quite complementary when teamed with Nordic White Spruce. Spruce is not to be |
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confused with other White Spruce woods which have larger knots that tend to dry out with time and become loose. This wood can be used as panels or outdoor log sauna cabins.
Aspen
This wood does not produce resin and is a good choice for benches and back rests. |
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Hemlock
This wood is somewhat lighter in colour than cedar. Western Red Hemlock is a good choice if you have allergies as it has very low resin and no odor.
Hemlock is a hard wood that resists mildew, which makes it an excellent choice for your Home Sauna. It has no knots but it is quite rough and prone to splinter, so should be handled and prepared accordingly. |
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Redwood
Redwood has become less popular for the sauna makers due to it high cost. This wood darkens quite quickly.
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Pine
Pine is probably the least durable, but Pine which has been grown slowly is good for walls and ceilings. This type of Pine will generally have a golden tinge to it which will darken with age. I know from having lived in colonial homes with old Pine floors that this wood has a lovely welcoming appeal.
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Obeche
This wood is a poor conductor of heat so therefore is very appropriate for bench and back rests. It is a pale creamy coloured wood with an even texture.
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Bamboo
Could this be the Home Sauna of the future? Bamboo is a great choice for people concerned about our environment. Bamboo has some unique qualities that make it a little different from other wood as well as being very attractive. Just looking this wood literally screams ‘exotic getaway’. I find the idea of having such an exotic getaway as my Home Sauna very appealing. |
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Sauna Wood for Outdoor Saunas
Things to Keep in Mind Regarding Sauna
Wood
The wood used should be tongue-and–groove to ensure a tight fit. Square edged boards do not fit tightly enough and therefore have a tendency to not seal well and warp with time. It should also be kiln dried to about 10 percent moisture contend to prevent shrinkage and warping.
It is vitally important that the Sauna Wood used in Sauna Rooms be cured and dried correctly in order to avoid cracking and warping. It is the responsibility of the manufacturers to see that they source their wood from a reputable and reliable source. This is something that you may need to keep in mind when choosing your Home Sauna.
One of the most appealing things about a Home Sauna is the welcoming feeling of the all wood interior. Choose carefully and enjoy!
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