Types of Woods used in Saunas
- Softwoods:
- Cedar. Cedar is one of the most commonly used woods in sauna construction. Because cedar is low density, cedar does not become hot to the touch.
- Hemlock. Hemlock is a cheaper alternative to cedar. Like cedar, hemlock has a reddish brown color. ...
- Pine. Pine is a light colored wood that looks similar to spruce, with the exception that it tends to have knots.
- Spruce. Spruce is a very light colored wood with a fine grain. It is commonly used in Finnish Saunas. Spruce is cheaper than other options like Cedar and Hemlock.
- Hardwoods:
- Basswood. Basswood is a light colored hardwood. It has little to no fragrance and is a good choice for those who wish to avoid the strong scent of cedar.
- Poplar. Poplar is a hardwood. It is light colored, though usually slightly darker than basswood. Poplar is often used in medical facilities because it is odorless and hypoallergenic.
- Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus is a reddish brown hardwood which grows in Australia. Eucalyptus grows quickly and is environmentally friendly as it can be replanted and regrown.
What is the best wood to use for a sauna?
Types of Woods used in Saunas
- Softwoods:
- Cedar. Cedar is one of the most commonly used woods in sauna construction. ...
- Hemlock. Hemlock is a cheaper alternative to cedar. ...
- Pine. Pine is a light colored wood that looks similar to spruce, with the exception that it tends to have knots.
- Spruce. Spruce is a very light colored wood with a fine grain. ...
- Hardwoods:
- Basswood. ...
- Poplar. ...
- Eucalyptus. ...
How to make a cedar sauna bench?
Tools:
- table saw
- miter saw
- drill
What Wood is best for outdoor bench?
Types of Materials for Outdoor Projects
- Untreated Lumber. Entirely untreated lumber, exempting a few species, is challenging to keep outdoors. ...
- Treated Lumber. I prefer a natural look to my lumber, but I don’t want to lose the natural appearance of my wood. ...
- Wood-Plastic Composites. Wood-plastic composite (WPCs) is a great material. ...
- Fasteners. ...
Are wooden benches durable or are there any better benches?
You can’t find a collection that’s sturdier and more durable than the wooden benches from Brandenberry Amish Furniture. Because skilled Amish cabinetmakers custom-craft each bench. And they use quality hardwoods, plus proven woodworking techniques. No wonder our benches are so sturdy and durable! Check out our lineup of benches.
What is the best wood for sauna benches?
Western Red CedarSoft grain wood is the key for building sauna benches. In North America, Western Red Cedar is the “go too” premium choice for making sauna benches. The wood is soft, relatively cool compared to other wood, and looks beautiful.
What type of wood do you use in a sauna?
CedarCedar is one of the most popular and traditional sauna wood types, especially for outdoor saunas. Cedar is durable enough to withstand most harsh outdoor conditions. It's also known for its resistance to decay, making it a very worthwhile investment.
Can you use pine for sauna benches?
Like spruce, pine also has a strong and distinctive odor, so this is something to consider before choosing it for your sauna. Pine is a common budget material to use, but it's a better choice for the frame or the parts you don't touch rather than parts like the benches.
Can you use any wood to build a sauna?
Some hardwoods such as Alder and Aspen have a lower density and offer a good compromise between durability and heat conduction, so are used in saunas. However, more often than not, softwoods with a good durability are used to build saunas such as cedar, spruce or pine.
Does sauna wood need to be treated?
We recommend regular treating of all wooden components, elements and frames of the sauna with a breathable wood preservative to prolong the life of your sauna. Preservatives improve wood's resistance to dirt and moisture, making it easier to clean.
Is cedar toxic in saunas?
4 Cedar, spruce, pine, basswood, fir, teak, and hemlock wood contain and emit toxic phenols that enter the body by skin contact, exposure, and inhalation.
Can you use pressure treated wood in a sauna?
Can You Use Treated Wood In A Sauna? Certain types of wood are pressure treated with chemicals to help them withstand the elements and the test of time. As a result of this pressure treatment, we advise that you do not use treated wood while constructing a sauna at home.
Can you use knotty cedar for a sauna?
Knotty or select tight knot cedar cedar can be used to build saunas but is a much lower quality when compared to clear cedar. This is because of two main reasons, the sauna will expand and contract over time and the knots can come loose and fall out leaving your sauna with unplanned ventilation holes.
Is poplar good for a sauna?
Poplar has the least wood odor of any wood used to build saunas. To the average person, poplar means a much more comfortable sauna. The strong wood odors of cedar and other woods do not dissipate much with time and end up being a constant distraction when you are looking for "the zone" relaxing in your sauna.
What is the best timber for a sauna?
cedarEucalyptus, basswood, cedar and even thermo-spruce are some of the best types of soft wood for long-lasting saunas. There's nothing worse than a beautiful sauna that isn't heat resistant and won't stand the test of time.
How do you make a sauna bench?
1:317:18How to Make a Cedar Sauna Bench - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow I'm marking each corner I marked it about an inch in and now I'm marking about 7/8 of an inchMoreNow I'm marking each corner I marked it about an inch in and now I'm marking about 7/8 of an inch down. And this is where I'll drill the holes. And then put the screws in to form the frame.
Can you use pine in a steam sauna?
Pine panelling for saunas is the cheapest option. However, they're not used in the steam room – pine becomes very hot and may burn you. Pine panelling for saunas will perfectly fit for other rooms – washroom, ante-room etc.
Western Red Cedar
Red Cedarwood ( Thuja plicata) comes from a tree ranging from 210 to 230 ft tall and 10 to 23 ft in trunk diameter. The soft red-brown timber has a straight grain and few knots. It has a distinct appearance, aroma, and high natural resistance to decay.
Alaskan Yellow Cedar
Alaskan Yellow Cedar is a Cypress tree (not a cedar) once used by western Native American tribes to fashion totem poles. It is highly resistant to fungus and decay and is mostly chosen for its appearance – an attractive yellow color. It is aromatic but usually not as pleasant or decadent as that of Red Cedarwood.
Western Hemlock
Western Hemlock is not as resistant to decay as the previous two and can expand a bit. It is solid wood but can emit a faint sour smell when it is fresh.
Poplar Wood
There are many Poplar species; most are soft and porous, which means they get average marks in tests for strength, resistance to decay, and durability. Poplar isn't well suited for sauna interiors and benches; it is best used for exteriors with excellent durable marks.
What wood is used for a sauna?
Cedar, hemlock, basswood and poplar are the most often used woods for saunas. Eucalyptus and sometimes pine can be used. Cedar has a rich aroma and is most often associated with a sauna. Poplar is a clean wood and is best for chemically sensitive people. You have options when you purchase a sauna.
What is the best wood for a sauna?
WHAT IS BEST WOOD FOR SAUNA? Cedar is the best choice for richness, aroma and the look of elegance. Poplar is best for those individuals who are highly sensitive to even natural smells and chemicals. Basswood and Eucalyptus are also excellent choices. Hemlock is a cheap and acceptable option. Pine should not be used.
What is the difference between a pine sauna and a poplar sauna?
The key difference between hemlock, pine, redwood, basswood and cedar saunas versus a poplar sauna is that the poplar infrared sauna is the only one that doesn’t contain and emit phenols. These phenols can enter your system through skin contact or by inhalation. They are responsible for the aromatic scent of many softwoods, ...
Which is better, poplar or cedar?
In summary, Cedar is an expensive, top of the line choice and is great for 95% of the population. When considering the health benefits, poplar is the best to use for a pure, clean experience and total detox. Basswood and Eucalyptus are also good choices.
How long does an infrared sauna last?
You have options when you purchase a sauna. An infrared sauna is designed for wellness and could last you decades, if not a lifetime. The components used will contribute to it longevity. The choice of components often appears like a complex decision but we will try to make it simple.
Why is cedar used in saunas?
WHY IS CEDAR USED IN SAUNA? Cedar is used most often as it is a soft wood that will flex and resist cracking during thousands of heating and cooling cycles. Its naturals oils are also anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and provide that cedar smell most individuals enjoy. It is also very expensive to use for a sauna.
Is basswood a good hardwood?
It has a light, beautiful look and is usually of a very consistent color and contains few knots. It is a durable hardwood and is less likely to crack or warp with many heating cycles. A few brands including Clearlight have switched to basswood instead of Hemlock.
What wood is best for a sauna?
Some of the best wood types you need to know include cedar, poplar, basswood, fir, and hemlock. All of the woods mentioned above are best for your sauna. Besides, they can handle high temperatures and cracks. But cedar stands a little taller when it comes to efficiency and performance.
Why is fir wood used in saunas?
One of the main reasons why the fir is popular among sauna is its resistance to fungi and bacterial attacks. At the same time, fir is relatively hard and shows little shrinkage when subjected to water.
What is a sauna made of?
Traditionally, the sauna was made from the wood, which was obtained locally. As such, little choice was given to the type of wood with the best qualities. Therefore, the type of wood that was used solely depended on its availability. Some of the available wood types include pine, spruce, and aspen.
What color is fir wood?
Last but not least, the straight, finely grained fir wood has yellow to reddish-brown color. This quality makes it a favorite option for sauna manufacturing. One notable minus for this wood is that it’s becoming a scarce resource each day. Therefore, it is not readily available in some regions.
Why is cedar wood stronger than hemlock?
For instance, when considering durability, cedar often lasts longer than hemlock and the other wood types because it is moderately strong and malleable; thus, it can always withstand harsh temperature, pressure, and seasonal sunlight changes without splintering into pieces or warping like hemlock.
What are the benefits of a sauna?
Saunas are designed to provide health benefits, such as detoxification, improving blood circulation, easing joint, and muscular pains, among others. When buying a sauna, there are usually a lot of factors that need to be considered. These range from the cost, heat source, to its efficiency. However, the majority of homeowners do overlook one factor ...
Does hemlock wood crack?
More importantly, hemlock wood does have the capability of withstanding high temperatures without being affected easily. On the market, most of JNH Lifestyles sauna use this type of wood to build high-quality saunas. Furthermore, this type of wood has a tendency of not cracking as compared to other sauna woods.
Why do people use saunas?
Saunas are designed for relaxation. They are a warm, soothing sanctuary for sweating and detoxing. That said, it's essential to ensure premium comfort by making sure problems don't arise, especially as a result of faulty design. A sauna that is too hot, cool or emitting fumes is no fun for anyone. Additionally, there are several things ...
What woods can you avoid burning?
These woods can release unsafe fumes and extremely hot liquid that can burn you. To avoid sap and seepage, choose quality pine, cedar or spruce .
What to consider when choosing wood?
Additionally, there are several things to consider when choosing the right wood, including the material. While softwood is the best option, affordability and whether the wood contains sap, knots, stains or paint are all critical considerations when selecting materials. Advertisement.
Is cedar wood good for a sauna?
Finally, cedar wood is rich in color, resilient to rotting and emits a pleasant odor when heated. That said, not all are in favor of using cedar wood to build a sauna.
Can you stain sauna wood?
Steer Clear of Stain and Paint. Probably the most important consideration when selecting wood for your sauna is to make sure it is not stained or painted. Both stains and paints can release harmful toxins when the sauna is in use. Leave your wood completely and thoroughly natural. Advertisement.
What is the Best Sauna Wood?
While cedar is the most popular choice for sauna wood in America, in Finland, where there are more saunas per capita than any other country, they use a variety of woods that you may prefer over cedar. SteamSaunaBath offers a broad selection of sauna wood to allow you to create a sauna that reflects your personal taste and style.
Thermo-Aspen
Thermo-Aspen has a richer color and more prominent grain pattern than un-modified aspen for a unique and attractive visual effect. SteamSaunaBath offers Thermo-Aspen from Thermory, a world leader and sauna wood specialist. Thermo-Aspen is an eco-friendly, all natural product that has a reduced thermal conductivity for greater comfort.
Aspen
Natural Aspen is an excellent sauna material because it's not too hot to the touch and doesn't secrete resin or splinter. It's light tone and smooth texture create a striking appearance and a bright and contemporary sauna room. You can also create a sophisticated effect by using Aspen with other woods to create color accents.
Thermo-Radiata Pine
Thermo-Radiata Pine is an excellent quality wood that is cultivated throughout the world. Its a beautiful, smooth wood with a complex grain that adds a unique, luxurious appearance. It's a terrific choice for a sauna because it has no exposed knots, doesn't secrete resin, doesn't splinter, and won't overheat, making it great for sauna benches.
Alder
Alder wood is a popular choice for saunas because it doesn't overheat and is highly water repellant. It's reddish tone and pleasant texture make it an ideal finishing material. Alder is both beautiful and hardy, so it can be used for a variety of interior features.
Western Red Cedar
Western Red Cedar is an extremely popular sauna material becsause of its traditional look and pleasant aroma, but also because of its ablity to withstand wet conditions and that it remains cool enough to sit on in the extreme heat of a sauna. Cedar can be used for sauna interiors, benching, and exterior panels.
