Demystifying Sauna Wood: Which Type Is Right for You?

its lifespan varies significantly depending on the environment in which it is used. Wooden saunas are among the most popular wellness solutions worldwide, with sauna wood being the primary construction material. The types of wood used for indoor and outdoor saunas differ based on durability and exposure conditions.

In this article, Alphasauna will provide a comprehensive analysis of sauna wood, comparing its characteristics, lifespan, and exposure test results. This will help you understand the differences between high-end and budget-friendly wooden saunas.

What Are the Commonly Used Sauna Wood at Alphasauna?

Common sauna wood used by AlphaSauna includes red cedar, heat-treated hemlock, hemlock, heat-treated pine, pine, cypress, and Japanese cedar.

As a leading sauna supplier in China, AlphaSauna also offers customized options. If you have wholesale requirements or need specific sauna wood as raw material, please contact us. We will tailor sauna solutions to meet your exact needs.

Comparison of Sauna Wood Characteristics

In sauna wood, different types of wood are used in various environments, each offering unique characteristics and textures that create distinct sauna experiences. Below is a detailed comparison of sauna wood properties, compiled by Alphasauna for your reference

Red Cedar

Red cedar, also known as Canadian cedar, features a delicate and elegant texture with a straight, uniform grain and a unique natural aroma. Its rich dark color, lightweight, and soft texture make it popular in various applications, adding natural beauty to both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Additionally, Canadian red cedar is naturally rich in preservatives, offering excellent resistance to corrosion and pests. It can endure extended use in outdoor environments without significant degradation. Furthermore, its high heat and moisture resistance provide exceptional dimensional stability, making it highly suitable for the high-temperature conditions of traditional wooden saunas.

If left untreated, the outdoor lifespan of Canadian red cedar can range from 20 to 30 years. With proper daily maintenance, its longevity can extend beyond 40 years.

Hemlock

Pine wood is light in color and often features knots. It offers a simple and elegant appearance while evoking a natural and rustic feel. Its texture is uniform, and it has a distinct fragrance. As a natural wood, it contains no harmful substances, ensuring fresh indoor air. However, pine wood has relatively weak resistance to corrosion and insects. When exposed to harsh environments for extended periods, it is prone to cracking, discoloration, and rotting.

Hemlock is one of the most common sauna wood species, it is known for its moderate strength. Hemlock wood typically has a fine, straight, and uniform grain with distinct annual rings. It is either knot-free or has only a few knots, features a light color, and boasts a beautiful, high-end appearance.

Without special treatment, its resistance to corrosion and weathering is relatively moderate. For outdoor use, we generally recommend applying wood oil and using asphalt shingles to better protect the sauna wood and extend its lifespan. Typically, an untreated hemlock wood sauna has an outdoor lifespan of about 10–15 years, while an indoor dry steam sauna can last approximately 25–30 years.

Finland Pine Wood

For outdoor applications, we generally recommend applying wood oil and using asphalt shingles to enhance protection and extend the wood’s lifespan. Finnish pine typically lasts 10–15 years outdoors and approximately 15–20 years in an indoor dry steam sauna.

Finnish pine is classified as a Grade E wood and considered a low-end option in the sauna market. Despite its relatively lower performance compared to other wood types, its affordability has made it a popular, economical choice among users for many years.

Hinoki

Hinoki has a warm hue that deepens and becomes richer over time. It features a straight, even grain and is available in knot-free varieties with attractive golden and light purple streaks.

Hinoki also has a natural pine-like scent and possesses antibacterial and insect-resistant properties. Additionally, it offers excellent corrosion resistance and stability, maintaining its appearance and performance even in humid environments.

Saunas made of untreated hinoki typically last between 15–25 years outdoors, while indoor dry saunas can last 30–40 years.

Both cypress and red cedar are considered high-end woods in the sauna market. Cypress, with its superior performance, is even more expensive than red cedar. It is often classified as Grade A+ and is ideal for users who seek the ultimate sauna experience.

Japanese Cedar

Japanese cedar is a unique native wood from Japan, also known as ‘Cryptomeria fortunei wood,’ although it is not a true cedar. Its color ranges from light red to dark reddish brown, and the grain is typically straight, even, and fine, with occasional wavy or interlocked patterns.

Additionally, Japanese cedar has a natural resistance to decay and insects, offering durability comparable to that of Canadian red cedar. When used outdoors without protective treatment, a Japanese cedar sauna generally lasts about 10–20 years. For indoor dry steam saunas, the lifespan typically ranges from 20–40 years.

In the sauna market, It is more affordable than red cedar and cypress, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate natural sauna wood fragrance and seek cost-effective options.

Thermal Hemlock and Thermal Pine

Thermal hemlock and thermal pine are derived from the original hemlock and pine woods but undergo a special heat treatment process that darkens the wood’s color. This treatment enhances the wood’s durability, as well as its resistance to corrosion and insects.

Most importantly, the heat treatment significantly improves the wood’s antibacterial properties and stability, reducing its tendency to shrink and expand. As a result, thermal hemlock and thermal pine are more suitable for outdoor use compared to original wood hemlock and pine.

After heat treatment, thermal hemlock saunas typically have an outdoor lifespan of 25–35 years, while indoor dry steam saunas last around 30–40 years. Thermal pine saunas generally last 20–30 years outdoors, while indoor pine dry steam saunas have a lifespan of 30–40 years.

After heat treatment, hemlock becomes a mid- to high-end wood in the market, with a moderately high price. In comparison, heat-treated pine is elevated to a mid-range sauna wood relative to ordinary pine, with a moderate price. It is more suitable for budget-controlled projects, homestays, and home-use light saunas.

Which Is More Durable: Wood-Plastic or Sauna Wood?

Before comparing the two materials, it is essential to understand their properties.

Wood-plastic is a composite material made of wood fiber and plastic additives. It combines the texture of wood with the durability, waterproofing, and anti-corrosion properties of plastic, making it suitable for high-humidity environments. However, it may contain chemical additives from the manufacturing process.

On the other hand, sauna wood, as the name suggests, is natural and unprocessed apart from cutting, grinding, and drying. It is highly environmentally friendly. Additionally, its unique wood grain, texture, and fragrance provide a natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance. However, solid wood requires regular maintenance to extend its lifespan.

Durability Comparison

From a durability perspective, wood-plastic is highly resistant to water, moisture, corrosion, and aging. It does not require regular oiling or anti-corrosion treatments, making maintenance relatively simple.

Sauna wood, while offering natural beauty and good absorbency, provides a more comfortable user experience and has strong reparability. Scratches or wear can be restored by sanding and applying wood wax oil. However, the durability of solid wood varies depending on the type. High-end woods such as red cedar, teak, and heat-treated wood can last 15–25 years with proper maintenance.

Which One to Choose?

A sauna room is a high-temperature, high-humidity environment. Wood-plastic composite is not suitable for use in saunas and is more commonly used in furniture. Sauna wood, on the other hand, offers natural advantages—it is not only environmentally friendly but also durable.

If you appreciate natural textures, prefer eco-friendly materials, and are willing to perform regular maintenance, solid wood is the ideal choice for your sauna.

How to Maintain a Wooden Sauna

Over time, a wooden sauna can be affected by various factors, leading to wear and tear. To extend its lifespan and preserve its appearance, regular maintenance is essential. Here are some tips on how to care for your wooden sauna:

Ventilation and Moisture Control

After each use, it is important to open the sauna door and vents to allow the internal moisture to dissipate quickly. This helps prevent mold growth inside the sauna.

Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning is essential to prevent stains and buildup. However, avoid rinsing the sauna directly with water, as this can damage the wood, promote mold growth, and cause the wood to absorb moisture, leading to swelling, deformation, or cracking.

Instead, use warm water and a soft cloth to wipe down the wood surface to remove sweat stains and dust. For stubborn stains, you can use warm water with mild soap, gently wipe, and then dry the area with clean water. Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or cleaners with strong irritants.

Mold and Odor Prevention

If you notice mold or odors, clean the affected area using diluted white vinegar or a solution of baking soda and water. Wipe the area dry with a clean cloth. For more serious mildew, you can use hydrogen peroxide or a specialized sauna mildew preventer.

Wood Care and Protection

For deeper maintenance, it is important to regularly apply a layer of natural wood wax oil, such as linseed oil or a professional protective oil, to the sauna wood. Avoid using ordinary paint or wood wax that contains chemicals, as these can damage the wood.

Dealing with Scratches

For minor scratches, lightly sand the area with fine sandpaper and wipe it clean. For deeper scratches, you can fill them with wood wax oil of the same color and then polish the surface smooth.

By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your wooden sauna remains in excellent condition for many years to come.