Among the many types of sauna wood, thermal sauna wood is a premium choice for outdoor saunas due to its stability, corrosion resistance, and environmental friendliness. Below, we’ll delve into why thermal sauna wood is so suitable for outdoor saunas, detailing its process, advantages, and user experience. Alphasauna, a leading Chinese sauna manufacturer, has released a guide to thermal sauna wood and its maintenance.

Principles of Heat Treatment Process

Thermal sauna wood is natural wood that has undergone surface carbonization or advanced treatment at high temperatures. This wood has been carbonized at temperatures around 200°C. This process destroys its nutrients, making it more resistant to decay and insects. Furthermalre, the wood’s moisture content is effectively stabilized, making it resistant to deformation and corrosion.
Thermal wood through reorganizing hemicellulose, it gains stronger physical properties, It extends wood’s lifespan, leaves no production or disposal waste, and is safe for people, animals, and the environment. With nearly a decade of proven use in Europe, deep thermal wood has become the top alternative to CCA-treated wood, widely applied in wall panels, outdoor decking, kitchens, saunas, furniture, and more.

Durability of Thermal Sauna Wood

Because the heat treatment process improves the durability of wood, compared with ordinary sauna wood, it can resist corrosion, pests, and extreme climates, and the maintenance cost is relatively low.

Moisture-Resistant and Anti-Corrosion, Extending the Life of the Sauna Room

Thermal sauna wood has a lower moisture content, preventing it from expanding and contracting repeatedly due to changes in humidity, reducing the risk of moisture-related rot. This is crucial for proper sauna operation, as ordinary sauna wood struggles to maintain its stability over time due to the high temperature and humidity of the sauna. Thermal sauna wood resists moisture and rot, extending the life of your sauna.

Resist Extreme Climate and Pests

Thermal sauna wood maintains excellent stability and is less susceptible to deformation and cracking. For areas with frequent rain and snow, or tropical regions with high humidity and wind, sun, alternating hot and cold weather, thermal sauna wood can resist damage.
The special process causes changes in its internal cell structure, eliminates the causes of insect pests and mold, and relatively reduces internal nutrients. Insects and other organisms lose interest in it, greatly reducing problems such as insect infestation and mold.

Low Maintenance Cost

The outdoor saunas constructed from thermal sauna wood require minimal maintenance, requiring only simple daily cleaning to maintain their longevity and aesthetic appeal. Regular application of wood wax oil can also extend the lifespan of the sauna. Thermal sauna wood offers peace of mind, reducing the need for repairs and maintenance, and keeping maintenance costs low.

Durability Comparison with Ordinary Sauna Wood

Ordinary sauna wood often faces problems such as cracking, warping, mold, and even rotting when used outdoors for extended periods. This is especially true in the high-temperature, high-humidity environment of a sauna, where the wood’s lifespan is significantly reduced. For example, an outdoor sauna made of ordinary hemlock or pine wood has a lifespan of approximately 10-20 years, while an indoor sauna has a lifespan of 20-30 years.

Heat treatment increases the wood’s stability and reduces its potential for deformation. Outdoor saunas made of thermal hemlock or thermal pine have a lifespan of approximately 20-30 years, while indoor saunas have a lifespan of 30-40 years. Therefore, thermal sauna wood is more suitable for outdoor use than ordinary sauna wood.

User Experience and Aesthetics

After the heat treatment process, the natural texture of the wood will appear more beautiful and feel better, and it will be less likely to cause odor, which will provide customers with a better sauna experience.

Natural Wood Texture

The heat treatment process doesn’t destroy the wood’s natural grain. Instead, it deepens the wood’s color, creating a more refined visual effect. This appearance echoes the natural outdoors. Outdoor saunas are not only a therapeutic wellness space, but also add a touch of color to your outdoor garden or campsite.

Comfortable Touch

Traditional saunas can reach temperatures as high as 110°C, easily burning or deforming ordinary sauna wood surfaces. Thermal sauna wood undergoes a thermal modification process at high temperatures, making it softer to the touch and reducing its thermal conductivity, making it less susceptible to burns in high-temperature environments.

The Preferred Material for Outdoor Use

Thermal sauna wood used outdoors for a long time does not easy to fade easily and is compatible with glass and metal. For courtyards, resorts, or camping projects, the texture and performance of thermal sauna wood enhance the overall level and enhance the customer’s sauna experience. Therefore, it has become the preferred outdoor material for creating an atmosphere.

Investment Value and Sustainable Development

When choosing materials for an outdoor sauna, it is important to consider not only the performance but also the economic benefits and environmental responsibility. Balancing high-quality experience and sustainable development, meeting contemporary people’s demands for environmental health, while also bringing long-term economic benefits to businesses.

Environmentally Friendly Properties of Thermal Sauna Wood

The heat treatment process does not contain any harmful chemicals and is completed through physical high-temperature methods. The final product is harmless to both humans and the environment. This makes thermal sauna wood a sustainable, green, and environmentally friendly wood that meets international environmental standards.

Economic Benefits of Long-Term Use

Thermal sauna wood requires an initial investment in heat treatment technology, which is higher than that of ordinary sauna wood. However, due to its longer lifespan and lower maintenance requirements, it offers high cost-effectiveness in the long run. For businesses, the combination of low maintenance costs and a high long-term return makes it a viable investment option.

Alphasauna Recommends Thermal Sauna Wood Species

Thermal Hemlock

Hemlock has a uniform color and clear texture. After heat treatment, the moisture and corrosion resistance of hemlock are significantly improved, the color of the wood is deepened, and it is beautiful and durable.

Thermal Pine

Pine wood has natural knots and a more natural texture. After heat treatment, pine wood is more durable, has good thermal insulation properties, and is resistant to mold and pests.

How to Care for Thermal Sauna Wood

Maintaining the beauty of thermal sauna wood and extending the life of your sauna requires careful cleaning and regular maintenance.
At first, after each use, gently wipe the wood surface with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid using chemical cleaners that can damage the surface.
Secondly, ensure the sauna is well ventilated. Good ventilation helps remove odors and moisture buildup, effectively preventing bacterial growth and reducing the risk of moisture and rot. It’s recommended to open doors and windows appropriately to allow the wood to dry naturally.

Thirdly, while thermal sauna wood is highly resistant to corrosion, regular maintenance is essential. Apply wood wax oil can extend its lifespan and preserve its rich color. Regular inspections by a professional are also recommended for repairs or replacements.

FAQS

Question1：I Don’t Know Whether to Choose Thermal Hemlock or Thermal Pine. What Should I Do?

Answer: Hemlock has a clear grain and good color, making it suitable for modern designs. Pine, with its natural knots and more natural texture, is more suitable for traditional saunas. Therefore, you can choose the right sauna for your style.

Question2：Is Thermal Sauna Wood Much More Expensive Than Regular Sauna Wood?

Answer: Yes, the price of thermal sauna wood will be higher than that of ordinary sauna wood, but its stability can reduce the frequency of subsequent maintenance and repairs, and the overall cost is lower.

Question3：Does Heat Treatment Make the Wood More Brittle and More Prone to Breaking?

Answer:No, heat treatment will make the structure of the wood more stable and will not easily deform or crack, thereby enhancing its moisture-proof and anti-corrosion properties, which can meet the use requirements of outdoor sauna rooms.

Question 4: Does Thermal Sauna Wood Require Special Conditions During Transportation or Storage?

Answer: No, it doesn’t. Thermal sauna wood has a low moisture content and is less susceptible to mold or moisture, making it easier to transport and store than ordinary sauna wood.

Question 5: What Is the Difference Between Thermal Sauna Wood and Crude Wood for Outdoor Use?

Answer: Thermal sauna wood undergoes high-temperature treatment, resulting in a more stable structure, moisture-resistant, and corrosion-resistant, making it suitable for long-term outdoor use and requiring low maintenance. However, crude wood is susceptible to moisture absorption, deformation, and mold growth in outdoor environments, requiring regular maintenance and anti-corrosion treatment. Therefore, thermal sauna wood offers greater ease of use, but for those seeking a natural finish and willing to invest in maintenance, crude wood can also offer a unique aesthetic.

Conclusion

Thermal sauna wood offers durability, aesthetics, and sustainable features for outdoor saunas, withstanding the test of long-term use and environmental impact. This reduces maintenance costs and offers significant economic benefits. Therefore, choosing thermal sauna wood is the optimal choice.
At Alphasauna, we prioritize the highest quality wood. Leveraging our proprietary R&D and production capabilities, we rigorously control product quality through a rigorous production and inspection process, ensuring we provide our customers with high-quality sauna and spa products. From outdoor saunas to ice baths and wooden hot tubs, we’re dedicated to creating customizable wellness experiences for customers around the world. Choosing Alphasauna offers a comprehensive, one-stop service. If you’re interested in our thermal sauna wood, please contact us!