Choosing the best sauna wood is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, whether you’re buying or building a sauna. The type of wood you choose affects everything: how your sauna looks, how it feels, how well it holds up over time, and even how it smells.
Picking the right wood ensures that your sauna is comfortable, durable, and gives you the kind of relaxing experience you’re looking for. Let’s dive into the different types of sauna wood and find the one that’s right for you.
Western Red Cedar
Western Red Cedar is the first thought for Americans when they think of saunas, because it’s what we know. If you’ve been in an old hotel or gym sauna in America, you probably associate the cedar smell and look with a Finnish Sauna.
Old growth western red cedar was naturally resistant to moisture and mold, which means it’s easy to maintain. The smooth, splinter-free surface makes it perfect for comfort and safety, whether you’re using a traditional or infrared sauna.
But cedar ain’t what it used to be. Western Red Cedar today is farmed and grown fast. It lacks the properties that made it good for use in a sauna in the first place. Resistance to rot, decay, and insects was gained for hundreds of years (some lived to 1,000 years old). Farmed WRC is frail, splinters, and much more likely to warp and cup.
Read more about why Western Red Cedar isn’t recommended in modern sauna construction here.
Eastern White Cedar
Eastern White Cedar is a good option if you’re looking for durability and resistance to heat. It shares many qualities with Western Red Cedar, such as the ability to resist warping and a natural resistance to moisture and mildew. However, Eastern White Cedar has a softer, more subtle aroma, and its lighter color—ranging from cream to pale brown—gives your sauna a bright and welcoming vibe. It’s smooth to the touch, which means it’s comfortable and safe for everyone to use.
Nordic Spruce
Nordic Spruce is well-known for its rustic charm, making it a popular choice for traditional saunas. Sourced from the cold climates of Scandinavia, this wood is denser than standard spruce, which gives it better durability and insulation. It has a light yellowish-white color with visible knots, adding to its authentic, natural appearance. Nordic Spruce is commonly used in traditional Finnish and European saunas for this very reason.
It has a mild scent that’s not overpowering, creating a relaxing, natural atmosphere. Just keep in mind that it needs regular treatment to maintain moisture resistance, especially in a humid sauna setting, and may need extra sanding to prevent splinters.
Spruce
Spruce is another popular choice for those who love a rustic, traditional look. Its light color with visible knots makes it a charming option for saunas. While similar to Nordic Spruce, regular spruce can be sourced from various regions, which means its density and durability might vary. It tends to be less dense and slightly less durable than Nordic Spruce, but it still provides good insulation.
Spruce has a mild wood scent that adds a natural touch to your sauna experience. However, it does require regular treatment to resist moisture and may need sanding to smooth out the rougher knots. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for an affordable sauna that still brings a cozy feel.
Hemlock
Hemlock is a good choice if you prefer a wood with a neutral scent. It’s moderately strong and can handle sauna heat, though it may warp over time if exposed to high temperatures for long periods. Hemlock provides good insulation and heats evenly, which makes it comfortable to touch without getting too hot. The light color and subtle grain give it a modern, clean look.
However, it does need some maintenance, such as sealing to prevent mold growth. Its smooth surface ensures a splinter-free experience, making it comfortable for sauna users.
Basswood
If you’re sensitive to strong smells or just prefer a neutral environment, Basswood might be the best wood for you. It’s completely odorless, which makes it ideal for people who don’t like the stronger scents of other woods. Basswood is also considered one of the best woods for sauna benches because it stays cool and is very comfortable to sit on.
It handles high heat well, though it’s a softer wood, which means it can dent over time. The light color and simple grain give your sauna a clean, minimalist appearance. It’s moderately resistant to moisture, so regular sealing will help extend its lifespan. Basswood’s smooth texture makes it a great choice for infrared saunas as well.
Aspen
Aspen is another excellent choice for those looking for an odor-free sauna experience. It can handle high temperatures without warping too much, although it’s not quite as durable as cedar. Aspen provides moderate heat retention, making it comfortable during sauna sessions. Its almost white color creates a bright, airy atmosphere that can make your sauna feel more spacious.
Aspen needs regular sealing to protect against moisture, but its smooth, splinter-free surface ensures a comfortable experience. This wood is often used in traditional Finnish saunas for its light and clean aesthetic.
Yellow Cedar
Yellow Cedar is known for its durability, even under high heat. It has a distinctive but subtle aroma that creates a relaxing sauna environment. The light yellow color darkens slightly with age, giving your sauna a warm and inviting appearance. Yellow Cedar is naturally resistant to moisture, which makes it low-maintenance and easy to clean. It provides good insulation and remains comfortable to touch, with a smooth surface that minimizes the risk of splinters.
Alder
Alder is a stable wood that handles high temperatures without warping, making it a reliable choice for saunas. It has a mild, pleasant scent and contains minimal natural oils. Alder offers good heat insulation, keeping the sauna environment comfortable. Its light reddish-brown color darkens over time, developing a warm, attractive patina. Alder has moderate moisture resistance and benefits from regular sealing to enhance durability.
It’s also low-maintenance, with a smooth surface that minimizes splinter risks, which is why it’s often used in traditional Finnish saunas.
Douglas Fir
Douglas Fir is strong and handles high temperatures well, making it a good option for saunas. It has a light brown to reddish color that deepens over time, adding warmth and a rustic feel to your sauna. Douglas Fir has a mild, pleasant scent and provides effective insulation, although it may need regular sealing to resist moisture. Its surface is generally smooth, but extra sanding may be needed to prevent splinters.
Redwood
Redwood is a highly durable wood that resists warping and cracking even under intense heat. It has a rich, reddish-brown color that deepens over time, giving the sauna a warm, luxurious feel. Redwood’s subtle, earthy aroma enhances the relaxing atmosphere, and its natural resistance to moisture and mold makes it very low-maintenance. The smooth, splinter-free surface also makes it a comfortable choice for sauna seating.
Less Common Sauna Woods
While the following woods are less frequently used for full sauna construction, they still have unique qualities that may appeal to certain enthusiasts or specific purposes. Understanding why saunas are made of wood helps explain the benefits of these less common choices.
- Abachi: Often used for sauna benches due to its excellent thermal properties; it stays cool to the touch even in high temperatures.
- Baltic Pine: Known for its rustic look, light color, and distinct knots; moderately durable but requires careful maintenance.
- Eastern White Pine: Light, creamy color with visible knots; less durable than other woods and may require additional sealing.
- European Silver Fir: Light color and uniform texture; moderately durable but may need sealing for better moisture resistance.
- Radiata Pine: Light color with visible grain; moderately durable and may warp if not treated properly.
Which Sauna Wood Best Fits Your Needs
When choosing the perfect wood for your sauna, it’s essential to understand the key attributes of each type. The right wood can depend on the type of saunas you prefer, whether it’s a traditional, infrared, or steam sauna. Different woods bring different benefits to your sauna experience, from durability and aroma to insulation and comfort. Below, we break down the main attributes to consider, helping you decide which sauna wood best fits your needs.
1. Heat Resistance and Durability
Heat resistance and durability are crucial factors when choosing sauna wood, as they determine how well the wood can handle high temperatures over time. Western Red Cedar is very durable and resists warping and cracking, making it ideal for regular sauna use. Yellow Cedar also performs well under high heat, resisting warping and cracking. Aspen can handle high temperatures but is less tough compared to cedar.
Nordic Spruce is slightly more durable than regular spruce, which tends to warp more easily under prolonged heat exposure. Hemlock is moderately strong but could warp over time. If you want a wood that will last a long time without issues, cedar or alder are excellent choices.
2. Aroma and Natural Oils
The sauna aroma and natural oils of the wood significantly impact your experience. Western Red Cedar has a calming scent due to its natural oils, giving your sauna a spa-like atmosphere. Yellow Cedar offers a distinctive yet subtle aroma that contributes to a relaxing environment. Alder has a mild, pleasant scent, while spruce provides a light wood smell that is not too overpowering. If you prefer no scent, Aspen or Basswood are excellent options.
3. Thermal Insulation and Heat Retention
Thermal insulation and heat retention are key to keeping your sauna comfortable. Western Red Cedar and Basswood both insulate well, keeping the wood comfortable to the touch even when hot. Yellow Cedar also provides effective insulation, making it comfortable for sauna users.
Hemlock and Nordic Spruce provide good insulation and heat evenly without becoming overly hot. Aspen has moderate heat retention, which keeps the sauna comfortable. If comfort is your priority, cedar or basswood are great options, as they retain warmth without becoming uncomfortably hot.
4. Moisture Resistance and Absorption
Moisture resistance and absorption are crucial because saunas are very humid environments. Pine sauna wood, for instance, requires careful sealing to prevent moisture damage. Western Red Cedar naturally resists moisture and mold, making it easy to care for. Yellow Cedar also has excellent moisture resistance, making it a low-maintenance option.
Nordic Spruce is denser and slightly more moisture-resistant compared to regular spruce, but both need sealing to prevent mold. Alder has moderate moisture resistance and benefits from regular sealing to enhance durability. Basswood has moderate moisture resistance but benefits from sealing as well.
5. Aesthetic Appearance
The aesthetic appearance of the wood can significantly influence the look and feel of your sauna. Western Red Cedar has a rich reddish-brown color that darkens over time, while Alder also develops a warm look as it ages. Aspen and Basswood are very light in color, giving a bright, airy feel that is perfect for a clean, simple look.
Hemlock has a light color with a subtle grain, giving it a modern appearance. Nordic Spruce, with its light color and visible knots, adds a rustic charm. Your choice depends on whether you want a warm, rich look or a bright, simple atmosphere.
6. Maintenance Requirements
Maintenance requirements depend on the type of wood, and they affect how easy it is to keep the sauna clean. Western Red Cedar is low maintenance because it naturally resists mold and moisture. Yellow Cedar is also low-maintenance due to its natural resistance to moisture. Nordic Spruce and regular spruce require regular sealing to keep moisture out.
Aspen and Alder need sealing but are easy to clean. Basswood is simple to maintain, but regular treatment helps keep its moisture resistance. If you want a wood that is easy to take care of, cedar is a great choice.
7. Comfort and Safety
Comfort and safety are very important in a sauna. Western Red Cedar and Aspen have smooth, splinter-free surfaces that are safe and comfortable. Basswood also has a smooth texture with little risk of splinters, making it comfortable for sitting. Hemlock and Alder are generally smooth but need proper treatment to avoid splinters. Spruce may have a rougher texture with visible knots, which need extra sanding to be safe. If comfort is your main concern, cedar, aspen, or basswood are great choices for a safe and pleasant sauna experience.
Closing Thoughts
Choosing the right sauna wood is all about finding what best fits your needs, whether it’s durability, comfort, aesthetic appeal, or maintenance ease. Every wood has something unique to offer, and the perfect choice depends on your personal preferences and the type of sauna experience you’re aiming for. Whether you want the rich warmth of Western Red Cedar, the neutral comfort of Basswood, or the rustic charm of Nordic Spruce, there’s a sauna wood out there for everyone.
If you’re ready to take the next step, why not check out our collection of saunas here at Plunge Junkies? We have a huge selection of saunas—from classic outside barrel saunas to sleek, small indoor saunas. Plus, we pride ourselves on offering the best customer service, lowest price guarantees, and financing options to make your sauna dreams a reality. If you have any questions about purchasing a sauna, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact us through the chat box (we typically respond within minutes), email us at hello@plunge.tempurl.host, or give us a call.