When choosing the best wood for a sauna, durability, heat resistance, and aesthetic appeal all come into play. Two of the most popular choices are Cedar and Thermowood—but which one is right for your outdoor sauna?
Let’s break down the differences so you can make an informed decision.
Why Sauna Wood Matters
Saunas are exposed to extreme heat, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. Choosing the right wood ensures longevity, comfort, and a better sauna experience. The best sauna woods:
- Resist warping and cracking under heat exposure
- Offer natural resistance to moisture and decay
- Enhance the sauna’s aesthetic and scent
Cedar: The Gold Standard for Saunas
Cedar has long been the preferred choice for sauna construction, especially for barrel saunas and modern sauna benches. Here’s why:
✅ Naturally Resistant to Moisture & Decay
Cedar contains natural oils that make it highly resistant to mold, mildew, and rot, ensuring a longer lifespan for your sauna.
✅ Superior Heat Retention & Insulation
Cedar maintains stable temperatures and remains comfortable to the touch, even in high heat.
✅ Aromatic & Relaxing
The pleasant scent of cedar enhances relaxation, providing a true spa-like experience.
✅ Durable & Long-Lasting
With proper maintenance, a cedar sauna can last decades without warping or degrading.
Thermowood: A Modified Alternative
Thermowood is heat-treated softwood designed to enhance durability and moisture resistance. It’s an increasingly popular option, but how does it compare to cedar?
✅ Increased Stability
The heat treatment process reduces swelling and shrinking, making it dimensionally stable.
✅ Chemical-Free Treatment
Unlike pressure-treated wood, Thermowood is modified using only heat and steam.
⚠️ Lacks Natural Oils
Unlike cedar, Thermowood lacks natural antimicrobial properties, making it more prone to mold and bacteria buildup over time.
⚠️ Less Aromatic & Comfortable
Thermowood does not have the rich, calming scent of cedar and can feel hotter to the touch during sauna sessions.
Cedar vs. Thermowood: Side-by-Side Comparison
|
Feature |
Cedar |
Thermowood |
|
Moisture Resistance |
✅ Excellent |
⚠️ Good |
|
Heat Insulation |
✅ Superior |
⚠️ Moderate |
|
Durability |
✅ Long-lasting |
⚠️ Moderate |
|
Aroma |
✅ Pleasant & relaxing |
❌ Odorless |
|
Eco-Friendliness |
✅ Sustainably harvested |
✅ Chemical-free treatment |
|
Aesthetic |
✅ Warm, natural grain |
✅ Modern, darkened look |
Final Verdict: Why Cedar Wins
While Thermowood offers a modern look and enhanced stability, cedar remains the superior choice for saunas due to its natural moisture resistance, insulation, durability, and unmistakable aroma. It’s the wood of choice for our premium cedar outdoor saunas, ensuring a luxurious and long-lasting sauna experience.
Ready to upgrade your sauna experience? Explore our collection of handcrafted cedar saunas and find the perfect fit for your home or backyard today!
