Are you considering purchasing a sauna unit for use in your home? When you are considering using it in your home, please take a look at this Buyer's Guide. With a rational and honest analysis, this post focuses on the types of sauna wood sold in stores on the market, including directions on durability, cost, aesthetics, heat resistance and odor, and, finally, we'll guide you to choose a trustworthy store or manufacturer to make your purchase. We make sure you get value for your investment.
We hope it will help you to choose your favorite sauna wood sauna according to our buying guide!

The most commonly used wood in saunas: hemlock

Characteristics:

• Durability: hemlock is moderately durable and more resistant to decay than fir.
• Aesthetics: It has a uniform, light color, fine, even texture, and straight grain.
• Aromatic: Hemlock wood is relatively unscented.This is good news for buyers who are sensitive to smells.
• Affordability: Hemlock is the first choice for most people and is good value for money in terms of its durability and appearance.

Pros: 

1. Stability: It has good dimensional stability, which means it is less likely to warp or shrink in sauna conditions.
2. Availability: Hemlock is widely available, especially in North America, and is widely used in the sauna industry.

Cons:

1. Less Durable:May have relatively limited durability compared to some hardwoods.
2. Less Distinctive Grain:May not have as distinctive and beautiful a grain as other woods.

The best & most expensive wood on the market: Cedar

Characteristics:

• Durability: Cedar is very durable and has natural resistance to rot, insects and moisture.
• Aesthetics: Cedar has a rich, reddish-brown color and a beautifully defined grain.
• Aroma: Cedar gives off a rich, pleasant aroma that many believe is therapeutic. Cedar has long been recognized in the sauna industry as a good wood for its aromatic scent that penetrates the skin and gives off a light natural aroma.

Pros:

1. Heat Resistance:Cedar can withstand heat and humidity without warping, making it ideal for sauna use.
2. Insulation: It has excellent insulating properties that help keep heat inside the sauna.

Cons:

1. Cost: Cedar grows high in the mountains and has a long growth cycle. Due to its desirable characteristics and valuable qualities, it is more expensive than other woods and is usually used by those who are looking for high-end quality.
2. Softness:It is not as hard as other woods and therefore more prone to dents and scratches.
3. Availability:It may not be as widely available as more common woods.

New sauna wood options: Mahogany

Characteristics:

• Durability: Extremely durable and resistant to decay and insects. It can withstand the humid and hot environment of a sauna for many years without warping or deteriorating.
• Aesthetic: Rich, warm color with a beautiful grain pattern that adds a luxurious feel to the sauna. It darkens over time, enhancing its visual appeal.
• Aroma: Mild, pleasant aroma that can enhance the sauna experience.

Pros:

1. Stability: Extremely durable and resistant to rot and insects. It can withstand the humidity and heat of a sauna for years without bending or deteriorating.
2. Heat Resistance : Excellent heat resistance. It doesn't get too hot, so it's comfortable and safe to use in saunas.

Cons:

1. Cost: It is one of the more expensive wood options due to its durability, quality, and aesthetic appeal. Mahogany is ideal for those seeking a high-end, durable, and aesthetically pleasing sauna material, willing to invest in its higher cost and maintenance.
2. Availability:It may not be as widely available as more common woods.

Wood often considered for homes: Fir

Characteristics:

• Durability: Fir has some durability, not as resistant to decay as red cedar and mahogany
• Aesthetics: fir has a light, nearly white color, straight grain, and smooth texture.
• Aromatic: Fir has a mild and pleasant aroma.

Pros:

1. Affordability: Fir wood is usually more affordable than red cedar wood, making it an economical choice for sauna construction.
2. Workability: It is easy to work with, both in terms of cutting and finishing, making it a popular choice for DIY sauna builders.

Cons:

1. Softness:It is not as hard as other woods and therefore more prone to dents and scratches.

Other wood options:

1.Basswood Wood

Characteristics:

• Durability:Medium durability, known for its resistance to bending and chipping. It performs well in the humid environment of a sauna.
• Aesthetic: It is light in color and has a fine, even texture. It provides a bright and clean look to the sauna interior.
• Aroma: The aroma is very mild and is often described as neutral, which is beneficial for those who are sensitive to strong odors.

Pros:

1. Durability: moderately durable, known for its resistance to warping and splitting. It performs well in the humid environment of a sauna.
2. Good Heat Resistance:doesn’t get too hot to touch, making it comfortable and safe for sauna use.

Cons:

1. Durability:Not as durable as harder woods like mahogany; can be more susceptible to dents and scratches.
2. Aroma: Lacks the aromatic qualities of woods like cedar.

2. Aspen Wood

Characteristics:

• Durability: Aspen is not as durable as hardwoods like cedar and mahogany.
• Beauty: It is lighter in color.
• Aroma: Aspen has a very light smell, which may not be a good choice for those who want a fragrant scent.

Pros:

1. Insulation: Poplar is not as hot to the touch as other woods. Ideal for those who need a less demanding temperature
2. Workability: Easy to work and mold

Cons:

1. Durability: Poplar is less durable and requires regular maintenance to prevent rotting.
2. Availabilty: Because of its fragile wood and susceptibility to moisture, poplar may not be suitable for use in home environments that are subject to heavy stress or frequent moisture exposure. Poplar is not an ideal sauna wood material in terms of durability.

3.Alder Wood

Characteristics:

• Durability: Moderately durable, resistant to bending and shrinkage. Less prone to cracking than some other woods, less durable than mahogany; prone to rotting if not properly maintained.
• Aesthetics: light in color, it is not as beautiful as cedarwood, which may be a drawback for those seeking a luxurious look.
•  Aroma: A light sweet scent that diminishes over time .

Pros:

1. Hardness:It has good strength and can bear some weight.
2. Rapid Growth:Relatively abundant resources.

Cons:

1. Durability: not as durable as mahogany; prone to rot if not properly cared for.
2. Heat Resistant:Less heat resistant than mahogany or cedar.
3. Aroma:requires maintenance, aroma can fade over time.

4. Eucalyptus Wood

Characteristics:

• Durability: General durability and good rot resistance, lower than basswood and mahogany
• Aesthetics: It has a light to medium brown color and a modern appearance.
• Aroma: Eucalyptus wood gives off a subtle and pleasant aroma, not a good choice for people who can't stand odors.

Pros:

1. Sustainability: Eucalyptus grows relatively quickly and usually comes from plantations.
2. Hardness:It has good strength and can bear some weight.
3. Rich Texture:The wood grain texture is often beautiful and has a certain decorative effect.

Cons:

1. Moisture Sensitive:May be deformed or cracked by moisture.
2. Less Stable:May be less stable than some other quality woods.
3. Odor Problems:Some people may find the odor of eucalyptus unpleasant.

Choosing the right wood for sauna construction involves balancing several factors, including durability, cost, aesthetic appeal, heat resistance, and aroma.

Mahogany and cedar stand out for their durability and pleasant fragrances, making them premium choices.

Fir and hemlock offer a more affordable alternative with decent properties.

Suggested Guidance

we are heartily happy for you when you choose salusheat, we are both manufacturer and distributor! We only produce saunas that are right for you and we have over 40+ products for you to choose from. Our ace sauna is the Wearwell Series Red Cedar, when you use it you can feel an unparalleled sense of comfort and pleasant aroma, and the inexpensive Purity-909MH can surprise you.