Different types of sauna woods
Here is a list of the best sauna woods that can be used for constructing saunas:
1. Western red cedar:
The first up we have is the western red cedar, this wood is the best wood for outdoor saunas because of its high resistance to rot. This type of wood is also light in weight and has a very pleasant smell. The only downside of using this wood is that it’s a bit on the expensive side when compared to other types of wood.
2. Poplar wood
Poplar wood is a light-colored wood that is perfect for those who are looking for inexpensive wood. This type of wood is also easy to work with and has a decent resistance to rot. I won’t be as strong as cedar but it’s a good option for those on a budget.
3. Aspen wood
Aspen is another light-colored wood that is perfect for saunas. This type of wood is very easy to work with and has excellent insulating properties. It is good for heat conduction and can help improve the lifespan of your sauna. Aspen woods are cheaper than cedar and are a good option for those on a budget.
4. Canadian hemlock
Canadian hemlock is another great option for sauna construction. This type of wood is very strong and has a high resistance to rot. It is also a good conductor of heat and has a pleasant smell. It’s ideal for sauna floors and roofs so if you’re looking for durable wood, hemlock is a great option. The only downside of using this wood is that it’s a bit on the expensive side when compared to other types of wood.
5. Scots pine
Whether you are building an indoor sauna or outdoor sauna, Scots pine is a great option. This type of wood is very strong and has excellent insulating properties. It is also a good conductor of heat and has a pleasant smell. It also regulates the heat very well and doesn’t overheat easily. The only downside of using this wood is that it’s a bit on the expensive side when compared to other types of wood.
6. Norway Spruce
If you’re building indoor saunas, Norway spruce is a great option. If you are on a budget, this is one of the cheapest options. This type of wood is also very easy to work with and has heat-reflecting properties so you can save on heating costs. The only downside is that it’s not as strong as some of the other options and doesn’t have a pleasant smell.
What should you consider before picking up the wood?
Here are a few things you should keep in mind before picking up the wood for your sauna:
1. The climate: The first thing you need to consider is the climate where you live. If you live in a place with a lot of humidity, it’s best to go with rot-resistant wood like cedar.
2. Your budget: The second thing you need to consider is your budget. If you have a limited budget, you can go with poplar or aspen wood.
3. The size of your sauna: The third thing you need to consider is the size of your sauna. If you are building a small sauna, you can get away with using less expensive wood. But if you are building a large sauna, you will need to use stronger and more expensive wood.
4. The type of sauna: The fourth thing you need to consider is the type of sauna you are building. If you are building an indoor sauna, you can go with any type of wood. But if you are building an outdoor sauna, you will need to use rot-resistant wood.
5. Why do you need the wood: Do you need it for sauna benches, sauna walls, or sauna floors? Depending on why you need the wood, you will need to pick a different type of wood.
6. Type of heater: Infrared saunas and electric saunas (electric heaters) use dry heat to heat the sauna. This means that the wood doesn’t need to be as heat-resistant. If you are using a wood stove or a gas heater, you will need to use heat-resistant wood so the sauna doesn’t catch on fire.
What type of wood is used to build a traditional sauna?
It mostly depends on the country where the sauna is being built.
In Finland, the most common type of wood used is Scots pine. This is because it’s a strong wood that doesn’t overheat easily. It also has a pleasant smell and regulates the heat very well.
In Canada, hemlock is the most common type of wood used. This is because it’s a strong wood that doesn’t overheat easily. It also has a pleasant smell and regulates the heat very well.
In America, the most common type of wood used is cedar. Cedar is a rot-resistant wood that can withstand high temperatures. It’s also a good conductor of heat and has a pleasant smell.
It also depends on personal preferences. Let’s say some people might like the smell of pine rather than cedar. So, they would use pine even if it’s not the most common type of wood used in their country.
Conclusion
So there you have it! These are some of the most common types of wood used to build saunas. The wood you use in your sauna matters because it needs to be heat-resistant, strong, and able to withstand high temperatures. don’t pick low-density and wet wood to use in your sauna. If you are unsure about what type of wood to use, consult a professional or do some research online.