What Is the Best Wood for a Dry Sauna? A dry sauna is one of the types of structures that are used in the design of villas and large spaces today.
Different materials and elements are used to build this type of structure, and wood is one of these options. In fact, the element of wood is used to create a suitable cover for the body and floor of the pool, and the selection and installation of high-quality wood is one of the most important things that must be considered for building a durable and resistant sauna.
How to Build a Sauna
In fact, the suitable wood for a dry sauna should be selected from a type that has few knots and high resistance to moisture.
In this way, resistant and high-quality wood will not be damaged and corrupted by moisture and other environmental problems. Another thing that should be noted about the wood used in the dry sauna is that the selected wood should be used naturally without using any kind of color for covering. In this case, the health of the wood will be preserved.
At the same time, those types of trees are suitable for use in the design and construction of a dry sauna, which do not contain any type of gum, because wood with a lot of gum increases the possibility of allergies and headaches. Woods that create a pleasant heat and aroma in the environment should be considered desirable elements in the construction of the sauna.
read more: What Kind Of Wood is The Flower And Plant Stand Made Of
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is one of the rare options used in sauna construction, but it has many advantages due to its distinguishing features. As one of the wood types that is rarely used, this wood is strong and durable, and it is widely used in other industries such as cabinet making.
If we want to compare eucalyptus wood with teak wood, we can say that there are many similarities between these two types of wood, but eucalyptus wood is sold at a cheaper price. This wood is a type of hardwood and as a result, it can show good resistance against factors such as decay. Features such as high durability and stability have made eucalyptus wood widely used for a space like a sauna.
read more: Blood Wood
Cedarwood
One of the types of wood suitable for building a dry sauna is cedar wood. One of the distinctive features of this wood is its lightness and high flexibility, which makes it resistant to various conditions. The beauty of cedar wood makes the environment have a special beauty and a natural and pleasant aroma. Cedar wood has natural heat, which makes it a suitable option for building a sauna because the natural heat from this wood will not cause burns. In fact, cedarwood is one of the most popular options for building saunas in luxury spaces.
Poplar wood
Another type of wood chosen for building a dry sauna is poplar wood. This type of wood is noted for its high resistance. In this way, you can easily use poplar wood to build a dry sauna structure. Since it is easy to work with this wood, it is used in the construction of dry saunas with different designs. With this type of wood, you can create a special space with a bright yellow-white color.
Poplar wood is preferred over some other woods in the design of dry sauna due to its reasonable price. Since it does not have any kind of knots, poplar wood is considered in creating a luxurious and special effect.
DOUGLAS FIR wood
Douglas fir is a high-quality and softwood that is used to make dry saunas. It is also used to produce a wide range of products, including outdoor wood flooring, classic and office furniture, kitchen cabinets, wood veneers, and boats. You need to make a hole on this wood for dry sauna connections. It has high durability and is the best option for dry sauna.
pine wood
Pinewood is softer than hardwoods and is the best option for building a dry sauna. This is a cheap and economical option. If you want to have a dry sauna with strong wood and the price is right, this is the right option. The color of this wood is dark and if you are a fan of this color, it is the best option.
pine wood barrel sauna
finnish finland pine wood barrel sauna: A barrel sauna with Finnish pine wood is one of the most pleasant ways to relax after a day’s work. Barrel saunas made with pine wood offer proven medical and health benefits to their users in addition to the sensation of relaxation.
Most of these barrel saunas are made with a diameter of 180 cm and a maximum capacity of 6 people.
thermowood sauna material
Thermowood, which is prepared by using the heating process and making chemical changes to the structure of the wood, is an ideal option for building a dry sauna. This wood leads to the creation of color contrasts in the intended environment and is a good option for a space where there is a tendency to use dark colors. thermowood sauna material has high resistance due to structural changes and the hardness of this type of wood improves after the process.
This modified wood is suitable for the construction of all types of saunas due to its stability in dimensions. Thermowood can be used as soft and hardwood and it is easy to maintain. In fact, this type of processed wood has a good efficiency in modern and contemporary spaces, and due to the lack of deformation, it can be used in the sauna space.
Read more: Application Of Thermowood For Home And Company Landscaping
Hemlock wood
One of the distinctive features of hemlock wood that makes it suitable for building a sauna is the absence of gum in it. This wood does not create an unpleasant smell and has high durability. It is easy to work with hemlock wood, so it is considered for the construction of various structures. Of course, it should be noted that the resistance of hemlock wood is such that it is a good choice for building a home sauna. The wood of this tree is characterized by its cream color and uniform texture.
The use of hemlock wood in a space like a sauna causes the heat to spread evenly in the environment, for this reason, it is known as a functional element for use in the sauna.
Alder wood
Another type of wood that is widely used in the construction of dry saunas is alder wood. The color of this type of wood is reddish and the texture is pleasant and beautiful. This type of wood is considered a worthy choice in the construction of the sauna space. In fact, the features of alder wood, such as its resistance and water repellency, have made it one of the suitable choices for sauna construction.
read more: Avodire Wood
Cypress wood
The cypress tree, which is a coniferous type, has more softness than broad-leaved trees, and for this reason, it is considered a good choice for use in areas with high humidity. One of the most important characteristics of the cypress tree is that it emits a pleasant aroma against the heat of the environment, and that is why this wood is one of the preferred choices among other types of wood in the construction of a dry sauna. The resistance that has been observed from cypress wood introduces it as one of the good woods.
In fact, cypress wood has high strength and durability against various factors such as insects and fungi. Another important thing that makes cedar wood suitable for building saunas and facades, as well as for decoration, is that it can be processed very well. For this reason, carpentry operations can be performed with appropriate delicacy on this wood and achieve the desired result.
Any type of wood chosen for the sauna should be properly insulated. In fact, woods that are durable and strong and their use is economical are known as a favorable option for use in the sauna structure. Woods with high resistance that are not easily deformed against various environmental factors are prioritized in the construction of structures such as saunas.
The cheapest wood for sauna walls
The cost of sauna wood can vary depending on several factors, including wood type, availability, and location. Wooden sauna options at a relatively affordable price are listed below:
- Cedarwood
- Spruce
- Pine
- Hemlock
When you want to choose the best wood for sauna walls, you consider several factors, including durability, moisture resistance, heat tolerance, and price. In this section of the article, some of the wood options that are commonly used for sauna walls are given:
- Cedar: Cedar boards for the sauna are considered the best choice for the sauna wall. It is resistant to moisture, decay, and insect infestation.
- Spruce: Spruce is another popular wood for building sauna walls. Good durability, stability, and resistance to warping and cracking are among its features.
- Hemlock: Hemlock is a suitable, durable, and attractive choice for sauna walls. It has dimensional stability and good resistance to decay.
- Basswood: Basswood is light-colored wood with good insulating properties and high stability.
It is often not recommended to use pallets to build a sauna. There are a few things to consider in this section:
Pallets are usually not suitable for sauna construction. These types of wood are often made from low-grade wood that may contain chemicals or other contaminants. When saunas are exposed to high temperatures and humidity, these substances are released into the air and cause health risks and problems for people.
The pallets are not very resistant to the heat and humidity in the sauna and may crack. The gaps between the strips and the wood are relatively thin and therefore are not suitable thermal insulation for the sauna.
If you are planning to build a sauna, it is better to consult a professional or experienced sauna builder.
Suitable wood for sauna benches
Making wooden sauna benches requires planning and safety. Choose a suitable sauna wood that is resistant to heat and humidity. Cedar, spruce, or hemlock are commonly used for sauna benches because of their durability and resistance to rot. Make sure the wood is untreated and free of any chemicals or coatings.
barrel sauna
Barrel sauna is a popular style of sauna. Here are some common types of wood barrel saunas:
- Western red cedar is considered one of the best choices for barrel sauna wood. This type of wood is very durable and highly resistant to decay and insects.
- Siberian larch is one of the suitable wood options for building a barrel sauna. Siberian larch has a stunning golden color and creates a unique aesthetic appeal for the sauna.
When choosing barrel sauna wood, make sure the wood is designed and prepared for use in a sauna. It should be kiln-dried, free of chemicals or treatments, and sourced from reputable suppliers such as Finland Wood.
Finland Wood is the largest supplier of sauna wood
Finding a reliable supplier of sauna wood is very difficult and time-consuming. So you need to do some research on this. Here are a few approaches to finding sauna wood suppliers:
- Find local wood stores
- Search for “dry sauna” in online markets
- Check the opinions of other people in the online form when contacting suppliers, be sure to ask about the specific wood species they offer, their grading standards, sourcing practices, and any treatments or finishes applied to the wood.
How to Build a Sauna Cheap
The heart of any sauna is made of wood. Sauna wood must withstand high humidity and temperature fluctuations. Only Canadian cedar and Nordic pine can endure these stresses in the long term. In this guide, you will learn what to consider when building a sauna.
If you want to build a sauna yourself, you should think in advance about the space, size, electrical system, and fresh air supply. First of all, you need a suitable room for your sauna, large enough for the sauna and a large shower, and capable of being well-ventilated.
The floor should be smooth and waterproof – tiles, for example, are suitable here. Ideally, you can place the sauna on an exterior wall where water and power connections are close by. Furthermore, the chosen room should have access to cold water and a peaceful atmosphere.
Use wood that is free of knots and resins, which is comfortable for use in saunas. The appropriate size of the sauna depends on how many people will use it simultaneously and how much space is available in your room. To avoid unnecessarily increasing heating costs, plan approximately 1 square meter to 1.5 square meters per person.
Note: For safety reasons, your sauna should have a 10 cm gap from the walls and ceiling.
To remove used air from the sauna, having an exhaust pipe on the window is logical so that fresh air can flow into it without creating air drafts. This ensures that the room is protected from the moisture that forms the mold.
Depending on the size, you will need a high-voltage connection for the heater.
Note: Electrical connection should only be done by a specialist company that knows the necessary safety distances between electrical connections and water and can professionally install the sauna.
Construction Plan for Your Sauna
To build your own sauna, you can use a kit containing pre-fabricated components, then assemble them in the location in the room you have chosen following the assembly instructions. However, with a kit, you are limited in your options, and you cannot design your sauna separately.
If you want to build your sauna, you need a construction plan before starting the implementation. When constructing a sauna, consider the room’s requirements and maintain the necessary distances from the walls and ceiling. By considering these criteria, you can determine and record the size and shape of your sauna.
Suitable Materials for Sauna Construction
To build a sauna, you need wood that can withstand high temperatures and humidity, such as Canadian cedar or Nordic pine. Some other suitable woods for saunas have also been mentioned above. For the sauna’s interior, you need a specific type of wood that can tolerate the high heat inside the sauna session as well as the room’s humidity. Canadian cedar, Nordic pine, hemlock, or cedarwood are suitable for this purpose.
The sauna door can be entirely made of wood, with a glass insert, or it can be completely glass. For a wooden door, choose the type of wood used for the cabin to create a consistent appearance. On the other hand, a glass sauna door enhances the visual appeal and provides a more open feel. A glass door also offers more light and is very easy to maintain.
Note: It’s better to purchase a door kit to ensure that the materials won’t warp over time. This means the door always stays closed.
For the benches inside the sauna, you can use pre-fabricated bench modules or build your own benches from profiled wood or bench boards. These are attached to the walls. If you plan to have a larger sauna, you can attach the benches at different heights incrementally along the walls.
Insulation for Sauna
Using insulation ensures that the temperature in the sauna does not drop while you’re inside, and no cold air from the outside penetrates the sauna. Additionally, with less heat-up time before entering the sauna, you need less time and save on energy consumption.
In an indoor sauna, insulation ensures that no heat escapes into the surrounding room and therefore affects the room temperature. For example, in an outdoor sauna located in the garden, insulation is crucial as there is no protective building shell around it. Without proper insulation, the sauna’s heat dissipates more quickly and becomes less efficient.
The following materials are suitable for sauna insulation:
1. Cotton wool
2. Hemp
3. Mineral wool
4. Plastic
FAQ
What kind of wood is used for sauna benches?
Cedar is the most popular choice for dry sauna seating. Laminated plywood is another option for making sauna chairs.
Can you use treated wood to build a sauna?
To make it long lasting, the materials used in the manufacturing of saunas and wooden hot tubs must have high moisture resistance and be less prone to decay. That is why the best option is heat-treated wood.
Do you need to seal sauna wood?
Use some kind of sealant to preserve the sauna wood. There is a type of dry sauna waterproofing sealant that you can purchase. If you use cedar wood, it does not need sealant, because this wood has a protective oil.
What is the cheapest wood for sauna?
Spruce and pine wood is the cheapest wood for building a dry sauna. Finnish white pine is a great and affordable option for sauna benches.
Can bamboo be used in sauna?
Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on earth, and is a renewable resource that is an eco-friendly alternative to hardwoods. Taken care of properly, this light yet strong material will serve your sauna needs for years to come
What are the inner walls of the sauna made of?
The ceiling, walls and floor of the sauna are made of wood. Of course, it is important that the wood is resistant to moisture.
Sauna wood suppliers
You can get the product catalog from us and order the desired wood according to your needs and taste. Finland Wood is one of the world’s leading suppliers of sauna wood. An important feature of our company is the export of wood all over the world. We introduce you the best and cheapest sauna wood.
| Pine | $2 – $5 |
| Cedar | $3 – $7 |
| Spruce | $5 – $9 |
| Hemlock | $5 – $10 |
