Infrared Sauna Wood: Which Is Best?

Infrared Sauna Wood: Which Is Best?

Wood is the second most important factor to consider when choosing an infrared sauna, after heaters. Not only do wood appearances differ, but each has different properties that make it a better or worse choice for in-home saunas.

When looking at sauna woods, important factors to consider include:

Durability
Water resistance
Bacterial resistance
Toxicity/allergens
Odor
Heat Conduction
Sustainability/Eco-Friendly

Western Red Cedar
Cedar has long been the standard for infrared sauna wood. Not only does it have a pleasant scent and attractive red color, but it is naturally mold and insect resistant.

It is a low-density softwood, meaning that while it insulates heat it also doesn’t absorb too much of the heat or become overly hot to the touch. That can be an issue for higher-density hardwoods.

However, that low density comes with a price: Cedar is actually easy to dent and scratch. While cedar saunas typically last a long time, they can get dinged fairly easily. Protecting your sauna is key, especially if it’s kept outside or used in a gym.

Cedar is also a known allergen, so the smell of cedar can be irritating to those with certain sensitivities.

Additionally, Western Red Cedar is difficult to grow and harvest sustainably and safely, which gives it a much higher price tag than other woods. Recently, it’s become less available and difficult to procure.

Hemlock
Hemlock is similar to cedar in that it has a distinct scent and is a softwood. It’s also one of the cheapest sauna woods available, far less expensive than cedar. And again, softwoods are more comfortable to the touch since the surface doesn’t get as hot as hardwoods.

Hemlock also produces a pleasant odor. While it isn’t hypoallergenic, many people find the woody scent enjoyable during their sauna experience.

However, hemlock deteriorates very easily. It should not be used outdoors, and like cedar, it’s susceptible to dents and scratches but has none of the rot resistance.

Besides the wood, it’s also important to consider heating, warranty, value, and size when considering a sauna. Get in touch with our sauna specialists to learn more.