Sauna Wood Types: Best Options for Performance, Durability & Style
Choosing the right wood for your sauna isn’t just about aesthetics—it directly affects heat performance, durability, and comfort. In this guide, we break down the most common types of sauna wood, their color, scent, longevity, and how each impacts your sauna experience.
Why Wood Choice Matters in a Sauna
The best sauna woods are softwoods that can withstand high heat, absorb moisture without warping, and remain cool to the touch. Whether you're building a traditional sauna or upgrading a modern setup, the right wood will influence not just durability—but also comfort and cost.
1. Western Red Cedar
- Color: Reddish-brown with warm undertones
- Benefits: Naturally antimicrobial, resists mold and mildew, aromatic scent
- Cost: $$$ (Premium)
- Most Common In: High-end indoor and outdoor saunas
*Tip: Red cedar is ideal for users sensitive to mold or seeking a more luxurious look and scent.*
2. Nordic Spruce
- Color: Pale white to light yellow
- Benefits: Affordable, traditional in Finnish saunas, minimal scent
- Cost: $$
- Most Common In: Scandinavian-style barrel and indoor saunas
*Used in many traditional Finnish saunas—great for authenticity and simplicity.*
3. Hemlock
- Color: Pale blond or light brown
- Benefits: Low-resin, hypoallergenic, budget-friendly
- Cost: $–$$
- Most Common In: Infrared saunas and entry-level indoor models
*Ideal for users with sensitivities or those starting with a home infrared sauna.*
4. Aspen
- Color: Very light, almost white
- Benefits: Non-toxic, splinter-free, stays cool to the touch
- Cost: $$
- Most Common In: Saunas where heat comfort and aesthetics matter
*A go-to for clean, minimal aesthetics and maximum comfort.*
5. Basswood
- Color: Creamy pale yellow
- Benefits: Hypoallergenic, durable, ideal for medical or therapeutic saunas
- Cost: $$–$$$
- Most Common In: Infrared and clinical-use saunas
*Low in odor and resin—perfect for those with respiratory sensitivities.*
6. Thermo-Treated Wood
- Color: Rich caramel brown
- Benefits: Heat-treated for extra durability, water-resistant, modern look
- Cost: $$$
- Most Common In: Outdoor saunas and designer models
*Stands up to the elements—great for long-term outdoor sauna use.*
Sauna Wood Comparison Table
| Wood Type | Color | Key Benefits | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Red Cedar | Reddish-brown | Aromatic, mold-resistant | $$$ |
| Nordic Spruce | Pale yellow | Traditional, affordable | $$ |
| Hemlock | Light brown | Hypoallergenic, low-cost | $–$$ |
| Aspen | Bright white | Cool touch, smooth | $$ |
| Basswood | Creamy yellow | Low resin, non-toxic | $$–$$$ |
| Thermo-Treated Wood | Caramel brown | Weatherproof, modern look | $$$ |
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Sauna Wood
Your choice of sauna wood affects more than just aesthetics—it shapes your comfort, air quality, maintenance needs, and long-term performance. Whether you’re shopping for a home infrared sauna, outdoor barrel model, or designing a custom spa, picking the right wood is key. And whatever you choose, keep your sauna investment protected with regular care. *Explore our plant-based sauna cleaner →*