When purchasing an outdoor sauna, the type of wood you choose plays a pivotal role in both its longevity and the quality of your experience. While many saunas on the market are built using more affordable, lower-grade timber options such as rustic grade cedar, pine, or spruce — certified A-grade red cedar stands out as the premium choice. It offers unmatched durability, aesthetic appeal, and performance that elevate the sauna experience to a higher standard. In this post, we’ll explore why certified A-grade red cedar is the ideal choice for your outdoor sauna over other woods like pine and spruce.
Natural Resistance to Moisture
- One of the most significant advantages of red cedar is its natural ability to resist moisture. Outdoor saunas are exposed to high humidity and temperature changes, making it essential to use wood that can withstand these conditions without warping, rotting, or becoming overly brittle.
- Red cedar contains natural oils that act as a built-in moisture repellent, preventing the wood from absorbing too much water. This is especially important for an outdoor sauna, where moisture exposure is constant. Pine and spruce, while relatively resistant, do not have the same level of natural protection. They are more likely to swell, warp, or crack when exposed to high moisture levels over time.
Superior Durability
- Red cedar is renowned for its long-lasting durability, especially in outdoor environments. The wood’s resistance to decay, insects, and fungi makes it a prime choice for structures that need to endure harsh conditions. This durability translates into a longer lifespan for your sauna, reducing the need for repairs or replacements.
- While pine and spruce are less durable in comparison, they are more prone to wear and tear from environmental factors such as moisture, sun exposure, and temperature fluctuations. This can lead to fading, cracking, and eventual deterioration.
Aromatherapy Benefits
- One of the most luxurious aspects of using red cedar in your sauna is the aromatic experience. Cedar has a distinct, pleasant scent that comes from its natural oils. The aroma is not only soothing but has therapeutic properties as well. Many sauna-goers find that the scent of cedar helps to relax the mind and body, enhancing the overall sauna experience.
- The aromatic oils in red cedar also act as a natural insect repellent, keeping bugs away from your sauna without the need for artificial chemicals. Pine and spruce, on the other hand, don’t have the same rich, calming scent and tend to have a more subtle or sometimes resinous odor that may not be as appealing.
Thermal Insulation Properties
- Red cedar is an excellent insulator, meaning it can help maintain the heat inside your sauna more effectively. This makes your sauna more energy-efficient, as it will retain warmth for longer periods with less energy required to maintain a consistent temperature. The air pockets within cedar wood contribute to its thermal resistance, allowing for a comfortable and warm environment without excessive heating.
- Pine and spruce, though they do offer some insulation, are not as effective as red cedar in maintaining consistent internal temperatures. This means you may need to use more energy to achieve the desired sauna heat or deal with fluctuating temperatures during use.
Aesthetic Appeal
- Visually, red cedar is a stunning wood with rich, warm tones that can range from golden to deep reddish-brown. This natural beauty adds to the overall aesthetic of your sauna, creating a tranquil, luxurious atmosphere. The fine grain pattern of red cedar also adds a touch of elegance that is unmatched by pine and spruce, which tend to have a more uniform and lighter appearance.
- Whether you’re looking for a rustic, natural look or a more refined, polished finish, red cedar provides versatility in design that is both functional and beautiful. Over time, cedar will age to a lovely silvery gray patina, enhancing its rustic charm, while pine and spruce may darken or yellow, sometimes detracting from the overall look.
Lower Maintenance Requirements
- Maintaining a sauna can be a lot of work, especially when you choose a wood that is prone to damage from moisture or heat. Red cedar, however, requires minimal maintenance compared to pine and spruce. Its natural oils and decay resistance reduce the need for frequent treatments or refinishing, making it a more hassle-free option in the long run.
- While pine and spruce are more likely to require regular sealing, staining, or treatment to keep them looking good and protected from the elements, red cedar can often be left alone to weather naturally. This low-maintenance aspect makes cedar a popular choice for homeowners looking to minimize upkeep.
Sustainability
- When it comes to choosing wood for outdoor structures, sustainability is an important factor to consider. Red cedar is often harvested responsibly, with many suppliers adhering to sustainable forestry practices. Cedar forests are typically well-managed to ensure the preservation of natural habitats and the regeneration of new trees.
- Pine and spruce are also harvested sustainably in many areas, but red cedar’s slower growth rate and its ability to regenerate quickly after harvest make it a more sustainable choice in the long run. Choosing responsibly sourced red cedar for your sauna ensures you're making an eco-friendly decision that benefits both the environment and your home.
When deciding on the right outdoor sauna for your home, the choice of timber is not one to be taken lightly. While pine and spruce can be used, red cedar offers a combination of durability, moisture resistance, aesthetic beauty, and natural aromatherapy benefits that other woods simply can’t match. Whether you’re looking for a sauna that can endure the elements, provide a relaxing atmosphere, or require minimal maintenance, red cedar is the clear winner. Our best-selling Cedar sauna, the Gladstone, sets the standard — it's a step above the rest in both quality and design.
Investing in premium red cedar timber for your sauna is an investment in quality, longevity, and the overall sauna experience. It's a decision that will pay off in comfort, beauty, and relaxation for years to come.
