Science & Research

Cedar & Hemlock Sauna Material Comparison: Pros, Cons & Analysis

By Mustafa Alomari August 30, 2025 5 min read

Important Points

The Importance of Choosing the Right Wood for Your Sauna

image.png

When you’re deciding between cedar and hemlock for your sauna, it’s not just about how it looks. The type of wood you choose will affect your sauna experience for many years. The wood you choose affects everything from how quickly your sauna heats up to how it feels when you’re relaxing in it. It also affects how long your investment will last and how much maintenance you’ll need to do over time.

Aside from the practical aspects, the type of wood you choose sets the tone for your entire sauna. Each wood type has its own personality, scent, and texture that it brings to the space. This is an especially important decision when you take into account that you’ll be experiencing this wood in an environment of high heat and high moisture, which will intensify these characteristics.

How Wood Type Affects Heat Retention and Energy Efficiency

The type of wood you choose for your sauna can make a big difference in terms of both your comfort and your energy bills. Cedar and hemlock, for example, have different natural insulation properties that can affect how quickly your sauna gets warm and how well it stays that way. Cedar has natural air-filled pockets in its cellular structure that make it a great insulator, so it can help keep your sauna warm for longer. Hemlock is also a good insulator, but it might need a bit more energy to keep your sauna at the right temperature if you’re planning on a long session.

The most noticeable difference between the two is how quickly the sauna cools down after the heater is turned off. Cedar saunas usually keep their heat 15-20% longer than hemlock saunas, which can make a big difference if you like to have long sauna sessions. If you’re worried about energy consumption, this could mean lower operating costs in the long run.

Longevity in Wet Conditions

Saunas are one of the harshest environments for wood to survive in. The regular switch between intense dry heat and high humidity places a lot of pressure on the wood fibers. Cedar has natural oils and resins that make it extremely resistant to moisture, decay, and insect damage. These natural preservatives mean cedar can survive for many years in sauna conditions with little degradation.

Though hemlock is still a durable material, it doesn’t have the same level of natural protection as cedar. It contains fewer protective oils and may be more susceptible to warping or developing mold in extremely humid conditions if not properly maintained. However, with proper care and in controlled indoor environments, hemlock saunas can still provide many years of reliable service.

Comparing Wood Properties
Cedar: This wood is rich in natural oils, resists moisture very well, and naturally keeps insects away.
Hemlock: This wood has less natural oil, but still resists moisture well if properly maintained. However, it may need treatment to resist insects.

How Your Choice of Wood Can Impact Your Sauna Experience

The type of wood you choose for your sauna can have a significant impact on your overall experience. Cedar is known for its unique, appealing scent, which many people find calming and therapeutic. The natural oils in cedar that produce this smell also create a somewhat softer surface that is gentle on the skin. Many sauna lovers say that the smell of cedar enhances their relaxation and makes their sauna experience feel more authentic. For more insights into enhancing your sauna experience, explore the stories of healing and recovery associated with dynamic radiant saunas.

Hemlock is ideal for those who want a less intense smell in their sauna. The scent is milder and not as noticeable. This is perfect for those who are sensitive to strong smells or for those who simply want to enjoy the heat of the sauna without the smell. Hemlock is also a bit harder and smoother than cedar. Some people prefer this because it feels cleaner and looks neater.

Aside from their smell and feel, the visual appeal of each wood type creates a unique aesthetic. Cedar tends to have a richer, more varied color with unique grain patterns, while hemlock offers a lighter, more uniform appearance that some find more modern and neat.

Cedar: The Top Choice for Sauna Wood

Cedar is widely regarded as the best choice for sauna construction, and it’s easy to see why. Its inherent characteristics make it highly resistant to the harsh conditions inside a sauna, and it also enhances the user experience. Western Red Cedar is the most popular choice among sauna lovers and experts, thanks to its unique blend of practical advantages and sensory properties that create the perfect sauna atmosphere.

Why Cedar’s Natural Oils Make It Perfect for Saunas

Cedar wood is a popular choice for saunas because it contains a high amount of natural oils and resins. These oils not only give cedar its unique smell, but they also protect the wood from damage. The oils create a protective layer that stops moisture from getting into the wood and causing rot or mold. This makes cedar perfect for saunas, where the wood is constantly exposed to cycles of wet and dry heat that could quickly destroy other types of wood.

The natural oils found in cedar contain thujaplicins and other substances that actively fight against fungal growth and keep insects away. As a result, cedar saunas are much less likely to grow mold or attract wood-boring pests over time, even if they are installed outdoors. For those who own saunas, this means that they will have to do less maintenance and that their investment will last longer.

Unique Smell and Healing Properties

The smell of cedar is a big part of the sauna experience for many people. When it gets hot, cedar gives off a nice smell that many people find soothing and healing. This natural form of aromatherapy goes well with the physical benefits of using a sauna, possibly making it easier to relax and reduce stress.

Not only does cedar smell great, but it also has been linked to health benefits. The oils released by cedar can help clear your sinuses and may help people with mild respiratory problems. However, it’s important to note that while most people enjoy the smell of cedar, some people may be sensitive to it, especially in the hot, enclosed space of a sauna.

Outstanding Heat Retention

The unique cellular structure of cedar wood provides natural insulation, making it ideal for maintaining sauna temperatures. Its low density and the high percentage of air spaces within the wood mean it doesn’t absorb heat from the sauna room as quickly as denser woods. This results in a sauna that heats up quickly and stays warm with less energy.

One of the benefits of cedar’s insulating properties is that sauna benches and walls made from it feel warm, not hot, to the touch. This increases the comfort level during sauna use. It also helps to create the perfect sauna environment where the air is hot, but the surfaces you come into contact with are not. To explore more about sauna benefits, you might find the stories of healing and recovery with saunas insightful.

Long-lasting Lifespan in Sauna Conditions

With the right care, a cedar sauna can serve you for many years, often 20-30 years or even longer. This impressive durability is due to cedar’s natural ability to withstand the harsh conditions inside a sauna. The wood’s dimensional stability means it doesn’t easily warp, crack, or shrink with changes in temperature, helping it maintain its structure and looks for a long time. For stories of healing and recovery in saunas, explore more experiences.

Cedar ages well, turning a distinguished silver-gray color if it’s left untreated. This natural aging process doesn’t affect the wood’s functionality and many sauna owners find it visually appealing. For those who prefer to keep cedar’s original color, they can occasionally apply specialized sauna-safe oils to preserve its rich colors.

More Expensive Options

Cedar, while having superior qualities, comes with a higher price tag that can be 30-50% more expensive than hemlock alternatives. This higher initial cost is due to both the higher demand for cedar and the fact that it grows slower than hemlock. Western Red Cedar, the most sought-after type for saunas, is especially pricey because of its perfect combination of properties.

Even though the initial cost is more, many people who build and own saunas think that cedar is worth the investment because it lasts longer, requires less upkeep, and provides a better user experience. When you consider the total cost of owning something over many years, cedar may actually be the cheaper option when you consider these long-term benefits and the initial cost of buying it.

Hemlock: The Economical Choice

Sturdiness and Architectural Integrity

Hemlock is renowned for its remarkable structural attributes that render it a superior construction material for saunas. With a Janka hardness rating of 500 (in contrast to Western Red Cedar’s 350), hemlock offers enhanced resistance to dents and scratches—a functional benefit in bustling commercial saunas or family environments. This hardness equates to benches and walls that endure daily use more effectively without revealing wear as rapidly as softer woods may.

Limited Scent

Unlike cedar’s strong smell, hemlock remains relatively neutral even when heated to sauna temperatures. This quality makes hemlock the preferred choice for individuals with sensitivities to strong smells or those who experience respiratory irritation from cedar’s natural oils. The limited scent profile creates a “blank canvas” sensory experience where users can focus entirely on the heat and steam without aromatic distractions.

Because of its neutral quality, hemlock is a great option for those who like to add their own aromatherapy elements. You can add essential oils to the water for the sauna stones without competing with the natural scent of the wood. This allows you to customize your experience and change it up each time you use the sauna. If you like to experiment with eucalyptus, lavender, or other therapeutic scents, hemlock is the perfect backdrop because it doesn’t interfere with these aromas.

Since hemlock doesn’t have much in the way of potent aromatic oils, there’s practically zero risk of the wood’s compounds causing stains on towels or bathing suits. This is a small but handy benefit over woods that are more resinous. This characteristic makes hemlock an especially good fit for commercial environments where fabric staining could turn into a big problem over time.

If you’re someone who wants a sauna experience that is purely about the heat therapy, and not so much about aromatherapy, then hemlock’s neutral profile lets you focus on just the temperature and humidity. It doesn’t add any other sensory elements to the mix. This kind of no-frills approach is something that appeals to purists who want their sauna experience to be all about the heat, not the scent. For those interested in exploring different sauna types, you might find dynamic radiant saunas offer a unique approach to healing and recovery.

Ability to Retain Heat

Although hemlock doesn’t quite equal cedar’s ability to insulate, it still performs well when it comes to retaining heat. Its medium-dense structure provides enough thermal mass to keep temperatures steady throughout the duration of a sauna session. Most people would find it difficult to notice a difference in heat retention during a typical 15-30 minute sauna session, but the differences become more noticeable during long sessions or when the sauna is installed outdoors and exposed to cold temperatures.

When it comes to heating up quickly, hemlock is the star of the show. This wood has a slightly higher density than cedar, which allows it to absorb and radiate heat in a more efficient manner. This could potentially reduce the initial warm-up times of saunas by 5-10 minutes, when compared to cedar saunas of a similar size. This is particularly beneficial for home saunas, which are not kept heated continuously and are instead heated up as and when required.

Upkeep Needs in Damp Conditions

Hemlock demands more frequent upkeep than cedar to guarantee its durability in the harsh sauna setting. Because it lacks the natural protective oils found in cedar, hemlock is more prone to water damage over time if not adequately maintained. Hemlock sauna owners, especially those with outdoor setups or in areas with high humidity, should regularly check for early indications of moisture problems and quickly address any issues that arise. For more information on choosing the right wood, you can explore key differences between hemlock and cedar.

Maintaining a hemlock sauna is fairly simple and doesn’t take up too much time. If you make sure to thoroughly dry it after each use, clean it every now and then with mild cleaners that are safe for saunas, and occasionally treat the wood with products that are safe for saunas, you can greatly increase the lifespan of hemlock. Many people who own hemlock saunas say that it lasts a long time—over 15 years—if you consistently follow these basic maintenance practices.

Head-to-Head: Cedar and Hemlock Sauna Material Performance

image.png

In a head-to-head comparison of cedar and hemlock as sauna materials, a few performance factors are clear. Cedar has the advantage in durability and natural resistance to moisture, typically outlasting hemlock by 5-10 years in the same conditions. The natural oils in cedar give it a built-in protection that hemlock can’t replicate without extra treatments. This distinction is especially clear in outdoor saunas or bathhouses, where the challenge of moisture is at its highest.

When it comes to heat performance, it’s not as straightforward. Cedar has better insulation and retains heat for longer, so your sauna stays warm for a while even after you’ve turned off the heater. Hemlock, on the other hand, can heat up faster in the beginning because of its unique density properties. If you only use your sauna occasionally and for short periods, this faster heat-up time could be a benefit, but if you use your sauna more often or for longer periods, you’ll appreciate the sustained heat retention of cedar.

Warming Up and Keeping the Heat

When put to the test, hemlock saunas usually heat up to the desired temperature 8-12 minutes quicker than cedar saunas that are the same size, which is a notable difference for people who decide to use their sauna on a whim. However, when the heater is turned off, cedar saunas are able to keep a good temperature for about 18-25 minutes longer than hemlock saunas. This ability to hold the heat is especially useful for those who enjoy traditional Finnish-style saunas where you go through multiple cycles of heating up and cooling down.

There’s also a slight difference in the heat experience between the two woods. Cedar’s insulation properties create a softer, more enveloping heat that many users describe as “deeper” and more comfortable. Hemlock tends to create a slightly more intense, immediate heat sensation. These distinctions are subjective but consistently reported by experienced sauna users who have experienced both wood types.

Resistance to Moisture and Risk of Warping

Thanks to its natural thujaplicin content, cedar is highly resistant to moisture damage, making it less likely to warp, crack, or grow mold, even after many years of use. This natural protection is especially useful in steam saunas or in settings with inadequate ventilation. Hemlock does not contain these natural compounds, so it is more susceptible to moisture-related issues if it is not properly maintained and ventilated.

What this means is that you don’t have to worry as much about moisture with cedar. Both types of wood do better when they’re well-ventilated and dried out from time to time, but it’s even more important with hemlock. If you don’t stay on top of it, hemlock can start to warp in just 2-3 years. On the other hand, cedar that’s been well taken care of can stay in good shape for many, many years.

How Long Will It Last?

With regular maintenance, cedar sauna installations can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years before needing a major overhaul. In fact, many cedar installations have been known to last even longer. Hemlock installations, on the other hand, usually last between 12 and 20 years before major parts need to be replaced. The difference in lifespan between the two materials becomes less noticeable in indoor installations that are well-maintained, but it becomes much more noticeable in outdoor installations or commercial settings.

Another key difference is how each wood ages. Cedar ages well, often developing a beautiful silver-gray patina that many people find appealing. Hemlock, on the other hand, tends to show signs of wear more readily. This can include discoloration, minor checking (small cracks), and a rougher surface. These factors may be important to consider if you plan on keeping your sauna for a long time.

Upfront Cost vs Long-Term Investment

There’s a noticeable price difference between cedar and hemlock, with cedar generally costing 30-50% more depending on its grade and where it’s sourced. For a typical 4×6 foot home sauna, this could mean a difference of $1,200-2,500 in just the cost of materials. This considerable upfront saving makes hemlock a great choice for those looking to save money or first-time sauna builders who aren’t sure how much they’ll use their sauna.

But when you consider the long-term value, the math gets a bit trickier. Cedar’s longer life, lower maintenance, and better energy efficiency can make up for much of the initial price difference over a 15+ year ownership period. For those who know they’ll use their sauna regularly for many years, cedar often represents better lifetime value despite the higher initial investment.

How They Age

Both woods will change in appearance over time, but each in its own way. Cedar will slowly change from a warm reddish-brown color to a classy silver-gray patina, a process that many sauna lovers enjoy as it adds character. This aging happens more evenly and attractively in cedar, and it seldom needs any intervention for aesthetic purposes. Hemlock tends to turn a bit yellow as it ages and may develop more noticeable discoloration patterns, especially on surfaces that are regularly exposed to moisture.

If you’re worried about the material’s color fading over time, cedar might be the better option for you. Cedar is easier to maintain and keep its original color with just a few applications of sauna-safe oil. Hemlock, on the other hand, needs more frequent treatment and may still change color noticeably over time. If you’re someone who values aesthetic consistency in the long run, you might want to consider this when making your decision. For more on how saunas can enhance your experience, check out these dynamic radiant saunas stories of healing and recovery.

Optimal Use Cases for Each Wood

When to Spend More on Cedar

There are a few situations where cedar is worth the extra cost. Outdoor saunas are one of them. Cedar is naturally weather resistant and durable, making it an excellent choice for saunas exposed to the elements. This can save you thousands in repairs and extend the life of your sauna by several years. Cedar is also a good choice for commercial saunas, as it is more durable and requires less maintenance. For those interested in learning more about sauna benefits, consider exploring dynamic radiant saunas stories of healing and recovery.

If you are a sauna enthusiast who loves the traditional aromatic experience, cedar is the undisputed choice. Many purists consider the signature scent to be an essential part of authentic sauna bathing. If you plan to use your sauna very frequently (3+ times weekly) or for extended sessions, you will also appreciate the superior heat characteristics and comfort of cedar. Finally, if you are health-focused, you may choose cedar for its natural antimicrobial properties and potential respiratory benefits.

When Hemlock is the Best Choice

There are many situations where hemlock is the perfect choice. If you’re on a budget, hemlock is a lot cheaper, but it still works great in saunas. A lot of people who are getting their first sauna choose hemlock because it’s a good way to keep costs down while they figure out if they like having a sauna. Hemlock is also a good choice if you’re not going to use your sauna very often. It’s a great wood for beginners.

If you have a cedar allergy or breathing problems, you may prefer the neutral smell of hemlock. Hemlock doesn’t have strong aromatic compounds, so it’s a good choice if cedar’s natural oils bother you. Hemlock also looks great in modern designs because it’s lighter and more uniform. It’s a little harder, so it doesn’t dent or scratch as easily. This could be helpful if you have kids. For more on how saunas can aid in healing and recovery, check out these dynamic sauna stories.

How Installation and Maintenance Differ

When it comes to the practicalities of cedar and hemlock, the installation process and ongoing maintenance requirements are key. These aspects can greatly affect your initial build and ongoing ownership experiences. Knowing these differences will make sure you’re ready for what it really means to build and maintain your chosen wood type. For insights on recovery and healing stories related to sauna use, check out dynamic radiant saunas stories.

What to Expect When Working With Cedar

Cedar is a soft wood, which makes it very easy to cut, shape, and fasten when you’re building. It takes screws and nails well without splitting, even near the edges of the board where many woods are likely to crack. This makes cedar a very forgiving wood for DIY installations. You don’t need a lot of special equipment or experience to get a professional-looking result. The wood is also light, which makes it easier to handle during construction and reduces the physical strain of building. If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of cedar in sauna construction, this article provides some insightful information.

One of the things you need to be careful with when using cedar is its natural oil content. This can sometimes mess with certain adhesives or finishes. So, you’ll want to make sure you’re using products that are specifically rated for cedar compatibility. You’ll get the best results that way. The wood’s softness, which is a good thing when you’re installing it, also means you have to be extra careful not to dent or mar surfaces while you’re building. But even with these small things to consider, most builders find cedar a joy to work with compared to denser alternatives.

How to Work With Hemlock: A Guide

Because hemlock is denser and harder, it needs stronger cutting tools and a bit more work during installation. It’s especially important to use power tools with sharp, high-quality blades when working with hemlock to get clean cuts and avoid splintering. You often need to pre-drill when fastening near the edges of boards to keep them from splitting, which is a step you can often skip with cedar. These extra steps make installing hemlock a bit more time-consuming and technically challenging, especially for DIY projects.

When it comes to the finishing stages of installation, hemlock’s density really shines. Its harder surface is less susceptible to accidental damage during construction, which means it’s more forgiving of minor bumps or tool slips that could leave permanent marks in softer cedar. The wood’s tight grain structure also results in a smoother finished surface with less effort, potentially cutting down on the time needed for final sanding before the sauna is commissioned.

It’s especially crucial to acclimate hemlock properly. The wood should be kept in or near the place where it will be installed for a minimum of 72 hours before construction starts to reduce movement after it’s installed. Cedar doesn’t require as much acclimation because it’s dimensionally stable, but it’s still a good idea for the best results in any wood sauna project. For more insights on sauna benefits, explore the healing and recovery stories associated with dynamic radiant saunas.

Suggested Care and Finishing

Both types of wood work best in saunas when they are mostly untreated, letting their natural characteristics do what they are supposed to. However, certain care methods can improve performance and lifespan. Cedar usually needs little treatment beyond cleaning now and then with mild cleaners that are safe for saunas. Some people put special sauna oil on cedar every year to keep its deep color, but this is more for looks than function—the natural oils in the wood give it enough protection.

Since hemlock has a lower natural oil content, it requires more diligent treatment. Applying a high-quality, sauna-specific wood treatment every 12-18 months can help guard against moisture damage and increase durability. These treatments should always be specifically designed for high-heat sauna environments. Standard wood sealers or treatments can emit harmful compounds when heated, so they should never be used. It’s especially important to properly ventilate hemlock saunas after each use to avoid moisture build-up, which could cause the wood to deteriorate prematurely.

Expert Recommendations for Your Home Sauna

Seasoned sauna builders often suggest different types of wood based on the individual situation rather than stating one type of wood is the best. For those who are planning to use their sauna regularly for many years, professionals usually recommend cedar even though it is more expensive. They argue that cedar lasts longer and requires less maintenance, making it worth the extra cost. The traditional smell and better sensory experience also make cedar the preferred choice for those who want a genuine sauna experience.

People who are not heavy users, have a vacation home, or are on a budget, may find that hemlock is the best choice for them. This is because it offers the best value for the money. Hemlock has great structural properties and good heat properties. It provides a high-quality sauna experience at a significantly lower price. If properly maintained, hemlock can last for many years. This makes it a logical choice for people who are on a budget and do not need the premium benefits of cedar.

Specialists at Heavenly Heat Saunas advise that you take into account your own health needs, how often you plan to use the sauna, and the conditions of the environment where you’ll be using it. They’ve worked with both types of wood extensively and have found that, more often than not, individual factors are more important than general guidelines when it comes to deciding which material will be the most satisfying in the long run.

Common Queries

If you’re having trouble deciding between cedar and hemlock for your sauna, there are a few questions you can ask that might help you make up your mind. These questions cover the practical issues that most people who are thinking about buying a sauna have when they’re considering their options. Knowing the subtle differences between the two can help you make a better decision based on your own unique needs and situation.

The information provided below combines the scientific knowledge of these woods’ characteristics and the practical experience gained from thousands of sauna installations. Although individual experiences may differ slightly, these answers reflect the majority opinion of sauna construction professionals and experienced users who have worked extensively with both materials.

There could be other factors to consider depending on your particular circumstances. To get advice that is specific to your needs, you should speak with a sauna builder who has a lot of experience working with both types of wood. They will be able to give you advice that is based on your specific needs and tastes.

Which is better for people with breathing problems, cedar or hemlock?

If you have problems with your respiratory system, hemlock is usually the better choice. When cedar is heated, it releases aromatic compounds that give it its nice smell, but these compounds can irritate the airways of some people. Hemlock has very little aroma, so it is much less likely to cause a reaction in the respiratory system. If you have asthma, chronic bronchitis, or are sensitive to strong smells, hemlock provides a more neutral environment that reduces the risk of irritation during sauna sessions.

How much more does cedar cost than hemlock?

On average, cedar is 30-50% more expensive than hemlock for sauna construction, but this can vary based on location and market conditions. For a standard 4×6 foot home sauna, you can expect to pay around $2,800-3,500 for cedar materials compared to $1,600-2,300 for hemlock (not including heater and accessories). This price difference is a big reason why hemlock is so popular, even though cedar has better natural properties. The price gap has grown in recent years because cedar has become harder to find while hemlock is still plentiful in many areas.

Does the smell of cedar fade in a sauna over time?

While the unique smell of cedar does lessen over time, it never fully goes away. The biggest drop in scent happens in the first 6-12 months of regular use, and after that, it levels off to a more mild smell that you can still pick up when the sauna is heated. Many people actually prefer this, as they find the smell to be more well-rounded while still giving you that classic cedar sauna experience. If you want to make the smell stronger after using the sauna for a few years, you can lightly sand the bench surfaces or use a cedar oil that’s made specifically for saunas.

Is hemlock suitable for outdoor saunas?

While hemlock can be used for outdoor saunas, it requires more care than cedar to ensure its durability. A well-built roof overhang, adequate elevation from ground moisture, and a high-quality exterior-grade stain or sealant on outer surfaces are all critical for outdoor installations of hemlock. With these safeguards, hemlock can perform satisfactorily, but it will generally need more regular maintenance and will have a shorter lifespan than cedar under the same outdoor conditions. For harsh environments or installations with minimal protection, the extra cost of cedar becomes easier to justify for outdoor use.

Which type of wood is best for infrared saunas?

Both cedar and hemlock are good choices for infrared saunas, but hemlock has a few more benefits in this situation. Infrared saunas don’t get as hot as traditional saunas (usually 120-140°F compared to 160-190°F), so hemlock’s slightly worse heat retention isn’t as much of a problem. The lower temperature also means that cedar’s strong smell isn’t as noticeable, which is one of the main reasons people choose cedar. Hemlock is also cheaper, so it’s a better choice for infrared saunas where you don’t need the extra benefits of cedar.

Due to its lighter color, hemlock is also able to reflect infrared energy more efficiently than cedar, which has a darker surface. This reflectivity can improve the distribution of heat throughout the cabin, potentially reducing energy consumption and enhancing the overall sauna experience. However, this difference is so subtle that it may not be noticeable to the average user.

If you’re putting together a sauna that can handle both traditional and infrared heat, cedar is the more flexible option, even though it’s more expensive upfront. The fact that it works so well in a high-heat traditional sauna makes it worth the cost for these combination setups.

Do I need to treat either wood before using it in my sauna?

Neither wood requires pre-treatment before installation in indoor saunas, though specific preparation can optimize performance. Both cedar and hemlock should be kiln-dried to a moisture content of 12-14% before construction to minimize movement after installation. Beyond this basic preparation, cedar can be installed completely untreated and will perform excellently due to its natural protective properties. Hemlock benefits from an initial application of sauna-specific wood treatment to enhance its moisture resistance, though this can be applied after installation and before first use. Never use standard wood sealers, varnishes, or treatments not specifically formulated for high-heat sauna environments, as these can release potentially harmful compounds when heated. For more insights on sauna installations, explore dynamic radiant saunas stories and their benefits.

How do cedar and hemlock stack up against other sauna woods like aspen or pine?

In North American markets, cedar and hemlock generally outshine other popular sauna woods. Aspen boasts excellent heat resistance and a neutral profile similar to hemlock, but it doesn’t hold up as well to moisture or wear and tear as cedar or hemlock. Pine is sometimes used in budget installations, but it has several drawbacks: its high resin content can cause uncomfortable “weeping” when heated, it’s more susceptible to moisture damage, and it typically doesn’t last as long in sauna conditions. European woods like alder or spruce are adequate but don’t offer the ideal blend of characteristics found in cedar and hemlock, and they often cost more in North American markets because of import considerations.

Many traditional Finnish saunas are made from specially chosen Nordic spruce or alder wood. These materials are great, but they can be very expensive to import to North America. Cedar and hemlock are more affordable alternatives that are readily available in North America and offer similar or even better performance. For more insights on sauna materials and their benefits, you can explore dynamic radiant saunas and their healing properties.

In North America, when it comes to at-home sauna projects, the two most common choices are cedar and hemlock. While there are other options, they often don’t provide the same benefits as these two popular choices. Both cedar and hemlock are great choices for saunas, and they each have their own best uses. However, regardless of which one you choose, both will provide a fantastic sauna experience as long as they are installed and maintained correctly.

Regardless of whether you opt for the luxury of cedar or the utilitarian appeal of hemlock, your home sauna will offer you years of relaxation and health benefits. Heavenly Heat Saunas is here to assist you in selecting the perfect materials for your specific sauna needs and guide you in creating your dream heat therapy haven.

Chromotherapy Lighting Benefits in Therasage Portable Infrared Sauna →