Wood in a bathroom, sauna, steam room, or steam shower is not something oftentimes chosen traditionally in North American design. We like to opt for more luxurious materials, without maintenance or risk.
In the past few years, things have changed. The presence of wood in sauna design is popular, sometimes making up as much as 90 percent of the material used. Wall, floor, ceilings, and accessories. Saunas normally with a wood theme have been depicted as rustic or country-themed however they go above an antique appearance and have crossed over into communicating a relaxing minimalism-inspired spa environment.
The wood aesthetic
Before we delve into how you can use wood in a sauna and why sauna owners choose wood, aesthetically speaking, wood can be equipped to resemble almost any atmosphere in design. What we mean is that it can be luxurious and high-class, or can be old-style classic, or can resemble something akin to being surrounded in a calming forest. Wood’s been given a very modern edge in the way it’s used today alongside other trends and design options.
Cover it all in wood
A sauna covered completely in wood is a popular choice – flooring, walls, and ceiling. More sparse use of wood certainly works however top to bottom, wood can be contemporary and exotic. Be selective however in the type of wood selected and the shade of wood. You may choose something uniform or a small collection of different varieties. Either way, wood can be flawlessly integrated with the rest of your sauna features safely and effectively.
A more subtle approach
An all-wood sauna can be a lot. Incorporating wood in small pieces come in a number of examples. A simple slab here and there can add to the pleasing aesthetic. Incorporating a wooden floor along with one or two accents can look trendy without being overbearing. A multitude of wooden accents can also work together to create a contemporary wood connection. Feel encouraged to have a little fun with your wood accents and the different available woods.
What type of wood should I choose?
The type of wood you choose for a sauna comes down to how durable a variety is, its heat resistance, any toxicity involved, the style and texture of course, and its longevity. If you don’t want your wood to up and quit on you within a few years or less, you’ve got to pick right. Some woods plain and simple aren’t built to last in a sauna. When looking for a sauna, determining a wood type is usually one of the first decisions you will want to make. It will decide so much.
Do you have allergies – try basswood!
Wood has a fragrance and some of us are fragrance-sensitive. For these people, basswood’s hypoallergenic emitting no fragrance or toxin. Consistent in color, it’s a durable hardwood not likely to bend or warp over time which as an admitted concern. Be it for a residential or commercial sauna, basswood’s an affordable wood type for both. There are a lot of upsides going for something hypoallergenic.
Why we choose cedar for durability
Cedar is the most popular sauna wood because it’s durable and has a natural resistance to moisture. Cedar’s used in traditional and infrared saunas, known for its avoidance of expansion or contracting like other woods that face the same temperatures. Of the possible cedars, Western Redwood Cedar is arguably the best. Cedar’s also a go-to for people wanting to an outdoor sauna model, such as those selecting barrel and cabin-esque designs. Ultimately, cedar’s very robust and is able to withstand almost any harshness with no degradation.
The advantages of choosing eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is another wood that’s gaining popularity in the sauna building community. Traditionally, eucalyptus is strong and durable. It’s been used as a material in crafting kitchen cabinetry for years. Eucalyptus is a premium wood however and can be expensive, though is cheaper than similar premium woods. Another advantage of this wood is that it’s easy to stain so you can take it and craft an aesthetic that matches it to similar woods you may have in or around the sauna.
Why hard woods are not recommended
Hard woods overheat in a sauna environment which is why we don’t recommend them. Being burned on the tush when you sit down in your sauna is not a pleasurable experience. Choose wood for comfort, a variety that can withstand high heat. Oak and teak, for example, can conduct heat. Choose soft woods like eucalyptus, cedar, or basswood in their place. Your sauna seats will never overheat.
Do not choose woods with excess sap
Woods in a sauna that come with a lot of sap also pose major health and safety risks. These woods emit dangerous fumes. When used in a hot sauna, as if poisoning the air wasn’t enough, there is also a chance a wood with excess sap may ignite. These type of woods should be avoided at all costs in a sauna – even if they’re considered more luxurious, affordable, or preferable.
Choose a sauna with some heat absorption
The risks of wood in a sauna is long-term damage that could come from heat absorption. Even if you do all the right things, you can still end up with a wood that absorbs so much heat that it overheats and then, slowly damage. After all, you don’t want the wood to warp or rot. The investment in a sauna is long-term. You also don’t want to buy wood that’s not flimsy. A sturdy, soft wood that doesn’t rot – that’s what to look for.
The difference between indoor and outdoor sauna wood
The choice of wood for an indoor sauna compared to an outdoor sauna is also something to weigh. An outdoor sauna has a lot more space for creativity in design but requires a suitable outdoor electrical connection which can present a challenge. Next to an outdoor, an indoor sauna is easier to install and benefits from the home being a barrier protecting it from weather. Evidently, the wood requirements for an outdoor sauna are a lot more limited than what’s achievable indoors due to the ability of a home’s protection.
You have options!
As mentioned, the great thing about using wood in a sauna is that 1) you can and 2) there’s no shortage of possibilities on the woods available or the wood aesthetic. Cedar’s a great choice known for its richness and elegance, poplar is a great choice for those sensitive to smells or chemicals, basswood and eucalyptus are amazingly popular sauna choices, and hemlock’s affordable and acceptable.
Wood’s a truly beautiful material to use in building a sauna. The aromas and aesthetic make an unforgettable sauna experience. Remember, what you choose should be designed to match your preferences as well as to maximize the longevity of your investment. Some woods are evidently better than others in the long run, although even with some of the better woods, sometimes things happen and maintenance may be required a decade down the line or potentially a couple decades later.
Are you interested in using wood in your sauna? The best advice we can recommend is explore options with a sauna expert. A sauna can last decades. It should! The wood you choose should have some strength to it, resistant to cracking, and which is able to handle the heat. For the average sauna’s life span, it will see literally thousands of heat and cooling cycles. A wood’s got to be able to withstand all that and survive. Thankfully, most can.
Wood continues to be a go-to material for infrared saunas, traditional Finnish-style saunas, and steam rooms. Are you looking to buy a sauna? Purchase yours and customize it top to bottom Steam Sauna-style. Contact a representative today for more information.