Western Red Cedar (WRC) (Janka 350)
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- Pros
- Has been the standard wood in the USA for decades – for a traditional feel
- Cedar is light and soft, so it doesn’t get very hot to the touch
- Natural resins in the wood provide rot resistance
- Nice, strong aroma at first which softens over time
- Cons
- Due to changes in forestry, WRC can have great variability in color from dark brown to light tan
- This wood has to be handled carefully because it can dent and scratch very easily
- The natural wood oils are carried with water and create water staining very easily
- The natural aroma can cause a problem for certain people with sensitivities
- Pros
Aspen (Janka 380)
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- Pros
- Very light, even coloration can make an architecturally stunning look
- Looks great in a modern, open sauna with a lot of glass and artful lightin
- Cons
- The very light color can tend to pick up skin oils and discolor – we would recommend a bench mat to help keep the sauna clean
- Pros
Alder (Janka 650)
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- Pros
- This wood has a very consistent brown coloration, very similar to your “average” piece of WRC.
- Alder is harder than cedar, and less likely to dent / scratch, making it more durable
- Cons
- The slightly harder characteristic of the wood can make it a bit warmer to the touch
- Care has to be used while installing to avoid splitting
- Pros
Thermal-modification (Janka varies)
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- The thermal modification process can be used on aspen, pine, and other woods to give it some very unique qualities
- Thermal modification is a chemical-free process using heat and steam which makes the wood very dimensionally stable in changing environments and resistant to decay
Port Orford Cedar
Other Woods
Do you have another wood in mind, or do you have questions about a particular wood? Just ask! We have worked with other woods for special projects, and would be happy to at least explore whether a particular wood could be used in your saunas
