Why Is Cedar The Most Popular Wood for Outdoor Saunas?

The kind of wood used in the outdoor sauna kit is very important if you want to buy a sauna room because it will affect how long it lasts and works. When you buy one, you might notice that the majority of outdoor sauna rooms are made of cedar wood.There are reasons for this preference. Cedar always occupies an essential core position among the building materials for outdoor sauna rooms.This coniferous tree species widely distributed in North America, Europe, and temperate regions of Asia has become the preferred material for sauna enthusiasts and builders worldwide due to its inherent characteristics and acquired advantages. Cedar wood is an excellent choice in terms of durability, lifespan, and aesthetics, making it the ideal choice for sauna rooms.

The following provides a detailed explanation as to why cedar wood is the preferred material for outdoor saunas.

Natural weather resistance and moisture resistance

One reason cedar wood is ideal for outdoor saunas is due to its natural waterproof property. Sauna wood must withstand mold erosion, insect damage, and water penetration due to constant exposure to high temperatures and humidity levels. Most woods absorb moisture through their pores, which increases chances of mold or even rot formation when wet; cedar wood, however, contains natural oils which protect it against water absorption thus helping it stand up better against extreme conditions such as snowstorms in winter and rain in spring without succumbing to such issues. In essence, cedar wood remains durable even when exposed to wind or rain exposure - making cedar wood an excellent choice when exposed to wind or rain alike.

Built-in pest control function

Cedar wood's natural oils can naturally repel pests and insects, just like water can. As a result, cedar wood is a popular choice for sauna rooms because it can keep termites, ants, and other rodents out of your sauna. In point of fact, cedar wood is regarded as the softwood with the greatest durability.

Excellent insulation performance

Cedar wood is an excellent choice for sauna rooms due to its excellent insulation properties. The internal temperature of a sauna room is usually maintained at 60-80℃, and the wood must have stable insulation performance and the ability to regulate heat radiation.  Electric heaters provide heat to the sauna room; however, if the sauna room's insulation is poor, heat may escape into the outside air. If you really want to raise the temperature in the winter, you don't need to install insulation because cedar wood already has insulation properties.

Aesthetics and fragrance

Due to its beauty and scent, cedar wood is also the most popular material for outdoor sauna sets. Cedar wood comes in various species with different colors and patterns.   Because of its inherent beauty, cedar wood is suitable for a wide range of aesthetic preferences.  Additionally, the pleasant scent of cedar wood makes many sauna users feel at ease. When the sauna room temperature rises, the volatile aromatic substances in cedar wood will spread with the hot air, forming a calming micro-environment that helps users relax their minds and bodies.

The benefits of cedar for saunas

Outstanding corrosion resistance and insect prevention properties: In the extremely harsh environment of a sauna room with high temperature and high humidity, this natural resistance is of vital importance, significantly extending the lifespan of the sauna room and requiring almost no chemical anti-corrosion treatment.

Extremely low thermal conductivity: This is especially important for the seats and backrests that users come into direct contact with to prevent burns and ensure comfort and safety.

Excellent dimensional stability: This can effectively prevent wood from cracking, warping, and deforming in sauna rooms with dry-wet cycles and alternating cold and heat, preserving the structure's tightness and aesthetics.

Natural scent and calming effect: It is believed that this natural scent can help the body and mind relax, alleviate stress, and significantly improve the atmosphere and comfort of the sauna experience.

Lightweight yet high in strength: Red cedar is a lightweight wood, but it also has a very good strength-to-weight ratio. This makes the construction, transportation and installation of sauna rooms relatively easier.

Natural insulation properties: Its porous cellular structure provides excellent heat insulation and preservation performance, helping the sauna room reach and maintain the required high temperature more quickly.

Good appearance：The red cedar has a distinctive straight-grain texture and a beautiful appearance with warm tones that range from light amber to reddish-brown. It will naturally turn an elegant silver-gray color over time if it is outside in the elements, but inside the sauna room, it typically stays the same color for longer.

If you are planning to invest in a sauna room, the cedar sauna room is your best choice.  Cedar is an excellent material for outdoor sauna sets due to its inherent durability and longevity. Mold and wood rot are not to be worried about. The cedar sauna room also has natural insulation properties, keeping the sauna room warm even in winter.  Please get in touch with us right away to begin your sauna journey if you are prepared to make an investment in a cedar sauna room!