Saunas are an excellent addition to any home, offering relaxation, health benefits, and a place to unwind. However, choosing the right wood is crucial for creating the perfect sauna experience. Two popular options often discussed are Thermowood and Cedar.
Each wood has its unique qualities, and this article will help guide you through their differences, allowing you to make the best decision for your sauna.
Whether it’s the rich, aromatic embrace of Cedar, or the resilient, eco-friendly strength of Thermowood, Shym Saunas got you covered. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in every sauna we design. We believe that a sauna should not only last a lifetime but also enrich the moments spent within its walls.
Check out our explicitly crafted Thermowood Saunas series.
Key Takeaways:
- Thermowood offers enhanced resistance to decay and is more durable due to its heat-treatment process.
- Cedar provides natural insulation, a pleasant aromatic fragrance, and long-lasting durability.
- Thermowood is more budget-friendly, while Cedar offers long-term value due to its strength and beauty.
- Thermowood is available in different levels of heat treatment. Carbonized wood, for instance, is a more affordable variant with a shorter heat treatment compared to fully treated thermowood.
- Your decision should consider factors like climate, maintenance, and your personal preferences.
Thermowood vs Cedar: Which Wood is Best for Your Sauna?
1. Thermowood:
- Durability: Thermowood undergoes a heat-treatment process that significantly enhances its resistance to decay, warping, and moisture.
- Low Maintenance: With its reduced moisture content, it requires minimal upkeep, making it an excellent long-term investment.
- Eco-Friendly: The chemical-free production process of Thermowood makes it an environmentally sustainable choice.
- Affordability: While initially higher in cost, Thermowood’s longevity and minimal maintenance make it cost-effective in the long run.
2. Cedar: The Classic Finnish Sauna Wood
- Natural Insulation: Cedar’s natural structure provides superior insulation, keeping heat in the sauna and reducing energy use.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Known for its rich colors and aromatic scent, Cedar creates a cosy, inviting atmosphere inside the sauna.
- Insect and Decay Resistance: Cedar’s natural oils offer resistance to insects and decay, contributing to its durability.
- Lower Initial Cost: Cedar is generally more affordable upfront due to its wide availability, though it may require more long-term maintenance.
Building your first sauna? Check out our article on How to Build a Sauna in Your Garage.
What is Thermowood and What are the Different Types of Thermowood Saunas?
Thermowood is a modified wood created through a heat-treatment process where the wood is exposed to high temperatures (ranging from 180°C to 230°C) in a controlled environment. This process changes the wood’s structure making it dimensionally stable. The result is a durable wood that is ideal for humid environments like saunas, where traditional untreated wood might warp or rot over time.
Thermowood is particularly valued for its low maintenance, longer lifespan, and eco-friendliness, as the treatment involves no chemicals—just heat and steam.
Types of Thermowood Saunas:
- Thermotreated Nordic Spruce Saunas: Nordic Spruce is a popular choice for thermowood saunas because of its fine grain and light color. The thermotreatment process makes it highly resistant to decay and weathering, perfect for both indoor and outdoor saunas. It maintains its structural integrity in high-humidity environments and offers a modern, clean aesthetic with a light tone.
- Carbonised Spruce Saunas: Carbonized spruce is a type of thermotreated wood that undergoes a lower-intensity heat treatment, resulting in a darkened appearance. While it provides enhanced durability compared to untreated wood, it is slightly less resilient than other thermowood types due to the shorter treatment duration.
Shym Saunas Carbonised Thermowood Spruce Sauna
- Thermotreated Pine Saunas: Pine is another commonly used wood in thermowood saunas. Once thermally modified, pine becomes more resistant to moisture and less prone to warping or cracking in high heat. However, it tends to have more knots compared to spruce, giving it a more rustic look. The heat treatment helps stabilise pine, making it a budget-friendly yet durable option for sauna construction.
- Thermotreated Aspen Saunas: Aspen is a hardwood known for its smooth texture and even grain. It is often described as “deep tan to a honey-brown” color. Once treated, it gains better resistance to heat and humidity, which makes it a great option for saunas. Thermotreated aspen maintains its light color and smooth surface, providing a sleek and refined aesthetic while being gentle to the touch, even in high temperatures.
What is Cedar Wood and What Are the Types of Cedar Saunas?
Cedar is a naturally durable wood that has been used in saunas for years. It’s well-known for its resistance to insects and rot, thanks to the natural oils present in the wood. Plus, Cedar has superior insulation properties, making it ideal for maintaining heat inside a sauna. Its pleasant aromatic scent adds an extra layer to the sauna experience, providing both comfort and relaxation.
Cedar wood also has a classic beauty with its rich, warm colors ranging from light amber to deep brown. However, it does require regular care to maintain its appearance over time.
Types of Cedar Saunas:
- Western Red Cedar Wood Saunas: Known for its rich colors and durability, Western Red Cedar is one of the most popular choices for saunas due to its excellent insulation and insect resistance.
- Eastern White Cedar Wood Saunas: Lighter in color than Western Red Cedar, this wood also offers excellent decay resistance and a pleasant, subtle fragrance.
- Incense Cedar Wood Saunas: Famous for its strong, aromatic fragrance, Incense Cedar adds a calming scent to your sauna while being durable and resistant to decay.
- Alaskan Yellow Cedar Wood Saunas: This type of Cedar is dense and strong, with a yellowish hue, providing excellent durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions.
- Rustic Cedar Wood Saunas: Rustic Cedar features natural knots and grain patterns, giving saunas a more rugged, traditional appearance while maintaining the durability and resistance properties of cedar.
- Port Orford Cedar Saunas: Known for its light color and fine texture, this type of cedar has excellent durability and resistance to insects and decay.
Durability and Maintenance: Thermowood vs Cedar
Thermowood Durability
The high temperatures used in production remove moisture and resin, which reduces the risk of warping or swelling over time.
This makes Thermowood an excellent option for outdoor saunas where extreme weather conditions can be a concern.
Because of its resilience, Thermowood requires less maintenance than many other woods, including Cedar. Routine cleaning is usually enough to keep it in great shape, which is a huge advantage for those wanting a low-maintenance sauna experience.
Cedar’s Natural Resistance and Longevity
Cedar is naturally resistant to decay and insects, making it a strong choice for those looking for long-term durability. With the right care, a Cedar sauna can last for decades. Many homeowners love Cedar for its ability to stand up to harsh weather conditions, and it often requires less protection against insects or fungi.
However, Cedar does need some regular maintenance. Over time, exposure to heat and moisture can cause the wood to turn gray, so you may want to apply a protective sealant if you prefer to maintain its rich color.
When comparing Cedar and Thermowood to other sauna wood types, it’s important to understand the unique strengths each material brings.
Learn about:
- How to Clean Sauna Wood
- Sauna How to Treat Your Sauna? Sauna Wood Treatment
Other Sauna Wood Types
Cedar offers unmatched insulation and a signature aromatic scent that enhances the sauna experience, while Thermowood stands out for its durability and eco-friendliness due to its heat-treatment process.
However, there are other popular options like Hemlock, Pine, and Nordic Spruce, each with its own qualities and limitations.
To explore how Cedar and Thermowood measure up against these and other materials, you can check out the detailed breakdown in our article on Sauna Wood Types.
Insulation and Heat Retention in Saunas
How Cedar’s Insulation Properties Work
Cedar excels in insulation, thanks to the tiny air pockets in its cellular structure. These air pockets help to trap heat inside the sauna, allowing you to enjoy warmer temperatures for longer periods without using as much energy. This insulation property not only enhances the sauna experience but can also save you on energy costs in the long run.
Thermowood’s Heat Retention Capabilities
While Thermowood may not have the same natural insulation as Cedar, its heat-treatment process significantly reduces moisture content, improving its ability to retain heat. Thermowood is a great choice if you’re looking for a wood that offers decent insulation without needing frequent care. However, for those who prioritise energy efficiency and heat retention, Cedar might still be the better option.
Aesthetics and Sensory Experience
The Natural Appeal of Cedar
Cedar’s beautiful reddish hues and straight grain make it a visually appealing choice for sauna lovers. Its rich colors provide a warm, inviting atmosphere, making your sauna feel like a cosy retreat. Add to that Cedar’s signature aromatic scent, and you’ve got a complete sensory experience that enhances relaxation during your sauna sessions.
However, the distinct scent of Cedar isn’t for everyone. Some people with sensitivities may find the aroma overwhelming, especially when heated.
The Uniform Appearance of Thermowood
If you prefer a cleaner, more uniform look, Thermowood might be your go-to. Its neutral, caramel hue offers a modern, refined appearance. While it lacks the natural scent of Cedar, its understated aesthetic fits well in more contemporary or minimalist sauna designs.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Cedar’s Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Properties
Cedar is often sourced from responsibly managed forests, especially in North America. Its natural resistance to decay means that it doesn’t require chemical treatments, making it a sustainable choice from harvest to usage. Cedar is also biodegradable, so when the time comes to replace your sauna, it has a minimal environmental footprint.
Thermowood’s Low Environmental Footprint
Thermowood’s thermal modification process is environmentally friendly as well. The process uses only heat and steam, without the need for chemicals. This makes Thermowood a great eco-friendly option for those looking for a greener choice. However, it’s worth noting that the energy required to heat the wood does add slightly to its environmental impact.
Cost Comparison and Long-Term Value
Is Cedar Worth the Higher Cost?
Cedar is often more affordable upfront due to its widespread availability, making it an attractive choice for many buyers. However, over time, its maintenance needs—such as applying protective treatments to preserve its color and integrity—can add to the overall cost. While Cedar offers great insulation and natural resistance to decay, these maintenance requirements might increase your expenses in the long run.
Thermowood: A Long-Term, Cost-Effective Alternative
While Thermowood might come with a slightly higher initial price tag, its long-term benefits make it a worthwhile investment. The heat-treatment process gives Thermowood enhanced durability and reduces the need for regular upkeep.
Thermowood treated with higher temperatures and longer durations will be more expensive compared to carbonized spruce, which has undergone a less intensive treatment.
Comparison Between Fully Treated vs Carbonised Thermowood
Some types of Thermowood, like fully treated Nordic Spruce, have higher durability and cost, carbonized options offer a more affordable alternative for those seeking similar properties without the full expense.
However, this also means thermowood in general can have fewer maintenance costs over time, providing long-term savings compared to cedar. For those looking for low-maintenance durability, Thermowood offers great value, especially in climates where resilience is key.
Wrapping Up
When deciding between Thermowood and Cedar for your sauna, consider your climate, budget, and personal preferences.
If you’re after a classic, aromatic experience with excellent heat retention, Cedar might be the best choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-maintenance, budget-friendly option with solid durability, Thermowood could be the better fit.
Both woods have their strengths, and your choice should ultimately depend on what matters most to you in creating your ideal sauna space.
