There are some misconceptions about the use of knotty cedar in saunas. Many people believe that knotty cedar cannot be used because the knots get hot. While it is true that the knots do concentrate heat, it takes many hours for the knots to become hot enough to cause any discomfort. The average home sauna is only on for 1 to 1½ hours. While we do not recommend knotty cedar for commercial use, it is acceptable for residential saunas. It is especially popular for saunas built up at the cottage. Many others just prefer the look of the knotty cedar, feeling that it gives the sauna more "character".