Why Wood Quality Matters for an Outdoor Sauna

Outdoor saunas have become an increasingly popular investment piece made amongst individuals who prioritize their health and wellness. Sauna use is well-known and appreciated for its physical and mental health benefits. However, not all saunas are created equal. Purchasing a top-quality sauna can allow you to maximize the benefits of steam and heat therapy. Choosing the best materials for your custom sauna kits will also extend the lifespan of your sauna giving you more enjoyment. 

One of the leading considerations when building a sauna is the wood. The quality of the wood or lumbar and the species play a vital role in the effectiveness of your prefab sauna or custom sauna kit. Wood varieties, such as cedar and hemlock, are ideal for sauna use, given their durability and exceptional heat retention. Cedar and hemlock also offer enhanced aesthetic appeal. If you are looking to invest in a quality outdoor sauna or cedar sauna kit, explore the high-quality options at SaunaFin.

Here’s what you need to know about wood as you pick out the perfect home sauna.

The Impact of Wood Quality on Durability

High-quality wood is essential for ensuring your outdoor sauna remains durable and lasts well into the future. At SaunaFin, we only utilize cedar and hemlock wood options for our saunas because they are highly durable and have many desirable qualities, including:

• Moisture Resistant: Naturally, both hemlock and cedar are resistant to water, preventing them from rotting, decaying or growing mold. This makes it an excellent choice if you live in a moist/humid environment. 
• Structural Integrity: Both hemlock and cedar are known for their strength and stability, allowing them to maintain their structural integrity into the future, regardless of weather conditions. 
• Weather Resistance: High-quality wood withstands outdoor elements, including rain, snow, and UV rays, without losing its strength or aesthetic appeal. 

Lower-quality wood options such as spruce and pine may not be able to withstand heat or moisture the same way that quality lumber does. These woods tend to lack natural oils, making them prone to cracking, warping and moisture damage. Overall, these wood varieties will not be able to withstand the test of time.

Heat Insulation and Retention Capabilities

In order to reap the benefits of sauna therapy, your sauna must be able to retain heat effectively. High-quality wood options such as cedar and hemlock have natural insulating capabilities, preventing heat from escaping. Premium woods also ensure that heat is distributed evenly throughout the sauna, providing a comfortable experience without cold spots or overheating in certain areas.

The heat retention capabilities of high-quality wood allow you to benefit from improved energy efficiency. The better the heat retention, the less energy is required to maintain a consistent temperature inside the sauna. This allows sauna owners to benefit from lower energy bills.

Benefits of High Heat Retention

High heat retention from quality wood allows sauna users to maximize the benefits of heat exposure. Users can expect to benefit from:

• A boost in mood due to the increase of endorphins
• Improved cardiovascular health, which is associated with regular sauna sessions
• Lower cortisol levels, which effectively reduces stress and anxiety
• Improved sleep quality
• Increased sweating which can help promote detoxification.

Aesthetic Appeal of Quality Sauna Wood

Although saunas built with high-quality wood are highly sought after due to their functionality, you can also benefit from the enhanced aesthetic benefits as well. Cedar and hemlock wood are well-known for their natural beauty, allowing them to enhance any outdoor space or backyard. 

Cedar and hemlock saunas appear warm in tone and have very distinct grain patterns, contributing to their beauty. This natural aesthetic can help enhance the luxury of your backyard and contribute to a spa-like feeling in your space. Wood finishes also integrate seamlessly into outdoor spaces.

Additionally, high-quality wood options also tend to maintain their appearance as they age. Cedar and hemlock tend to maintain their warm hue for years before fading into a lighter silvery beige colour. You’ll also find that these high-quality wood options do not crumble or crack with time, they maintain their smooth finish.

Opt for a High-Quality Outdoor Sauna from SaunaFin

When making the investment into an item like an outdoor sauna, it is important to ensure that you select a quality product that is made of high quality wood. A prefab sauna made from cedar or hemlock are significantly more durable than alternative options such as spruce or pine. These wood options are naturally moisture resistant and weather-resistant while also offering excellent heat retention. So if you are looking for a sauna that is both highly effective, long-lasting and beautiful, opt for a SaunaFin sauna made of cedar or hemlock. Contact us today to begin customizing your cedar sauna kit or prefab sauna.

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