If you have plans to build home saunas it is important to become familiar with the different types of wood available and the advantages each type provide. Though typically saunas are built from softer woods such as cedar, this is not your only choice and you are by no means limited to what is most commonly used. Here are some quick buyer’s tips which may help;

As mentioned above, cedar is by far the most common wood used to build home saunas, but it is not the only choice. Redwoods and pine are also great choices and are proven to be just as durable as cedar when treated with rot and mould prevention sealants.

One of the most important points to remember while choosing wood to build home saunas is sap running. Woods which have large knots will often run sap periodically throughout the year. When choosing your wood try to find pieces that are free of knots and have little to no imperfections.

If you are choosing to build home saunas using traditional tongue and groove cedar consider purchasing Western Red and Eastern White cedar. Both are extremely durable and will fill your sauna with a fresh wood scent.

The price of wood will be determined by your location. Redwood, for example though perfect to build home saunas is extremely expensive due to a limited supply around the world. Other woods such as pine, spruce and hemlock may be the thriftiest of choices.

It is also important when trying to build home saunas that you purchase softer woods which will help to ease construction. Harder woods such as oak, ash and maple are beautiful but they are too hard and dense for most sauna projects.