Saunas are made of wood because wood is an excellent natural insulator, it doesn’t get too hot, and it can handle heat and steam without warping. It is the perfect material for a sauna. It is the natural, authentic choice for a sauna and is well known to enhance relaxation and the overall sauna experience.
Wood creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that other materials just don’t live up to. The tradition of using wood dates back many centuries. And, it is an excellent choice for many reasons. Below, we take a closer look and discuss why wood is essential for an authentic sauna experience.
Top 10 Reasons Why Saunas Are Made From Wood
1: Excellent Heat Insulation
Wood is a natural insulator. Great news for a sauna. It acts like a cozy blanket, trapping the heat on the inside. Wood is full of tiny air pockets that act as a natural barrier.
They keep the heat inside the cabin and the cold air outside. This saves you energy and makes it easier to heat up and run your sauna. This is one of the main reasons why saunas are made from wood.
2: Superior Comfort
Wood is comfortable to the touch, even when it gets hot. In the intense heat of a sauna, the wood does not become too hot to touch. It feels warm and gentle, not red hot. An essential quality for a sauna material.
Other materials don’t work so well. For example, metal. When metal gets hot, it continues to get hotter and hotter. Very soon, it would become unbearable to touch. It is a natural conductor. Wood is the opposite, it is an insulator. And, it makes the whole experience more pleasant and relaxing.
3: Heat Resistance
Wood is heat-resistant. It won’t bend or warp under the duress of regular intense heat. A wooden sauna will last for decades, once treated with care. A long-term asset for any home.
Wood naturally withstands the effects of heat without warping or cracking. Other construction materials don’t perform as well and soon begin to show signs of wear and tear. For heat resistance, choose wood for your sauna.
4: Moisture Resistance
Another key characteristic for – why are saunas made from wood, is moisture resistance. Wood is a naturally moisture-resistant material. Great news for a sauna. With all that steam and sweat, you need something that resists water damage.
Wood absorbs moisture from the air and then releases it back out as it dries. It’s a breathable material. Yes, wood actually breathes. This ability helps protect the material and ensures your sauna cabin stands the test of time.
5: Mold & Mildew Resistance
What about mold and moisture resistance? It’s great for that too! Wood’s ability to ‘breathe’ means it’s great for resisting microbial growth. It absorbs steam and moisture when the sauna is in use, and then completely dries out as it cools down.
This means there’s no moisture left for mold and mildew to take advantage of. This is a huge benefit for your health and the sauna’s cleanliness. Mold loves damp, dark places. But, it cannot grow or thrive in a wooden sauna cabin. The intense heat, followed by the drying of the wood, creates a natural mold resistance.
6: Natural Aroma
Another key reason for choosing wood is its natural aroma. No other material imparts that distinct natural scent. It is one of the best features of a wooden sauna. And, nothing beats the aroma of cedar, spruce, or hemlock gently warming up.
It’s an often overlooked aspect of the sauna experience. But, it’s one of our favourites. That familiar forest smell triggers the senses and lets you know it’s time to chill out and destress. It’s natural aromatherapy. And, it enhances your sauna session and boosts relaxation.
7: Original Authentic Appeal
Wood has that original, authentic appeal of a sauna. It just looks and feels right. You think of a sauna, and you picture a wooden sauna cabin. It creates a warm, inviting atmosphere the moment you step inside. It’s like one big warm hug from mother nature.
The natural feel and soft, warm color connect you with nature. Instantly transporting you to a tranquil forest setting. The wooden cabin reconnects you with nature and helps you switch into relaxation mode. It’s the original sauna that appeals to us all.
8: Non-Toxic Material
Why are saunas made of wood? One of the key reasons is safety. Safety is a priority, and wood is a naturally non-toxic material. When wood gets hot, it does not release any harmful fumes or volatile chemicals.
High-quality, untreated woods like spruce, cedar, and hemlock are non-toxic. Perfect for use in a sauna. You can rest easy, safe in the knowledge that the air inside your wooden sauna is safe and clean. Great news for your lungs.
9: Ease of Construction & Maintenance
Then there are the obvious construction and maintenance benefits. Wood is a dream material to work with. It is easily shaped and cut. This makes installation and assembly a breeze compared to alternative materials. This keeps labor costs down.
Even better, maintenance and repair jobs are pretty simple. Most basic DIYers will be able to patch up or replace a damaged panel. All you need is some everyday household tools and a little bit of know-how.
10: Slip Resistance
Wood delivers natural slip resistance. Compare this to a wet, smooth surface like a tile. Wet tiles are hazardous. They have been responsible for many the slip and fall in our homes. Stone surfaces are also hazardous when wet. And, things get wet inside a sauna.
With all that steam and sweat, you need a material that provides a safe and secure footing. Wood is the ideal choice. It naturally provides a much safer grip. Wood has a textured surface that offers traction, even in wet conditions. This reduces the risk of slips and falls. A safer sauna experience for all.
What Alternative Materials Can Be Used to Build a Sauna?
Wood isn’t the only material of choice when it comes to building saunas. Other materials can be used. Let’s take a look.
Tile & Stone
Tiles are often used on the floors, but sometimes on the walls too. Especially in large commercial and public saunas. They are very common in Turkish and Roman-era spas. And, stone such as granite is often used for its earthy, grounding feel. Stone retains heat for long periods. This is great for keeping the sauna at a constant temperature even as the heaters cycle on and off.
Pros
Durability: extremely durable
Moisture Resistant: handles moisture very well
Retain Heat: absorb and retain heat well
Cleaning: easy to clean.
Cons
Hard Feel: especially underfoot
Cold: can feel cold, take time to warm up
Expensive: more expensive than wood
Plastic & Composite Materials
Some modern saunas are made using plastic and composite materials. These are synthetic materials designed specifically for high-temperature wet environments. They are a new twist on the traditional sauna cabin and give an industrial, minimalist feel.
Pros
Moisture Resistance: they are completely resistant to moisture damage.
Cleaning: very easy to wipe clean and sanitize.
Lightweight: easy to transport and re-position.
Cons
Off-Gassing: can emit volatile gases and smells when heated.
Industrial Feel: lacks that authentic natural ambience.
Safety Concern: inhalation of VOC (volatile organic compounds).
Glass
Modern saunas often use tempered glass for doors and walls. Tempered glass is used for its heat-resistant properties. Some saunas even use more glass than wood. Especially outdoor saunas that provide sweeping panoramic views. It creates an open feel and looks very sleek.
Pros
Panoramic Views: opens the space up, great for views and outdoor saunas
More Light: allows natural light into the cabin
Cleaning: very easy to clean.
Cons
Insulation: glass is a very poor insulator
Frequent Cleaning: requires frequent cleaning to remove water spots
Cost: more expensive than wood.
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