Crafting a sauna that thrives through the years.
What’s the best material for your outdoor sauna?
One of the most important decisions when it building an outdoor sauna is choosing the right material. The type of material you choose will directly influence the sauna’s durability, performance, and overall experience. From the foundation to the wood for the sauna’s structure, every element needs careful consideration. In this post, we’ll explore the best materials for constructing your outdoor sauna.
Building stability from the ground up
Start with a foundation
Wood: The Heart of Your Sauna
The type of wood you are going to select for the sauna’s structure is arguably the most important decision you make when building a sauna. The right wood should be able to withstand high temperatures, resist moisture, and provide a nice environment.
Cedar
Cedar is the gold standard for sauna construction, and there is a good reason for it to be true. It’s highly resistant to warping under high heat and humidity, what makes this material ideal for the sauna environment. Cedar’s natural oils give it a pleasant aroma and provide natural resistance to bacteria and fungus. Cedar also has a low density, which means it heats up quickly and cools down rapidly, providing thermal comfort. Expect to pay around $2 to $3 per linear foot for quality cedar planks.
Basswood
Basswood is another excellent choice for your future sauna. This type of wood especially valuable for the people who’ve got allergies. It’s hypoallergenic, virtually odor-free, and doesn’t emit any toxins or resins when heated. Basswood is also resistant to warping and cracking under high heat. Despite all the positive aspects of the wood, there is one downside to consider: this type of wood lacks the natural aromatic qualities of cedar. It’s slightly more affordable than cedar, with prices ranging from $1.50 to $2.50 per linear foot.
Hemlock
This type of wood works well for the ones who are tight on budget, because Canadian hemlock offers a cost-effective solution. Hemlock is strong and durable material, though it’s less resistant to decay compared to cedar. Fresh hemlock can produce a slightly sour smell, but this usually fades over time. Hemlock is available for about $1 to $2 per linear foot, what makes it a popular choice for budget-conscious builders.
Poplar
Final thoughts
When selecting the right material for your sauna, always keep in mind that building an outdoor sauna is an investment in your health and well-being for the long run. From the foundation to the wood, each element has its unique role in the sauna’s performance and longevity. By carefully selecting durable, high-quality materials, you can create a relaxing, efficient, and long-lasting outdoor retreat.
If you plan to purchase an outdoor sauna in Minneapolis, feel free to visit our website and explore range of our outdoor custom saunas or contact us directly at BW Sauna Co.
Most recent posts:
How Long Should You Sit In A Sauna?
Download 2024 Catalog How long should you sit in a sauna? Safe Time In a Sauna So, are you ready to chill out and feel great? Saunas are an excellent
How Long to Stay in a Sauna
Download 2024 Catalog How Long to Stay in a Sauna The Safe Way to Enjoy Sauna Benefits Saunas are becoming more and more popular these days as people of all
Does Sauna Burn Calories?
Download 2024 Catalog Does Sauna Burn Calories? Health Benefits of Sauna and Calorie Burning Saunas are becoming more and more popular as people search for other ways to burn calories
How Long You Should Stay In A Sauna?
Download 2024 Catalog How long you should stay in a sauna? Safe Sauna Time How long you should stay in the sauna? That’s a question many start asking, when health
Do Saunas Help You Lose Weight?
Download 2024 Catalog Do Saunas Help You Lose Weight? Explore whether saunas help with weight loss Saunas have played a major role in the health of civilizations for centuries. They
A Journey Through Global Sauna Traditions: South Korea
Download 2024 Catalog History / Modern Trends / Mobile Sauna Trailer A Journey Through Global Sauna Traditions: South Korea Jjimjilbangs, or saunas, are a significant part of Korean social life
Download Your BW 2024 Catalog
When you start exploring what a custom sauna could look like, you might already have that exact idea in mind: that perfect finish with a wide panorama window. Or something more true to its history, humbly nestled in the lakeside corner. Either way, we hope this catalog offers inspiration for your journey
