Saunas are amazing things, not only can they rejuvenate mind and soul, but they can also rejuvenate your body. Studies have shown numerous positive physical and physiological benefits of saunas.
While certain countries and cultures seem to have saunas everywhere, in the states, if you want to go to a sauna regularly, the best way is to have your own personal sauna. The most common question regarding a personal sauna is about the kind of wood that is best to use.
What is the best wood for a sauna? There are several great choices out there. It really depends on what your preferences are. There are several determining factors that we will go over in this article. We will list our five favorite kinds of wood and explain why we like each one.
Best Wood for Sauna
Cedar is our favorite choice. Cedar has many desirable traits. Its reddish hue and few knots make it very pleasing to look at, especially while relaxing in a sauna. The density of cedar also is a plus since it results in the heat being distributed evenly and therefore is generally not too hot to touch. It also naturally resists mold. Therefore, getting a Cedar Sauna is a great option.
Spruce is a very popular choice among Finnish saunas, and the Finnish take their saunas seriously. It is also a cheaper option than cedar. Although similar to pine, it has many knots. The problem with knots, other than aesthetic, is that they can eventually fall out, resulting in holes in your sauna walls.
Basswood is a great, albeit more expensive, option for personal saunas. It is a good choice for those who suffer from the fragrances of woods like cedar. It is hypoallergenic, therefore a good choice for those who suffer allergies from toxins present in some woods.
Poplar is another great choice. The main benefits of using poplar in a sauna are that, like basswood, it is hypoallergenic, and it is also odorless. Poplar is used quite often in the medical world due to these features. Aesthetically it is light in color, however, a little darker than basswood.
Eucalyptus is used less frequently. However, it is growing in popularity. Eucalyptus is solid and durable. It also has a beautiful uniform color to it, comparable to teak but much cheaper. Another plus is that it is environmentally friendly, thanks to how fast it can be grown. It does not give off its odor when used in a sauna, although some like the idea of using eucalyptus essential oils in their sauna.
Final Words
As you can see, there are several factors to take into consideration when picking the best wood for a sauna. Our top picks are cedar, spruce, basswood, poplar, and eucalyptus. Take into consideration the reasons why we chose these woods and compare them with your own needs.
If you do this, you will surely find the perfect wood for your personal sauna!