jack
Building a sauna is not only a matter of creating a place to relax, but also an investment in health and well-being. A key element that affects the comfort of the sauna is the right choice of wood.
The material has to stand up to difficult conditions – high temperatures, humidity, as well as ensuring the safety and durability of the entire structure.
This article will introduce you to the most important features that sauna wood should have and why you should bet on Scandinavian spruce.
Key Aspects When Selecting Wood For The Sauna
When building a sauna, choosing the right type of wood is crucial to ensuring both durability and an enjoyable experience.
The unique environment inside a sauna, characterized by high temperatures and humidity, requires materials that are specially suited to withstand these conditions.
The wood must not only endure these extreme changes but also maintain a level of safety and comfort for users.
Therefore, selecting the appropriate wood means considering a few key characteristics:
Stability Under High Temperature Conditions
The wood used in sauna construction must maintain its structural integrity even when exposed to prolonged heat.
Fluctuating temperatures can cause some types of wood to warp, crack, or split, which could compromise the entire structure’s stability.
Choosing wood with good dimensional stability helps prevent these problems and ensures that the sauna will remain safe and functional over time.
Low Resin Content
Resins in wood can become a problem when exposed to high heat. If the wood contains a high amount of resin, it can start to seep out, making surfaces sticky and potentially causing burns or discomfort for sauna users.
This is why woods with a naturally low resin content are preferred, as they offer a cleaner, safer environment.
Non-toxic And Natural Qualities
Another critical factor is the absence of toxic substances. In the high temperatures of a sauna, any chemicals used in the treatment or impregnation of wood could be released into the air, creating a health hazard.
It is essential to choose natural, untreated wood or materials specially processed for sauna use to ensure no harmful substances are emitted when heated. This also contributes to an overall healthier and more relaxing sauna experience.
In addition to these basic requirements, different wood types offer their own unique properties, contributing to the atmosphere, longevity, and overall quality of the sauna. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular types of wood used for saunas:
What Is The Best Wood For Building A Sauna?
There are many types of wood available on the market, which vary in durability, appearance and functionality. Here are four popular species used in sauna construction.
Nordic Spruce – Elegance and functionality
Nordic spruce is widely considered an ideal wood for sauna construction, particularly because of its ability to withstand the demanding sauna environment.
Grown in the harsh climate of Scandinavia, Nordic spruce is dense, resilient, and highly capable of enduring both moisture and extreme temperatures.
The light, natural color of spruce creates an elegant and calming atmosphere within the sauna, making it a perfect fit for anyone seeking a relaxing retreat.
One of the major advantages of Nordic spruce is its excellent balance of durability and aesthetic appeal.
The dense structure of this wood helps it resist deformation even under intense heat and fluctuating humidity, which is crucial for maintaining the sauna’s quality over time.
Nordic spruce also has a relatively low resin content, meaning users can enjoy their sauna experience without concerns about sticky surfaces or unwanted resin stains.
This not only contributes to the practicality of the sauna but also makes maintenance easier and more convenient.
Additionally, the even texture and fine grain of Nordic spruce give the sauna interior a clean, sophisticated appearance.
Its natural, light shade works well with both modern and traditional sauna designs, providing flexibility in terms of styling.
The wood’s smooth surface also enhances comfort, especially on seating areas, where users can directly experience the texture.
Nordic spruce’s ability to provide efficient thermal insulation is another key aspect that enhances its functionality.
The wood’s natural insulating properties help maintain an even temperature inside the sauna, ensuring that it heats up efficiently while keeping energy usage in check. This makes Nordic spruce not only a visually appealing option but also an environmentally friendly one.
Moreover, the wood’s origin in cold, Nordic regions means it has adapted to withstand extreme weather conditions.
This natural resilience makes Nordic spruce particularly well-suited to saunas, where it needs to cope with both high temperatures and moisture levels.
By choosing Nordic spruce, sauna builders can be confident in the material’s ability to deliver a consistent, comfortable, and long-lasting sauna experience.
Pine – Accessibility And Pleasant Atmosphere
Pine is a popular choice, mainly due to its wide availability and attractive price. This wood has a warm, golden colour and a distinctive grain, which gives the sauna a cosy feel.
The simple processing makes pine ideal for creating a variety of sauna interior details.
Canadian Cedar – Luxury And Natural Protection
Canadian cedar is an extremely prized wood, renowned for its aromatic fragrance and natural antibacterial properties.
This is why cedar is readily used in bench construction, as it easily stays cool, even in high temperatures.
The oils naturally contained in cedar protect it from moisture and mould, which contributes to its longevity.
Why Is Nordic Spruce An Excellent Choice?
Nordic spruce wood is a material that stands out for its excellent quality and high durability.
Saunas made from this wood are characterised by their durability, elegant appearance and comfort in use.
The density of the spruce wood and the harsh climate in which it grows ensure that it is resistant to moisture and extreme temperatures.
Where To Find A Premium Brand Garden Sauna For Every Budget?
The long-standing manufacturer of timber structures Bertsch Holzbau has been committed to quality for years.
Bertsch Holzbau products combine functionality, aesthetics and reliability, ideal for anyone who dreams of having their own sauna.
The company offers a wide range of garden saunas to meet the needs of both demanding customers and those looking for affordable solutions.
Each sauna is carefully crafted from the highest quality Nordic spruce wood, so that the user can enjoy the comfort and unique atmosphere of outdoor relaxation.
