The wood used in an infrared sauna cabin affects more than aesthetics — it influences heat management, durability, aroma, allergen sensitivity, and the overall feel of your sessions. The two most common choices are Canadian Western Red Cedar and Canadian Hemlock. Here's how they compare.
Why Wood Choice Matters in a Sauna
Sauna wood needs to: 1. Handle repeated thermal cycling — heating and cooling daily for years without cracking or warping 2. Resist moisture — sweat and humidity exposure is constant 3. Not off-gas toxic compounds when heated — the air you breathe during sessions matters 4. Stay cool enough to touch — you're sitting and leaning against this surface at 130–150°F 5. Last decades — this is a long-term wellness investment
Not all woods perform equally on these criteria.
Canadian Western Red Cedar
About the Wood
Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) from the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia has been used in sauna construction for decades. It's the traditional premium choice.
Advantages
1. Natural oils and durability Cedar contains natural oils — thujaplicins and other volatile compounds — that act as natural preservatives. These make cedar highly resistant to moisture absorption, rot, and microbial growth even with constant heat-humidity cycling.
2. Thermal properties Cedar has low thermal conductivity — meaning the surface temperature stays relatively lower than denser woods even in hot environments. The bench and walls remain comfortable to sit and lean against.
3. Dimensional stability Cedar moves less (shrinks/expands) with temperature and humidity changes than many other woods, reducing gaps, warping, and structural issues over time.
4. Natural aroma The cedar scent is a beloved aspect of the sauna experience for many people. The volatile oils responsible for the aroma are also responsible for cedar's antimicrobial properties.
5. Aesthetics Red cedar has rich reddish-brown tones with varied grain patterns — widely considered the most attractive sauna wood.
6. Track record Cedar has decades of documented performance in residential and commercial saunas. Longevity data is robust.
Disadvantages
1. Allergy sensitivity Cedar's aromatic oils can cause reactions in people sensitive to cedar or related tree species. This is uncommon but real — typically manifesting as respiratory irritation or skin sensitivity. Anyone with known cedar allergy should test exposure before committing.
2. Premium price Western Red Cedar costs more than hemlock — typically adding $300–$1,000 to sauna cost depending on size.
3. Tannin staining Over time, cedar can release tannins when wet, creating dark staining on benches and floors. This is aesthetic, not functional, but some owners dislike it.
Canadian Hemlock
About the Wood
Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) is a fine-grained, light-colored softwood that's become popular as an alternative to cedar, particularly for buyers who are fragrance-sensitive or prefer a lighter aesthetic.
Advantages
1. Hypoallergenic Hemlock is odorless and contains no volatile oils. It's the go-to choice for anyone sensitive to cedar or who prefers a fragrance-free environment.
2. Clean, light aesthetic Hemlock is creamy-white to pale tan with straight, consistent grain. For a modern or minimalist aesthetic, hemlock's lighter color is often preferred.
3. Cost Hemlock is generally less expensive than cedar, making it common in mid-price infrared saunas.
4. Even heat distribution Hemlock's consistent density produces fairly even heat distribution along cabin walls.
Disadvantages
1. No natural antimicrobial protection Unlike cedar, hemlock has no natural oils that resist moisture or microbial growth. It requires more diligent post-session airing out and regular maintenance to prevent mold.
2. More prone to moisture issues over time Hemlock absorbs more moisture than cedar. With consistent heavy use and poor ventilation, hemlock cabins can develop discoloration or surface mold faster than cedar.
3. Shorter durability in high-use applications For daily use over many years, cedar's natural preservation tends to produce longer cabin life.
4. No aromatic benefit The cedar aroma is a feature for most sauna users — hemlock provides none.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Cedar | Hemlock |
|---|---|---|
| Natural moisture resistance | ★★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Antimicrobial properties | ★★★★★ | ★★ |
| Allergy-friendly | ★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Durability/longevity | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Fragrance (pro or con) | Strong cedar | None |
| Aesthetic — warm/rustic | ★★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Aesthetic — modern/light | ★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Thermal comfort | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Cedar if:
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You don't have cedar sensitivities
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Durability and low maintenance are priorities
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You love the traditional sauna aesthetic and scent
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You're making a long-term investment and want the best material performance
Choose Hemlock if:
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You have allergies or sensitivities to cedar or strong wood scents
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You prefer a clean, modern aesthetic with lighter wood tones
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Budget is a significant consideration
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You're committed to diligent post-session maintenance (airing out, wiping down)
What Peak Saunas Uses
Peak Saunas full-spectrum infrared models are built with Canadian Western Red Cedar — the premium choice for durability, natural moisture resistance, and the authentic sauna experience. Cedar is our standard because it performs better over the years of daily use our customers expect.
All Peak Saunas come with a limited lifetime warranty and free shipping to the contiguous US.