Should You Thermally Modify Your Sauna Wood?
Thermally modifying sauna wood is the process of heating it to high temperatures in a controlled environment to enhance its properties. It can be outsourced by local suppliers to turn it into thermowood.
So should saunas be built with thermally modified wood? Well, the simple is… it’s best to do so. Pre-conditioning the wood gets it into a state to better withstand high temperatures. Benefits include:
- Enhanced durability
- Reduced moisture absorption
- Improved insulation
- Lower resin content
- Lower shrinkage rate
Some other actions to improve sauna wood quality include ensuring proper ventilation, a smooth finish, regular maintenance, and regularly applying non-toxic wood treatment.
Conclusion
We covered the eight most-used sauna wood types – Red Cedar, Nordic Spruce, Hemlock, Common Aspen, Redwood, Douglas Fir, Eucalyptus, and Pine.
Choosing the right sauna wood for your needs will ultimately come down to the characteristics that you desire, including affordability, aesthetics, durability, workability, and heat resistance.
Our guide is a helpful resource to get you on the right track for buying and maintaining your sauna wood. This will enhance your sauna experience, and who knows… improve your life!
Make sure to check out our FAQ section below for answers to common questions. Also, here’s a useful resource on managing the costs of building, buying, and maintaining a sauna.
FAQ
What wood is used in Australian saunas?
In Australia, Western Red Cedar wood is a popular choice of sauna material as it provides excellent durability and heat resistance. Eucalyptus wood is also popular, because they are in abundance and are easy to obtain.
Is pressure-treated wood safe for saunas?
No, pressure-treated wood is not recommended for saunas. The chemical additives from pressure treatment can be unsafe for humans in high-temperature environments.
How does sauna wood not rot?
Sauna wood resists rot due to the natural moisture resistance of hardwoods, thermal modification, and protective oil treatments. This combination allows it to withstand the high-moisture environment of a sauna.
What is sauna wood treated with?
Sauna wood is commonly treated with Paraffin Oil, used as a protective barrier. It makes the wood suitable for sauna use as it enhances moisture resistance, prevents cracking and splitting, and maintains its aesthetics.
Are wood saunas good for you?
Wood saunas are absolutely good for you, but only if you use them in a responsible way. They can aid in pain relief, muscle recovery, enhanced circulation, relaxation, and much more.
What are outdoor saunas made of?
Most outdoor saunas are made of strong and durable wood as they must withstand harsh environments. Common outdoor wood types include Cedar, Douglas Fir, and Eucalyptus.