Which Type of Wood is Best for an Infrared Sauna?

When I first got into the infrared sauna industry, I assumed the choice of wood was mostly about aesthetics. After all, these saunas are large, elegant structures—furniture-grade pieces that live in home gyms, spas, or patios. But I soon realized: the type of wood you choose for your infrared sauna has real consequences for your health, comfort, and the longevity of your investment.

Let’s dive into what makes one sauna wood better than another—and why, at SaunaCloud, we believe Western Red Cedar is the only true choice if you want a sauna that lasts.

Why Wood Matters in a Sauna

The wood in your sauna isn’t just about looks. It directly affects how your sauna performs, how long it lasts, how it smells, and even how safe it is.

Wood in a sauna isn’t decorative—it’s functional.
The wrong wood can crack, warp, or even off-gas harmful resins when exposed to heat over time.

Each sauna session heats the wood over and over, which puts stress on the material. A great sauna wood needs to handle intense heat, resist moisture damage, and stay structurally sound for decades.

What to Look for in Infrared Sauna Wood

Here are the main criteria that matter when selecting wood for your infrared sauna:

1. Toxicity and Purity

People buy saunas to detox, so the last thing you want is wood that introduces new toxins into your body. Many cheap sauna brands use chemically treated wood or low-quality imports that can release fumes under heat.

Cedar does what other woods can’t:
It’s naturally antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial. It doesn’t need chemical treatment and won’t grow mold—ever.

We use only kiln-dried Western Red Cedar that’s carefully aged and prepared, eliminating resins or oils that might otherwise vaporize with heat.

2. Durability and Longevity

Hardwood might sound better, but in the sauna world, softwood is king. That’s because softwoods like cedar expand and contract without cracking under heat stress.

Western Red Cedar can last 40 to 50 years in a sauna environment. That’s decades longer than hemlock, pine, or poplar.

Our team frequently retrofits traditional saunas, and we’re always stunned by how well cedar has held up—even after 30+ years.

3. Density and Weight

You want a wood that’s dense enough to resist warping, but not so heavy that it’s difficult to install or ship. Cedar hits the sweet spot: about 23 lbs/ft³.

The optimal sauna wood density:
Between 20–25 lbs per cubic foot. Cedar sits right in this range, offering strength without weight.

Too dense, and you get cracking or resin buildup. Too light, and your sauna won’t hold together.

4. Thermal Insulation

The wood needs to get warm without overheating to the touch. Cedar is a natural insulator that distributes heat evenly and safely.

Cedar won’t burn your skin or trap heat unevenly.
That means a more comfortable experience, even during longer sessions.

5. Smell and Aesthetic

Western Red Cedar has a rich, earthy scent that elevates the entire sauna experience. It’s not just a luxury; it’s therapeutic.

The natural aroma of cedar is calming and invigorating.
You’ll actually look forward to stepping into your sauna every day.

And of course, it looks incredible—from deep reddish hues to soft amber tones, every cedar sauna is visually stunning.