The best wood species for sauna bench structures are aspen and alder due to their excellent properties. These wood species do not heat up excessively during sauna use, do not become sticky when used, and withstand the humid conditions of the sauna well. When heat-treated, aspen and alder offer even better durability and an elegant appearance. Heat-treated radiata pine is also a good alternative for sauna bench wood due to its durability.
Which wood species are best suited for sauna bench structures?
The wood species best suited for sauna bench structures are aspen, alder, and heat-treated radiata pine. These wood species meet the most important criteria set for bench wood: low thermal conductivity, non-stickiness, and good durability in humid conditions. Aspen and alder are particularly excellent choices for sauna bench structures.
One of the most important properties of good bench wood is low thermal conductivity, as sitting comfort is important in a hot sauna. Aspen and alder conduct heat poorly, so they feel pleasant on the skin even at high temperatures. Additionally, the surface of these wood species does not become sticky during use, which is an important safety and comfort factor.
Sauna bench structures must withstand constant moisture and temperature fluctuations. Aspen, alder, and heat-treated radiata pine maintain their shape and properties well in these conditions. They also do not contain resin, which could cause unpleasant stickiness or burns in a hot sauna.
Why is aspen a popular choice for sauna bench structures?
Aspen is a popular choice for sauna bench structures because it conducts heat poorly, stays pleasantly cool to the touch even in a hot sauna, and does not become sticky during use. Finnish aspen is particularly durable and uniform in quality, which means bench structures made from it last long even in challenging sauna conditions.
Finnish aspen is knot-free and resin-free, which makes it an ideal material for sauna bench structures. Aspen’s light and elegant appearance creates a fresh atmosphere in the sauna. The wood’s surface is also naturally smooth, which increases sitting comfort. Aspen has a suitably light but durable composition, so bench structures made from it have a long service life.
Aspen is also a domestic and responsibly produced wood species, which is an important selection criterion for many Finns. Domestic wood procurement supports Finnish forestry and ensures the high quality of the wood. The use of aspen in bench structures is a traditional choice that combines the best traditions of Finnish sauna culture with modern quality requirements.
How does alder differ from other sauna wood species?
Alder differs from other sauna wood species particularly due to its beautiful reddish hue and excellent moisture resistance. It does not heat up excessively in the sauna, maintains its shape well in varying humidity conditions, and withstands the humid conditions of the sauna excellently. Alder is a traditional and valued choice in Finnish saunas.
Alder’s reddish hue brings a warm and luxurious atmosphere to the sauna. This natural color is preserved and even deepens over time, which adds to the sauna’s visual appeal. Alder is uniform in structure and smooth-surfaced, which makes it feel pleasant against the skin even in hot sauna conditions.
In Finnish saunas, alder has been used for centuries, and it has a strong position as a traditional sauna wood. Its natural properties make it an excellent choice especially for traditional saunas, where authentic materials and traditions are valued. Alder also does not leak resin or other substances that could irritate the skin or interfere with the sauna experience.
What benefits does heat treatment provide for sauna bench wood?
Heat treatment significantly improves the properties of sauna bench wood by making it less hygroscopic, more durable, and darker in shade. Thanks to heat treatment, the wood maintains its shape better in the sauna’s varying humidity conditions, which extends the service life of bench structures and reduces the need for maintenance.
In heat treatment, lumber is first dried completely by raising its temperature to 100 degrees. After this, the temperature is slowly raised to 175-210 degrees for 1.5-3 days depending on the wood species and desired shade. Water vapor and hot air are used in the process. During treatment, water and resin are removed from the wood, which changes the wood’s structure and colors it an elegant brown.
Heat treatment is a completely non-toxic and ecological process that uses no chemicals – only heat and water vapor. High-quality heat-treated wood products for saunas are excellent choices for sauna bench structures, as they combine the natural good properties of these wood species with the benefits brought by heat treatment. The result is a durable, beautiful, and pleasantly fragrant material that is excellently suited for demanding sauna conditions.
How do you choose the right wood species for your sauna?
When choosing the right wood species for your sauna, consider the type of sauna (indoor or outdoor), frequency of use, and your own preferences regarding appearance and atmosphere. Aspen and alder, both heat-treated and untreated, are excellently suited for indoor saunas. For outdoor saunas, heat-treated wood species are especially recommended due to their better moisture resistance.
If you use the sauna frequently, it’s worth choosing a particularly durable material, such as heat-treated aspen or alder. This way you ensure that the bench structures last long and maintain their pleasant properties even with frequent use. For a less frequently used sauna, untreated aspen or alder may also be suitable, as these are also durable options.
High-quality sauna wood can be recognized by even coloring, neat planing marks, and careful finishing. Quality-manufactured bench structures are usually hand-inspected, so you can be sure of their high quality. Favor domestic, responsibly produced materials that are manufactured with expertise. This way you get high-quality and long-lasting bench structures for your sauna that provide pleasant sauna moments for years to come.
We at Pieksäwood manufacture high-quality sauna bench woods from aspen and alder, both heat-treated and without treatment. All our products are manufactured in Pieksämäki, Finland, where we control the entire production chain from sawmill to heat treatment and planing. We saw Finnish aspen at our own sawmill, heat-treat the wood in our modern heat treatment facility, and plane the products carefully, ensuring a high-quality result for every sauna. Explore successful sauna project references and get ideas for your sauna.