Heat-treated sauna paneling offers significant advantages compared to untreated wood. Heat treatment improves the wood’s moisture resistance, reduces movement and shrinkage, and makes the material more durable in the varying conditions of a sauna. The process naturally changes the wood’s structure without chemicals, making it a safer choice. The treatment also gives the wood a stylish dark color tone and pleasant aroma.
What does heat treatment do to sauna paneling?
Heat treatment thoroughly changes the wood’s structure using controlled heat and steam. The process begins with drying the lumber at 100 degrees, after which the temperature is slowly raised to 175–210 degrees for 1.5–3 days depending on the wood species and thickness.
During treatment, water and resin are removed from the wood, which permanently changes its chemical structure. Steam acts as protection by preventing the wood from cracking and igniting while affecting the chemical changes occurring in the wood. This process makes the wood more stable and less susceptible to moisture-induced changes.
Heat treatment reduces the wood’s ability to bind moisture, which is particularly important in sauna conditions. Treated wood reacts less to moisture fluctuations, meaning less movement, shrinkage, and warping over time.
Why does heat-treated sauna paneling resist moisture better?
Heat treatment reduces the wood’s moisture-binding capacity by up to 50 percent by permanently changing the structure of the wood cells. When the wood’s hemicellulose breaks down during treatment, the wood loses its ability to absorb moisture as effectively as untreated wood.
In a sauna, where humidity varies from extremely dry to very moist, this property is invaluable. Untreated wood swells when wet and shrinks when dry, which can cause cracks, warping, and gaps opening between panels.
Heat-treated sauna paneling remains stable in these conditions. It doesn’t move as much, which means a more even surface and less maintenance needs. This makes it a particularly suitable choice for sauna walls and ceilings, where moisture fluctuations are greatest.
Is heat-treated sauna paneling safer than untreated?
Heat-treated sauna paneling is a safer choice because the manufacturing process is completely non-toxic and ecological. The treatment uses only heat and steam, no chemicals or toxins.
Untreated wood may contain natural resins and saps that can seep to the surface in the heat of the sauna. Heat treatment removes these substances during the process, making the surface cleaner and less sticky.
From an allergy perspective, heat-treated wood is often a better option because the treatment reduces allergenic substances in the wood. The process preserves the wood’s natural antimicrobial properties but removes potentially irritating compounds.
Heat-treated aspen and alder are particularly good for saunas because they are naturally knot-free and resin-free. After treatment, they don’t heat up as intensely as untreated wood, making them more pleasant for skin contact.
How does heat-treated sauna paneling look and feel compared to untreated?
Heat treatment colors the wood a stylish brown and gives it a luxurious, deep tone. This color change occurs evenly throughout the entire wood, unlike surface treatments that can wear away over time.
The surface feel is smoother and more even than untreated wood. Heat treatment reduces the wood’s tendency to fiber and makes the surface more pleasant to touch. The wood feels drier and less sticky, even when the sauna has high humidity.
In terms of aroma, heat-treated wood has acquired a pleasant wood scent that is softer and less intense than the smell of untreated wood. It doesn’t emit strong resin odors that can feel oppressive in a small sauna space.
Visually, heat-treated sauna paneling creates a warm and peaceful atmosphere. Its dark, even color works well with modern sauna design and gives the space a luxurious appearance that remains beautiful for years.
When choosing sauna paneling, the heat-treated option offers the best combination of durability, safety, and aesthetics. We at Pieksäwood heat-treat all our quality wood products in our own modern facility in Pieksämäki, which ensures consistent quality and domestic expertise in every panel. Contact our experts and ask more about heat-treated sauna panels.