Why Cedar? The Secret Ingredient to a Better Sauna

When people start researching saunas, they usually obsess over heaters, temperatures, and barrel versus cabin shapes. Wood choice tends to show up later, almost as an afterthought. That’s a mistake.

The wood is the sauna.

It determines how heat feels, how the space smells, how long the structure lasts, and whether your sauna ages gracefully or turns into an expensive outdoor regret. Among all available options, cedar continues to stand apart not because it’s trendy, but because it solves real problems that saunas create.

There’s a reason traditional sauna cultures relied on softwoods like cedar and why modern builders who care about longevity still do.

cedar wood barrel sauna with black trim and open door

What Makes a Wood “Sauna-Worthy”?

A sauna environment is brutal. High heat, constant temperature swings, humidity, sweat, and repeated expansion and contraction will expose weak materials fast.

The best sauna wood must:

Handle extreme heat without warping
Resist moisture and decay
Stay comfortable to the touch
Avoid releasing harsh odors or chemicals
Age well over years, not months

Cedar checks every one of those boxes without requiring treatments, stains, or synthetic coatings.

Why Cedar Is the Gold Standard for Saunas

1) Natural Resistance to Moisture and Decay

Cedar contains natural oils that repel moisture, insects, and mold. In a sauna, this matters more than almost anything else.

Where other woods absorb water and begin to break down, cedar stays dimensionally stable. That means fewer cracks, less warping, and a structure that holds its shape season after season.

This is especially important in Oregon, where damp winters test every outdoor structure eventually.

outdoor sauna with cedar backrest and snowy environment outside

2) Comfort at High Heat

Ever touched a metal bench in the sun and instantly regretted your life choices? Cedar behaves differently.

Cedar remains cool enough to sit on even at high temperatures. It doesn’t retain or radiate heat aggressively, which makes benches, backrests, and walls far more comfortable during longer sauna sessions.

This is one of those details people don’t appreciate until they experience it.

3) Aroma That Actually Enhances Relaxation

Cedar’s natural scent isn’t cosmetic. It has a measurable calming effect and contributes to the overall sauna experience.

The aroma is:

Clean, not overpowering
Naturally antimicrobial
Calming without feeling artificial

Unlike treated woods or composite materials, cedar doesn’t off-gas chemicals when heated. What you smell is the wood itself, not a finish or adhesive breaking down under heat.

4) Thermal Performance and Heat Stability

Cedar is an excellent insulator. It helps your sauna heat evenly and maintain consistent temperatures without forcing your heater to work overtime.

That translates to:

Faster heat-up times
More stable sessions
Lower energy consumption
Less strain on heating components

Good wood doesn’t fight your heater. It works with it.

5) Durability Without Chemical Treatments

Many woods can survive outdoors only if they’re pressure-treated, sealed, or coated. Those treatments are fine for decks. They’re not ideal for a space designed to hit 180°F.

Cedar requires none of that. Its durability is natural, which is exactly what you want in an enclosed heat environment.

outdoor cedar wood sauna in winter covered with snow

Why Cedar Matters More in Outdoor Saunas

Indoor saunas already live easier lives. Outdoor saunas face:

Rain
Snow
UV exposure
Freezing temperatures
Rapid seasonal swings

Cedar’s resistance to rot and dimensional instability makes it uniquely suited for outdoor barrel saunas and backyard wellness setups. It expands and contracts predictably, reducing stress on joints and fasteners.

That’s why cedar barrel saunas have become the preferred choice for outdoor installations across the Pacific Northwest.

Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing

Not all cedar is created equal. Responsibly sourced cedar supports long-term forest health and reduces unnecessary waste.

Quality builders prioritize:

Select-grade lumber
Minimal sapwood
Tight, consistent grain
Responsible harvesting practices

This results in fewer defects, better structural integrity, and a finished product that doesn’t rely on excess material to compensate for poor selection.

Craftsmanship Still Matters

Even the best wood can be ruined by careless construction.

Handcrafted cedar saunas emphasize:

Precision joinery
Proper airflow design
Balanced stave tension
Smooth, splinter-free finishes

At Ember Saunas, cedar isn’t treated as a commodity material. Boards are selected, oriented, and assembled with intention. Grain direction matters. Fit matters. The result is a sauna that feels solid, quiet, and refined once it heats up.

You notice it the first time the door closes with a soft thud instead of a rattle.

woman relaxing in steamy cedar wood barrel outdoor sauna

How Cedar Shapes the Sauna Experience

People often describe cedar saunas as feeling “calmer” or “softer.” That’s not imagination.

Cedar contributes to:

Even radiant heat
Reduced harshness at higher temps
A grounded, natural atmosphere
A stronger sense of ritual and escape

It’s the difference between sitting in a hot room and settling into one.

Who Should Choose a Cedar Sauna

Cedar is ideal for:

Outdoor sauna installations
Long, high-temperature sessions
Families and shared use
Wellness-focused routines
Buyers who value longevity over shortcuts

If you want something temporary or decorative, cedar is probably overkill. If you want a sauna that becomes part of your lifestyle, it’s the right choice.

Explore Ember Cedar Saunas

Cedar is one of the biggest factors in how a sauna looks, feels, and lasts. If you’re ready to bring a handcrafted cedar sauna to your backyard, explore our builds and options below.

FAQ

Why is cedar the best wood for saunas?

Cedar resists moisture, stays comfortable at high heat, smells clean, and holds up to extreme temperature swings without chemical treatment.

Does cedar last outdoors?

Yes. Cedar’s natural oils protect it from rot and decay, making it ideal for outdoor sauna environments.

Does cedar require sealing or staining?

Typically no. Many owners allow cedar to weather naturally or apply light exterior treatments only if desired.

Is cedar safe at high temperatures?

Yes. Cedar does not release harmful fumes or chemicals when heated.

What type of cedar is best for saunas?

Western Red Cedar is the most commonly used due to its stability, aroma, and resistance to moisture.