Article: Western Red Cedar vs Other Timbers: The Best Wood for Your Sauna
Western Red Cedar vs Other Timbers: The Best Wood for Your Sauna
When most people imagine the perfect sauna, they picture that rich aromatic warmth, the smooth natural timber, and the calming spa-like atmosphere. What many don’t realise is that the timber you choose is the single biggest factor in how your sauna feels, performs, and lasts—especially outdoors in Australia’s demanding climate.
Many sauna suppliers cut costs by offering cheaper timbers such as pine, spruce, thermowood, and even Japanese rustic cedar (sugi). While the price tag may look appealing, the long-term performance often doesn’t measure up.
At Elevate Saunas, we take a different approach. We choose premium clear-grade, sustainably sourced, FSC® certified Canadian Western Red Cedar, because it delivers a sauna experience that is genuinely superior in comfort, longevity, and thermal performance.
Below, we break down the differences clearly so you can make an informed decision.
Western Red Cedar vs Other Sauna Timbers: A Clear Comparison
Why we exclusively build our saunas from genuine Canadian Western Red Cedar
1. Durability (Outdoors)
| Timber | Rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Western Red Cedar | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent natural rot resistance; ideal for long-term outdoor use. |
| Pine | ⭐⭐ | Low–moderate durability; can deteriorate quickly outdoors. |
| Spruce | ⭐⭐ | Moderate; sensitive to moisture and movement. |
| Thermowood | ⭐⭐⭐ | Improved durability due to heat treatment. |
| Japanese Cedar (Sugi) | ⭐⭐⭐️ | Varies by grade; moderate overall. |
2. Stability (Heat & Humidity)
| Timber | Rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Western Red Cedar | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Highly stable; minimal warping or cracking in sauna temperatures. |
| Pine | ⭐⭐ | Prone to swelling, warping, and expansion. |
| Spruce | ⭐⭐ | Susceptible to cupping and cracking under heat cycles. |
| Thermowood | ⭐⭐⭐ | Stable but can become brittle over time. |
| Japanese Cedar (Sugi) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Fair stability; knots may affect heat behaviour. |
3. Touch Comfort
| Timber | Rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Western Red Cedar | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Smooth and stays cool to the touch; very comfortable. |
| Pine | ⭐⭐ | Resin pockets reduce comfort and consistency. |
| Spruce | ⭐⭐ | Less smooth; can roughen with age. |
| Thermowood | ⭐⭐⭐ | Dry, firm feel; less inviting than cedar. |
| Japanese Cedar (Sugi) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Generally smooth, but knots can warm unevenly. |
4. Aroma
| Timber | Rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Western Red Cedar | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Iconic spa-like cedar aroma; warm and calming. |
| Pine | ⭐ | Very mild scent. |
| Spruce | ⭐ | Light and subtle. |
| Thermowood | ⭐ | Neutral; little to no aroma. |
| Japanese Cedar (Sugi) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Mild, floral fragrance. |
5. Treatment Required
| Timber | Treatment? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Western Red Cedar | No | Naturally durable; no artificial treatment necessary. |
| Pine | Yes | Often requires protective treatment or coating. |
| Spruce | Yes | Usually treated to improve longevity. |
| Thermowood | Yes – heat modified | Durability is achieved through industrial heat processing. |
| Japanese Cedar (Sugi) | No | Naturally resistant but not as durable as cedar. |
6. Overall Sauna Performance
| Timber | Rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Western Red Cedar | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Premium; best all-round performance for indoor & outdoor saunas. |
| Pine | ⭐⭐ | Entry-level; suited to light indoor use. |
| Spruce | ⭐⭐ | Mid-range; performs acceptably indoors. |
| Thermowood | ⭐⭐⭐ | Durable but less natural warmth or character. |
| Japanese Cedar (Sugi) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Knotty and rustic; moderate performance overall. |
Why Western Red Cedar Outperforms Every Other Timber
1. Engineered by Nature for Heat & Moisture
Western Red Cedar has an exceptionally low density and a unique cell structure that make it naturally insulating. This means:
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It heats efficiently
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Stays comfortable to sit against
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Doesn’t overheat or burn skin
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Expands and contracts far less than cheaper alternatives
Pine, spruce, and sugi simply can’t match this level of stability—especially outdoors, where humidity changes constantly.
2. Built to Survive Australian Outdoor Conditions
Australia’s climate is unforgiving. Between harsh UV, humidity swings, coastal air, and extreme temperatures, outdoor sauna timber needs to be exceptionally tough.
Western Red Cedar resists:
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Rot
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Decay
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Warping
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Cracking
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Pest attack
And it does this without any chemical or artificial treatment.
Timbers like pine and spruce require protective treatments, while thermowood depends on industrial heat modification to achieve basic durability.
Sugi performs reasonably well indoors but lacks the consistent long-term weather resistance that Western Red Cedar is known for.
3. The Aroma of a True, Traditional Sauna
Western Red Cedar releases a natural, soothing aroma that is recognised worldwide as the hallmark of a premium sauna. It creates a relaxing, spa-like environment that cheaper timbers simply don’t offer.
Japanese Rustic Cedar (Sugi) has a floral scent of its own, but it does not deliver that classic global standard sauna aroma.
4. A Premium Look and Feel—Even After Years of Use
Western Red Cedar ages gracefully. Its fine grain, warm colours, and smooth texture retain beauty for decades with minimal maintenance. Knotted or lower-grade timbers often develop:
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Cracks
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Resin leaks
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Discolouration
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Hot spots
Why Elevate Saunas Uses Only Western Red Cedar
Many sauna manufacturers offer pine, spruce, thermowood, or Japanese cedar to reduce material costs. But these short-term savings often compromise:
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Structural longevity
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Indoor air quality
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User comfort
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Thermal performance
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Aesthetic appeal
At Elevate Saunas, we simply refuse to make that trade-off.
We choose Western Red Cedar because it offers:
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The longest lifespan of any commonly used sauna timber
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The best performance in Australia’s climate
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The most luxurious, traditional sauna experience
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The lowest long-term maintenance requirements
And we’re proud to offer it at an accessible price, despite our higher material investment.
Because a sauna isn’t just a purchase—it’s an investment in your wellbeing for years to come.
Conclusion: Choose the Sauna That Will Last a Lifetime
If you want a sauna that looks beautiful, performs flawlessly, and stands strong in Australian conditions, nothing compares to genuine Western Red Cedar.
This is why Elevate Saunas continues to exclusively build with it while others may cut corners.
When you choose an Elevate sauna, you’re choosing:
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Authenticity
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Longevity
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Comfort
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Value
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A truly premium wellness experience
You and your sauna deserve nothing less.
Ready for the Real Cedar Experience?
Discover our Canadian Cedar Range
