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Wood For Sauna Bench

2.4K views 10 replies 5 participants last post by  chandler48  
#1 ·
What's the best type of wood to use for a sauna bench?

Im looking for something that doesn't get too hot and will be smooth for sitting on. Something that is smooth to touch on the skin. I hear pine can get very hot and should be avoided for benches.
 
#6 ·
I'm guessing cedar is the consesnus. I know it's great for the cabin and structure.
Just wasn't sure if it was the way to go for the benches as well.

According to this - Red cedar for sauna - there's a lot of reasons you should be using cedar. But it doesn't specifically refer to benches.

Have you guys done a sauna diy with cedar wood?
I have helped carry a few pre built ones and everything is red cedar in them.
 
#8 ·
Scroll down a bit in the link, this Red Cedar Decking is what you should look for to build a bench.
 
#9 ·
According to the Internet, Western Red Cedar is available in Ireland. Apparently it has been successfully introduced to Europe and Britain. Cedar has oils that resist rot and mould. It also sands nice and smooth. Spruce and pine has sap, which may leach out out in the sauna environment. Also, if it is anything like over here, spruce-pine-fir is construction grade and I'm not sure I'd want to build a bench for my unprotected sensitives out of it. It can sometimes warp quite significantly. You can buy clear pine but it would be pricy, might not be widely available, and it's still pine.