[Martillo]

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.

 

[lenaitch]

Doesn't everybody use cedar for the insides of saunas?

 

[kwikfishron]

Western Red Cedar or Redwood would be my choice.

I see you're across the pond, not sure what's available to you over there.
Call a local sauna retailer and ask what they use.

 

[Nealtw]

What is the best wood for a sauna? - Blog - Warm Timber Saunas & Wine Cellars

 

[Martillo]

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?

 

[Nealtw]

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.

 

[Martillo]

I have helped carry a few pre built ones and everything is red cedar in them.

Thanks Nealtw

 

[kwikfishron]

Scroll down a bit in the link, this Red Cedar Decking is what you should look for to build a bench.

Cedar Decking | Cedar Wood Decking | Timber Ireland

A deck made with Real Cedar, one of the world’s most beautiful woods, is apt to be one of the best-looking decks in the neighborhood. But Real Cedar decks have much more going for them than good looks alone. Discover all about Cedar Decking at Timber Ireland!

timberireland.ie

 

[lenaitch]

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.

 

[Martillo]

Thanks fellas, appreciate that

 

[chandler48]

Cedar is the standard, but if you are lucky enough to find Cypress, it will be the boss. Not affected by the heat and moisture, and will last a lifetime.