Cedar vs Thermowood: Choosing the Best Wood for Your Barrel Sauna

If you're exploring an outdoor barrel sauna, one of the first decisions you’ll make is choosing the right wood. The material you select shapes everything — the aroma, stability, insulation performance, longevity, and even the personality of your sauna space.

Cedar and Thermowood are the two most respected choices in the premium outdoor sauna world. Both deliver beautiful results, but they offer different strengths depending on your climate, how often you use your sauna, and the overall experience you want to create.

This guide breaks down each material in clear, simple terms so you can feel confident in your decision.

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What Makes Cedar a Classic Sauna Choice?

Cedar has been used in saunas for generations — not only for its warm, inviting color but also for how naturally well it performs outdoors.

Naturally Aromatic & Calming

Cedar releases a gentle signature scent when warmed. This creates a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere the moment you step inside, enhancing the overall experience without overwhelming the senses.

Resistant to Moisture

Cedar’s cellular structure handles humidity exceptionally well. It is naturally resistant to moisture and decay, making it ideal for climates with rain, snow, or seasonal changes.

Comfortable to the Touch

Cedar warms softly and stays comfortable during longer sessions, making benches and backrests pleasant even at higher temperatures.

Ages Gracefully

Over time, cedar gently transitions into a silver-grey patina. Many homeowners appreciate this natural evolution, while others choose to oil the wood to maintain its original tone.

Best for: Those who want a classic outdoor sauna with a natural scent and a warm, timeless atmosphere.

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What Makes Thermowood a Modern Performance Favorite?

Thermowood begins as high-quality spruce or pine and is transformed through a natural heat-treatment process. This process modifies the wood at the cellular level, enhancing stability, durability, and outdoor performance.

Enhanced Stability in Outdoor Conditions

The heat-curing process reduces moisture and resin, resulting in wood that is exceptionally stable and less prone to shrinking, swelling, or warping. This makes Thermowood especially suitable for regions with significant temperature swings.

Performs Well in Extreme Weather

Whether exposed to heat, cold, or humidity, Thermowood maintains its form with minimal movement. This contributes to a longer-lasting structure with low maintenance requirements.

Rich, Modern Visual Appeal

Thermowood develops a deep brown tone that feels clean and contemporary. This rich color often pairs beautifully with modern outdoor spaces and maintains its appearance with minimal upkeep.

Environmentally Considerate Treatment

The heat-treatment process relies solely on heat and steam, with no added chemicals. This creates a clean option for outdoor wellness structures while enhancing durability.

Best for: Homeowners who want superior stability, low maintenance, and a modern visual aesthetic.

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Cedar vs Thermowood: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Cedar	Thermowood
Aesthetic	Warm red tones; ages to silver-grey	Rich, deep brown; modern and consistent
Aroma	Soft natural fragrance when warmed	Neutral scent
Stability	Excellent but can shift slightly over time	Superior stability; very resistant to warping
Weather Resistance	Naturally moisture-resistant	Exceptional — improved by heat treatment
Maintenance	Low; optional oiling	Very low; color stays consistent
Longevity	Strong long-term performance	Strong long-term performance with enhanced stability

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How to Choose the Right Wood for Your Barrel Sauna

Choose Cedar if you:

• Prefer a natural aromatic scent
• Want a classic, warmly toned outdoor aesthetic
• Enjoy a softer, traditional sauna atmosphere
• Like wood that stays comfortable to the touch

Choose Thermowood if you:

• Want maximum stability in harsh or variable climates
• Prefer a rich, contemporary visual style
• Want very low maintenance requirements
• Value long-lasting structural performance

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A Simple Way to Decide

Ask yourself what kind of experience you want every time you step into your sauna. If you’re drawn to a warm, traditional, naturally fragrant space, cedar may feel more aligned. If you prefer a sleek, modern look with exceptional durability, Thermowood may be the better fit.

Both woods deliver excellent performance — the right choice comes down to your climate, aesthetic preferences, and the atmosphere you want to create.