The wood your sauna is built from affects how it smells, how long it lasts, and whether it can live outdoors. The three you'll see most are red cedar, hemlock, and mahogany. Here's how to choose.
Western Red Cedar
The classic premium sauna wood. Sourced on the west coast of British Columbia, red cedar is prized for its rich aroma, beautiful grain, and natural resistance to moisture and decay. It's stable under heat and simply feels luxurious.
Best for: buyers who want the traditional aromatic sauna experience and a premium look.
Trade-off: usually the most expensive option.
Canadian Hemlock
The value champion. Hemlock is smooth, pale, and clean-looking, with good durability and a very neutral, low scent — ideal if you're sensitive to strong wood aromas. It's the most common wood in quality indoor saunas because it balances performance and price.
Best for: indoor use, allergy-conscious buyers, and best overall value.
Trade-off: less naturally weather-resistant than cedar or mahogany — keep it indoors.
Mahogany
The outdoor workhorse. Sitvera's mahogany is sourced from the Central African coast and chosen specifically because it withstands humid, coastal-style heat and weather. That makes it the go-to for outdoor saunas that face rain, sun, and temperature swings.
Best for: outdoor saunas and strong weather resistance.
Trade-off: premium pricing, matched by premium durability.
Quick comparison
| Wood | Aroma | Weather resistance | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Cedar | Rich, aromatic | High | $$$ |
| Hemlock | Very low | Indoor only | $$ |
| Mahogany | Mild | Very high | $$$ |
How to choose
Indoors and value-focused? Hemlock. Want the classic aromatic experience? Red cedar. Building a backyard retreat? Mahogany — see the outdoor collection. Compare every wood option in the Sitvera collection.