Hemlock vs. Cedar Wood: Choosing the Best for Your Elite Sauna

Hemlock vs. Cedar Wood: Choosing the Best for Your Elite Sauna

When investing in an elite sauna, the wood you choose plays a big role in its performance, durability, and comfort. Two of the most popular options are hemlock and cedar. Both have unique characteristics that make them suitable for indoor sauna and outdoor sauna builds — but they differ in appearance, scent, maintenance, and long-term value.

Below, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each wood type so you can decide which is the better fit for your dream sauna.

Why Wood Choice Matters in a Sauna

When shopping for an elite sauna, wood type shouldn't be overlooked. Actually, its one of the most crucial things to reflect on. Your sauna's wood type plays a central role for, heat insulation, sauna durability, aroma as well as maintenance.

Here's what you should consider

Hemlock Wood for Saunas

Hemlock is a light-colored, fine-grained wood that offers a clean, modern aesthetic. It’s often chosen for elite sauna interiors when a contemporary look is desired.

Benefits

• Smooth, uniform appearance – Hemlock has straight grain and minimal knots, giving it a sleek finish perfect for modern spa designs. An elegant and refined look for sauna enthusiasts.
• Low aroma – Ideal for people sensitive to strong scents.
• Good heat retention – Holds warmth well, distributes heat uniformly and maintains temperature excellently. It's perfect for long sauna sessions. 
• Cost-effective – Often less expensive than cedar, making it a budget-friendly option for large builds.

Drawbacks

• Lower natural resistance to decay – Unlike cedar, hemlock isn’t naturally rot-resistant. It’s best for indoor sauna installations where exposure to moisture is controlled. 
• Requires regular maintenance – Needs sealing and proper ventilation to prevent moisture damage. It is recommended to have Hemlock saunas stained annually if held outside. 
• More prone to shrinkage – Can warp slightly in high-humidity environments if not properly cared for.

Best Use Case: Hemlock is excellent for indoor saunas where environmental conditions are stable and maintenance can be easily managed.

Cedar Wood for Saunas

Cedar, especially Western Red Cedar, is one of the most popular choices for sauna construction. Its rich color and aromatic scent create a luxurious and relaxing atmosphere.

Benefits

• Natural resistance to rot and decay – Perfect for outdoor sauna builds where exposure to moisture and varying weather is common.
• Distinctive aroma – Releases a pleasant, spa-like fragrance that many sauna users love.
• Dimensional stability – Less prone to warping or shrinking, even in fluctuating humidity.
• Insect repellent – Naturally deters pests like moths and termites. 

Drawbacks

• Higher cost – Cedar is generally more expensive than hemlock.

• Strong scent sensitivity – While many enjoy it, some users may find cedar’s aroma overwhelming.

• Color changes over time – Cedar can fade to a silvery gray outdoors if not treated.

Best Use Case: Cedar is ideal for outdoor saunas or for anyone who wants a low-maintenance, long-lasting elite sauna experience.

Which Wood Should You Choose?

• For a modern, minimalist indoor sauna: Hemlock offers a sleek look and comfortable feel at a lower price point.

• For a rustic, long-lasting outdoor sauna: Cedar’s natural weather resistance and aroma make it the gold standard.

If you’re creating an elite sauna that blends luxury with durability, cedar often wins for longevity and sensory experience. However, if budget and a clean aesthetic are your priorities — and you plan to keep the sauna indoors — hemlock is a strong contender.

Final Thoughts

When building your dream sauna, wood choice is more than an aesthetic decision — it’s an investment in comfort, performance, and longevity. Hemlock and cedar both have their strengths, but your decision should align with whether you’re designing for indoors or outdoors, your budget, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do.

For the ultimate elite sauna experience that stands the test of time, cedar is hard to beat — but in a climate-controlled, indoor sauna, hemlock delivers beauty and value.

At Elite Sauna Direct, we help sauna enthusiasts shop for the perfect addition to their personal retreat. We have a selection of top brands to choose from. Whether you are looking for elite infrared indoor sauna or outdoor traditional barrel saunas, we've got you covered.