Physical features:
Canadian Western Red Cedar (Thuja Plicata) is renowned for its natural beauty and outstanding physical properties that make it one of the world's most unique softwood species. This exceptionally beautiful wood has natural colouring in mellow ambers, reddish cinnamons and rich sienna browns. Here's why it is the best choice for sauna construction.
Dimensional Stability:
Western Red Cedar is a lightweight and dimensionally stable wood that lies flat and stays straight, which means it resists the natural tendency to crack or warp, as you might find with many other wood species. It has a fine, straight grain and uniform texture that make it easy to cut, saw and nail with regular tools. This dimensional stability makes it perfectly suited to a variety of uses in high moisture areas such as bathrooms and saunas.
Thermal Insulating Properties:
Western Red Cedar is incredibly thermal coefficient, meaning it will retain heat. This is why Western Red Cedar is such a good wood for saunas -- it doesn't burn your "derriere" because it has one of the lowest thermal diffusivity values of any wood species. The main reason for Western Red Cedar having this property is its low specific gravity, and its high extractives content.
Natural Resistance:
The excellent natural durability of Western Red Cedar heartwood is recognized throughout the world as being one of the most durable species in the marketplace. Western Red Cedar "heart wood" contains natural oils that act as preservatives to help the wood resist insect attack and decay. Cedar is naturally bacterial, fungal and mold resistant. This is especially important in sauna construction, where moisture and heat combine to create an ideal environment for decay, bacteria and mold. These properties make Cedar the most popular material for saunas.
Aroma:
Naturally occurring organic compounds called (thujaplicins), give off that distinct cedar aroma that is pleasant to humans but a deterrent to insects, moths and other wood pests. The Cedar used in sauna construction is therapeutically aromatic, is generally satisfying to the senses and provides a true relaxing experience.
Maintenance:
Western Red Cedar contains water-soluble extractives that contribute to its color, durability and aroma. The exterior requires no ongoing maintaenance, although you may choose to oil, wax or varnish the exterior for added protection from the elements and to preserve the natural red hues. Equally many will simply leave to age naturally and enjoy the gental mellowing of the reds gradually into a silvery grey.
