Shopping for a sauna is so exciting - you can already picture yourself relaxing and unwinding after a long, stressful day from the comfort of your own spa-like oasis! But, there’s a lot to consider in choosing the perfect sauna, including materials.
We see hemlock vs cedar sauna materials compared often, and the stakes are higher than most people realize. Sure, the sauna heater you use shapes how the heat feels. But your materials impact heat retention, comfort, longevity, maintenance, and of course, cost.
So, which is right for you between a cedar vs hemlock sauna? We’re here to unpack the benefits and considerations of both materials side by side, leaving you with complete clarity on the ideal choice.
We almost always recommend cedar over hemlock - and it’s easy to see why. It has a natural resistance to rot, insects, and decay, and although it’s more expensive than hemlock, its longer lifespan means it offers better value for the money. These saunas just look beautiful, too!
Hemlock might work fine for an indoor sauna, but most of our outdoor saunas for sale are made from cedar for a reason. Learn more about the hemlock vs cedar sauna debate below, or get in touch with our customer service team for a personalized recommendation now!
| Cedar | Hemlock | |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Resistance | Highly resistant to mold, moisture, and insects without treatment | Moderate resistance; may require sealing or treatment for long-term durability |
| Aroma | Distinct, pleasant scent to enhance the sauna experience | Neutral smell; good for those with sensitivities or allergies |
| Surface Feel | Textured grain with rich character | Smooth, splinter-resistant surface that feels soft to the touch |
| Aesthetic | Warm, reddish tones that darken over time | Light, blonde tones for a clean, modern look |
| Heat Tolerance | Excellent insulation; handles high heat and humidity with ease | Good insulation but may retain slightly less heat over long sessions |
| Environmental Impact | Sustainably harvested Western Red Cedar is eco-friendly and renewable | Also a renewable wood, generally grown domestically and sustainably |
| Maintenance | Low-maintenance and long-lasting with minimal upkeep | May need regular treatment to avoid warping or discoloration |
| Initial Cost | Higher upfront cost, better long term value | More affordable for entry-level saunas |
| Best Use Case | Luxury indoor saunas or any outdoor saunas | Budget indoor saunas or modern interior styling |
Benefits of Cedar Saunas
Cedar has long been one of the most trusted sauna woods even though it’s priced at a premium. People are willing to pay more for its durability, stunning appearance, and superior heat retention compared to the alternatives. Here’s why it’s the no-brainer choice:
Natural Resistance to Moisture, Mold, and Insects
This may not matter if you install your sauna indoors, but the wood contains natural oils that repel moisture and prevent mold and mildew from growing. These same oils make the lumber naturally resistant to insects, so you won’t have to worry about them destroying your sauna.
This built-in protection helps extend the life of the structure with less need for chemical treatment or maintenance. It’s an investment in peace of mind for outdoor installations, especially in humid climates.
Aromatic Properties That Elevate the Sauna Experience
Cedar wood also brings a distinct, woodsy scent to your sauna ritual. It becomes more pronounced with heat, which can have a relaxing, grounding effect on your sauna sessions. It’s subtle but unmistakable.
Cedar Ages Gracefully Over Time
Cedar shifts from its original reddish hue to a soft silver-gray over time, especially in outdoor setups. The best part is this aging has no impact on the performance or safety of your sauna. It’s just a beautiful mark of character that many people love and choose not to paint over.
Cedar holds up well from a structural standpoint even after years of use, with less warping or cracking compared to cheaper woods. It’s impossible to beat the longevity of cedar saunas.
Benefits of Hemlock Saunas
Hemlock may not be the mainstream choice cedar is, but it’s become a popular budget-friendly alternative to cedar, especially for indoor infrared or electric saunas. It has a clean, natural aesthetic and can perform reliably if it’s protected from the outdoor elements.
Smooth, Non-Allergenic Surface
Don’t get us wrong, we definitelyprefer the rich aroma cedar brings to the experience. But aromatic woods can trigger sensitivities in some users. Hemlock is hypoallergenic and free from strong natural oils or resins, so it’s a good choice in some cases.
Lighter Color Palette for a Modern, Bright Aesthetic
Hemlock’s pale blond tones reflect light and give the sauna a brighter, more open appearance. It works really well in smaller spaces or interiors where you’re going for a clean, airy look. Its smooth grain also makes it easy to stain or finish if you want to personalize the sauna’s vibe.
Lower Cost Without Sacrificing Performance
By far the most common reason people end up choosing hemlock as their sauna material is cost. It performs pretty well in controlled environments like indoor saunas and infrared cabins - though you’ll miss out on the same natural protections as cedar.
Still, hemlock strikes a solid balance between quality and affordability, at least upfront. Cedar saunas do tend to outlast their hemlock counterparts, for what it’s worth. So you may end up paying more in the long run.
Hemlock vs Cedar Sauna: Which Material is Better?
The type of wood you choose for your sauna isn’t just a design decision. It shapes the longevity, performance, and comfort of the space, from the wood handles high heat and moisture to how it smells and feels.
Certain woods expand and contract under heat, some resist mold better than others, and some introduce chemical concerns you’d rather avoid altogether. So, how do the hemlock vs cedar sauna stack up side by side? Let’s take a closer look below.
Heat Tolerance and Insulation Efficiency
Cedar holds a clear edge when it comes to heat performance because its cellular structure provides exceptional insulation. In other words, the sauna heats up faster and stays warm longer with less energy. Translation: cost savings on your monthly electricity bill.
The best part is cedar stays cool to the touch even in high temperatures, so you won’t have to worry about being uncomfortable as you kick back and relax in your space.
Hemlock, on the other hand, doesn’t insulate quite as well. We also see a lot of complaints about this material’s hot spots. People say it can warm unevenly, which is obviously not ideal.
Resistance to Cracking, Warping, and Shrinking
As we touched on already, cedar is naturally stable and less prone to warping, cracking, or shrinking over time, even with constant exposure to heat and moisture. This is one of its biggest selling points: durability.
Hemlock is a softwood, so even though it’s kiln-dried for stability, it’s more sensitive to humidity changes. It’s far more likely to show movement over the years, especially if you install it outdoors in a harsh, fluctuating climate.
Ease of Maintenance and Cleaning Requirements
Both cedar and hemlock are fairly low-maintenance, but cedar is more forgiving over time because it’s naturally resistant to mildew, rot, and insects. You won’t have to worry nearly as much about upkeep or long-term damage.
Hemlock requires more diligent cleaning and care to prevent discoloration, odor buildup, and potential mold if moisture lingers in the boards too long. So while you may save money upfront, you’ll spend more time maintaining it. That’s the trade-off.
Smell and Sensory Experience
The vibe you want in your wellness sanctuary could be the deciding factor between a hemlock vs cedar sauna, at least to some extent.
Cedar’s distinctive scent is one of its defining qualities. The wood gives off a naturally calming, spa-like aroma that enhances the sauna ritual for many users.
In contrast, hemlock is odorless. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. It just means you won’t get the same immersive aromatic experience that cedar brings to your sauna sessions.
Environmental Sustainability
We want to be clear - there’s not necessarily an advantage for one or the other between cedar vs hemlock sauna materials across the board. The best sauna brands take an ethical, sustainable approach to sourcing their materials, no matter what they are.
Both cedar and hemlock can be are harvested from sustainable forests. Western red cedar, in particular, is often FSC-certified and grows in abundance in North America.
That said, hemlock has a habit of growing faster and tends to be more widely available. It may have a lower environmental footprint in some cases.
Cost Considerations
Now, how much is a sauna going to cost you? This is where there’s an obvious edge in favor of the hemlock vs cedar sauna. It’s the more budget-friendly material, so you’ll find it in entry-level and mid-range sauna builds. It has solid structural integrity relative to its price point.
But, there’s no denying the value for the money a cedar sauna brings to your space. It’s priced at a premium, but you’re getting stronger performance, durability, and, in our opinion, a better overall experience. It’s well worth the extra money if you’re serious about this investment.
Which Wood Is Better for Outdoor vs Indoor Use?
To some extent, choosing between a hemlock vs cedar sauna comes down to whether you’re building an indoor vs outdoor sauna. You have more freedom to choose between cedar or hemlock if you’re installing the structure indoors.
But if your sauna will be placed outdoors, you can’t afford to cut corners. You need cedar for its weather resistance, dimensional stability, and resistance to rot and insects. It handles moisture fluctuations far better than hemlock and will last way longer outdoors without degradation.
The Perfect Sauna is a Few Clicks Away at Nordica Sauna
Nordica Sauna specializes in helping people bring authentic, high-performance sauna experiences into their homes. Whether you’re just starting your sauna journey or upgrading to a premium setup, we make the process simple, transparent, and guided by real expertise.
We carry a curated selection of full sauna kits and accessories from the top manufacturers in the industry - ranging from the traditional sauna style to an infrared sauna for sale. Most of our saunas are crafted from sustainably sourced cedar, aspen, or spruce.
Our team is available to answer detailed questions about heater compatibility, EMF levels, wood performance, and installation logistics. You also gain access to the lowest prices online thanks to our price-matching policy, and we offer hassle-free financing.
Take our sauna quiz and get matched with the right setup based on your space, preferences, and wellness goals. Put the guesswork and stress behind you today with Nordica Sauna!
Closing Thoughts on the Cedar vs Hemlock Sauna Comparison
That does it for our hemlock vs cedar sauna comparison. We hope this overview has left you with ocmplete clarity on the benefits both have to offer, and more importantly, which aligns with your preferences, needs, and budget.
Hemlock has its place as a budget-friendly material for indoor saunas. But cedar is better in just about every other way aside from cost. You can’t beat its natural durability, signature aroma, stunning aesthetic, and better resistance to moisture and aging.
Our blog has more resources on the different types of saunas and sauna dimensions if you want more guidance on picking the perfect sauna. But why not simplify the decision by taking our quiz below or connecting with our experts for one-on-one support?
Bring the benefits of sauna therapy into your space today with our help at Nordica Sauna!
