The Cedar Advantage: A Time-Tested Solution for Saunas and Hot Tubs

When it comes to construction of sauna and hot tubs, we believe “Cedar is the Leader”!

Cedar trees can grow to be well over 1000 years old, thanks to the brilliant designs of nature. These aspects of this particular wood are why it has unique characteristics that make it stand out as the top choice building material for premium saunas and hot tubs. (Specifically, the industry-standard premium wood choice is known as clear Western Red Cedar. “Clear” refers to the lack of knots and grains in the wood.)

In this guide, we delve into the unparalleled benefits that make cedar the premier choice for sauna and hot tub construction. From its inherent anti-fungal properties to its captivating aesthetics, durability, and natural heat insulation, we will explore why cedar stands out as the best choice for your sauna or hot tub. Is Western Red Cedar a little beyond your budget? No problem - read on, as we’ll also share some more budget-friendly options. 

Naturally Durable

Cedar wood stands as the king of durable softwoods, renowned for its natural resilience against rot, decay, and insect damage, thanks to a compound called thujaplicin. This essentially acts like a natural preservative, without needing to use potentially toxic treatments or preservatives. Cedar wood is commonly used as a building material for fences, houses, and garden beds thanks to these amazing rot-resistant properties. Even when subjected to our challenging weather conditions in Canada, one of the many benefits of red cedar wood is that it reliably retains its structural integrity. When you choose cedar, we are confident that you can trust that your outdoor sauna or hot tub will withstand the test of time, providing enduring comfort and enjoyment for years to come.

Surprising Strength Meets Lightness

In addition to its durability, cedar also offers the advantage of being remarkably lightweight while maintaining impressive strength. Western Red Cedar, in particular, boasts stability and minimal shrinkage during the drying process, ensuring structural integrity without the added weight and strange warping that can occur as wood dries. Furthermore, its pitch-free composition (meaning it doesn’t have as much sap as other softwoods) adds to its appeal, guaranteeing a seamless and enduring sauna or hot tub experience.

Cedar's Timeless Beauty & Warmth

The aesthetic allure of cedar makes it the premier choice for sauna and hot tub construction, imbuing spaces with elegance and warmth. Its natural tones can add an iconic feel to your backyard, fostering an inviting ambiance that stands the test of time. Upon adding this amenity to your property, you’ll be sure to receive compliments and questions from guests and visitors alike. Cedar wood is also known to weather well and look beautiful over many years, ensuring not only durability but also an enduring symbol of sophistication for your home or vacation rental.

Luxuriously Soft, Splinterless Comfort

Cedar wood stands out for its remarkably smooth texture, ideal for enhancing the experience of sitting in a hot tub or sauna. Its softness and relatively splinter-free nature promise a comfortable and safe environment for all users. It’s much easier to sink into relaxation as you lean against cedar benches or back rests, free from worries about pesky, painful splinters from rough surfaces, when compared with other varieties of wood. 

The Eco-friendly Option

As a sustainable alternative to hot tub materials such as plastic, vinyl, and fiberglass, cedar stands out for its eco-friendly qualities. Unlike these synthetic options, cedar wood can be sourced responsibly, is a renewable resource, and is completely biodegradable, making it a more environmentally-conscious choice for sauna and hot tub construction. With its natural durability and longevity, cedar offers a sustainable solution that aligns with eco-friendly practices, ensuring your outdoor relaxation spaces are not only rejuvenating, but also environmentally conscious. 

However, in addition to our fully cedar hot tubs and cold plunge tubs, we at My Backyard Lodge also offer smaller 2-person hot tubs lined with HDPE (high density polyethylene) or 5052 marine-grade aluminum, and cold plunge tubs lined with HDPE or stainless steel. The lined tubs have much higher embodied energy (require more energy to produce) than cedar tubs, and are not biodegradable when they reach the end of their lifespan, however we recognize that customers have varying aesthetic and personal preferences. When cared for properly, cedar tubs tend to outlast conventional HDPE hot tubs and can be returned to the Earth when their time is up. The team here at My Backyard Lodge prefers the natural aesthetic of a fully cedar tub over other options. 

Naturally Repels Insects

In addition to its numerous advantages, cedar wood used in saunas and hot tubs serves as a natural bug repellent, keeping common pests like moths at bay without the need for additional chemical treatments. This innate property not only enhances the overall enjoyment of your sauna or hot tub experience but also contributes to a cleaner and more environmentally-friendly outdoor environment. Moreover, cedar's bug-repellent qualities extend beyond outdoor structures; cedar is commonly used in the construction of dressers and chests for its ability to ward off insects, making it a versatile and practical choice for various applications around the home.

Spiritual and Cultural Significance

To us, personally, at My Backyard Lodge, Western Red Cedar is a meaningful tree that represents the rich cultural heritage of the Indigenous peoples on the West Coast of Canada where we are based. First Nations communities all across Canada have used cedar in literally hundreds of different ways, from weaving with its bark, making canoes for transportation and fishing, medicinal uses, and it was even historically used to make fabric for clothes. It is traditionally known as “The Tree of Life”.  

Can you tell we’re fans of cedar yet?! 

Bonus Healing Qualities: The Fragrant Benefits of Aromatherapy

Beyond its physical attributes, cedar sauna and cedar hot tubs have wonderful-smelling aromatic qualities that offer benefits that heighten the sauna experience even further. Infused with natural oils, cedar emits a soothing “woodsy-with-spicy-citrus-notes” fragrance renowned for promoting relaxation and reducing stress. (In fact, those smells are attributed to the cedar’s natural volatile oils, which are part of the tree’s inherent properties for preventing decay and keeping insects at bay - which means those delicious smelling compounds help the processed wood to have a longer lifespan!) Inhaling the refreshing scent of cedar during your sauna session enhances the therapeutic atmosphere, fostering a holistic sense of well-being, while bringing to mind memories of walking through a forest.

Barking Up The Right Tree - Cedar Is Here To Stay

In the realm of sauna and hot tub design and construction, cedar stands out to us as the ultimate option, offering a good balance of outstanding durability, exceptional thermal insulation, and a visually appealing ambiance conducive to deep relaxation. 

Opting for a cedar sauna or hot tub means investing in a long-lasting, eco-friendly, and energy-efficient solution that promises years of rejuvenating backyard “spa” sessions.

Budget-Friendly Timber Selections for Economical Sauna Construction

At My Backyard Lodge, all of our Northern Lights hot tubs are made with clear Western Red Cedar, while our Leisurecraft tubs, such as the Starlight 2-Person Wood Burning Hot Tub, contain elements of Eastern White and Western Red Cedar. Our saunas, on the other hand, have some more variability in terms of construction materials. 

Throughout this post, we’ve made clear the numerous advantages of using cedar wood for sauna or hot tub construction, however we recognize that it may not always fit within every budget. For those seeking more budget-friendly options, pine stands out as a viable alternative. While it may not possess all the natural properties of cedar, pine still offers durability, versatility, and is widely available. Additionally, white cedar serves as a mid-range option, offering a balance between affordability, resistance to decay, and durability. At My Backyard Lodge, we strive to cater to all preferences and budgets, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the benefits of a sauna or hot tub tailored to their needs.

Got Any More Questions?

Curious about owning your own sauna or hot tub? Explore our best-selling options and discover the perfect addition to your backyard oasis.

Reach out to us today if you’re interested in delving deeper into the world of our exquisite cedar saunas and hot tubs, and let’s start imagining how we can move toward luxury wellness right in the comfort of your own backyard!

FAQ

What are the benefits of a cedar hot tub over a conventional hot tub? 

• Ability to sink deeper in the water, providing full-body immersion 
• Aromatic qualities of cedar 
• More sustainable option, made with renewable materials instead of plastic/vinyl/fiberglass that ends up in a landfill at the end of its life - cedar has a long life span, and at the end of its long life, it is biodegradable
• Beauty factor - a cedar hot tub is an eye-catching conversation-starter that will be a standout feature in your backyard, and you’ll only grow to love it more as you create lasting memories in it
• Cedar tubs can be heated in various ways to suit various preferences and circumstances - we offer electric, wood-fired or heat pump options
• Cedar can be as simple or as luxurious as you like - from a basic Japanese Ofuru wood-fired tub, to a larger classic cedar tub with jacuzzi jets, LED lighting, Wi-fi control, and shelving on the side
• Cedar hot tubs simply offer an unparalleled soaking experience. Unlike mass-produced, cookie-cutter options found elsewhere, our collection of cedar hot tubs are as unique as the trees they are processed from. Elevating any backyard or vacation rental property, they not only serve as functional luxuries but also as iconic pieces of art in their own right.

What are the benefits of cedar wood?

Cedar wood offers natural durability, insect resistance, and decay resistance, making it ideal for outdoor applications such as saunas and hot tubs. Its aromatic properties provide a soothing fragrance, contributing to a relaxing atmosphere. Additionally, cedar's attractive appearance adds a touch of warmth and elegance to any space.

Does cedar have healing properties?

While cedar is primarily valued for its durability and aromatic properties, some people believe that its scent can have calming and relaxing effects, which may contribute to a sense of well-being. Cedar oil has been used topically for skin conditions like eczema and as an insect repellent. It is worth noting that some people do have allergies to cedar, so we recommend experiencing cedar wood before making a purchase! 

How long will a cedar sauna last? 

The lifespan of a cedar sauna can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the wood, how well it's maintained, and environmental conditions. Generally, a well-built cedar sauna can last for many years, even decades, with proper care and maintenance. Regular cleaning, sealing, and protecting the wood from moisture and extreme temperatures can help prolong its lifespan. Additionally, choosing high-quality cedar wood and craftsmanship can contribute to the longevity of the sauna.

How long does a cedar hot tub last? 

Red cedar, prized for its natural oils, stands as a top choice for hot tubs, offering inherent protection against decay. The lifespan of a cedar hot tub is itself a “hot” topic of debate, with estimates ranging from a decade to over half a century, contingent upon various factors such as maintenance and environmental conditions. To optimize the lifespan of your cedar hot tub, establish a consistent maintenance regimen, which includes regular inspections for leaks and applying 2-3 coats of protective wood stain such as Sikkens Cetol to the exterior (NOT the interior). Additionally, adhere to manufacturer recommendations for cleaning and servicing, ensuring the tub remains in optimal condition. Embrace the natural aging process of the cedar, as its transformation to a silver hue over time signifies its enduring beauty and resilience (just like us 😉).

What is the cheapest sauna wood? 

The cheapest sauna wood option is often white pine. While it may not have the same level of durability and longevity as cedar, it provides a more affordable alternative for those on a budget. White pine can still offer a pleasant sauna experience and is suitable for individuals looking for a more economical option without compromising too much on quality.

Why are cedar hot tubs so expensive?

Cedar hot tubs are priced similarly to conventional hot tubs, but actually have a lot more value due to their superior quality and unique craftsmanship. Cedar hot tubs using premium natural materials like aluminum and cedar wood, which are more costly than the synthetic materials often found in traditional hot tubs. The durability, longevity, and low-maintenance requirements of cedar hot tubs make them a worthwhile investment, offering an unparalleled relaxation experience that stands the test of time. Additionally, cedar is a sustainable and eco-friendly choice, adding to the overall value and appeal of our products.

Are cedar hot tubs hard to maintain?

Maintenance of cedar hot tubs is generally similar to other types of hot tubs, but it isn't overly complex. They require some care to ensure longevity and optimal performance. Regular maintenance tasks for cedar hot tubs typically include checking and maintaining water pH levels, cleaning the tub interior, and inspecting the wood for any signs of wear or damage. Additionally, applying a protective sealant or oil to the exterior wood surface periodically can help maintain its appearance and protect it from the elements. Overall, while cedar hot tubs do require some attention, they are not overly difficult to maintain and can provide years of enjoyment with proper care.