Red Cedar vs Canadian Hemlock: Which Wood Is Best for Your Sauna?
When it comes to building or buying a high-quality sauna, the type of wood used isn’t just about looks—it impacts the experience, durability, scent, and feel of your sauna for years to come. At HealthHQ, we proudly source both Red Cedar and Canadian Hemlock from Canada, ensuring the highest quality regardless of your choice.
But which is the right option for you? Let’s break it down.
🌲 Red Cedar: Naturally Aromatic & Timeless
Western Red Cedar is one of the most popular sauna woods in the world—and for good reason.
✅ Benefits of Red Cedar:
- Natural aroma: Famous for its rich, calming scent that enhances the sauna experience
- Insect & rot resistant: Naturally antimicrobial and repels moisture, mold, and mildew
- Beautiful grain & color: Reddish tones and knotty grain give it a warm, rustic aesthetic
- Cool to the touch: Remains comfortable to sit on even at high sauna temperatures
🔧 Best for:
People who want a luxurious, aromatic, and low-maintenance sauna with a beautiful, classic wood finish.
🌿 Canadian Hemlock: Sleek, Smooth & Subtle
Canadian Hemlock is a lighter-toned, hypoallergenic softwood that offers a clean, modern look with a calm and subtle scent profile.
✅ Benefits of Canadian Hemlock:
- Hypoallergenic: Contains no strong scent or resins—ideal for those sensitive to aromas
- Smooth, uniform grain: Light colour and fine texture make it ideal for minimalist aesthetics
- Strong & stable: Excellent durability and resistance to warping with proper care
- Budget-friendly luxury: Offers a premium sauna feel with a slightly more affordable price tag
🔧 Best for:
Those who prefer a neutral aroma, modern design, or have sensitivities to scented woods.
Red Cedar Example:
Canadian Hemlock Example:
🪵 Side-by-Side Comparison
|
Feature |
Red Cedar |
Canadian Hemlock |
|
Aroma |
Warm, rich, aromatic |
Neutral, subtle |
|
Colour |
Deep red to reddish-brown |
Light cream to pale tan |
|
Texture |
Knotty, rustic |
Smooth, fine-grained |
|
Heat Resistance |
Cool to touch |
Slightly warmer feel |
|
Allergen Friendly |
May bother scent-sensitive users |
Hypoallergenic |
|
Maintenance |
Very low maintenance |
Requires sealing over time |
|
Price Range |
Premium |
Slightly more affordable |
🧖 So, Which Should You Choose?
Both Red Cedar and Canadian Hemlock are excellent choices—it ultimately comes down to your personal preference:
- Choose Red Cedar if you want that classic, rich sauna scent and a rustic, warm look.
- Choose Canadian Hemlock if you prefer a sleek, scent-free, modern aesthetic and gentle sauna environment.
Whichever you pick, you can be confident you're getting premium Canadian wood, expertly crafted for relaxation, resilience, and long-term performance.
🔗 Still not sure?
Chat with our team or check out our full range of indoor and outdoor saunas available in both wood types.
