Cedar Sauna Lumber & Paneling
Cedar is one of the most widely used woods in sauna construction because of its natural durability, aroma, and resistance to heat and moisture. Our cedar sauna lumber and paneling is designed specifically for sauna environments, providing the performance and appearance needed for traditional and modern sauna builds.
Superior Sauna & Steam supplies high-quality western red cedar tongue and groove boards that are perfect for sauna walls, ceilings, and custom sauna interiors. Cedar’s natural oils help resist moisture while its warm color and distinctive grain create the classic sauna look many homeowners prefer.
Whether you're building a DIY home sauna, upgrading an existing sauna room, or constructing a commercial sauna, cedar lumber offers the beauty and durability required for long-lasting performance.
Why Cedar Is the Most Popular Sauna Wood
Natural Resistance to Moisture
Western red cedar contains natural oils that help protect the wood from moisture and humidity, making it ideal for sauna environments.
Classic Sauna Appearance
Cedar features a rich color and distinctive grain pattern that creates the traditional sauna look found in many professional sauna installations.
Pleasant Natural Aroma
One of the most recognizable features of cedar is its distinct sauna aroma, which enhances the overall relaxation experience.
Durable in High Heat
Cedar performs extremely well in the high temperatures and humidity found in sauna rooms, making it a reliable material for walls and ceilings.
Cedar Tongue and Groove Paneling
Our tongue and groove cedar paneling makes sauna installation easier while creating a tight and professional finish.
Benefits include:
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Tight interlocking boards
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Improved heat retention
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Professional finished appearance
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Simple installation for builders and DIY homeowners
Tongue and groove boards create a sealed sauna interior that helps maintain heat efficiency while reducing air gaps.
Cedar Lumber for Custom Sauna Construction
Cedar lumber is commonly used for multiple components of a sauna build, including:
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Sauna wall paneling
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Sauna ceiling paneling
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Custom sauna benches
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Trim and finishing pieces
Because cedar is stable and durable, it is widely used in both residential and commercial sauna construction projects.
Ideal for DIY Sauna Projects
Many homeowners choose cedar when building their own sauna because it is easy to work with and provides a professional appearance.
Cedar sauna lumber is perfect for:
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Basement sauna installations
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Indoor home saunas
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Bathroom sauna conversions
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Custom sauna rooms
We offer the largest variety of sauna quality lumber available on the internet! Proper sauna tongue and groove paneling woods are typically kiln dried to 8% moisture, which stabilizes wood fibers for sauna use. This greatly reduces warpage and shrinkage of boards once installed. The most popular sauna wood paneling types are tongue & groove white aspen and western red cedar. Complete your sauna wood paneling installation with a trim package of cove molding, baseboard and door trim in Cedar or Basswood.
Cedar sauna woods are strong, lightweight and generally do not warp or shrink over time. Red cedar provides a more comfortable and cooler sauna surface to sit and lean on, compared to more dense sauna woods. Cedar sauna wood naturally repels many bacteria, fungi and insects. All Cedar sauna woods have an aromatic scent, but the heartwood of Red Cedar trees has the strongest aroma and is popular in many American traditional saunas. Available in 1/2" and 11/16" thick. Our wide western red cedar sauna wood paneling is a clear grain premium grade (no knots). Each tongue & groove paneling board starts out as a 1"x4" milled to perfection.
Sauna wood trim will complete your sauna project, just finish cut for an exact fit. Cedar or Basswood types of trim will match most light or dark sauna paneling. Or select wood type to contrast with your sauna wood paneling, such as bright basswood trim against red cedar sauna paneling or darker cedar trim against white Aspen paneling. Trim for walls and ceiling is the Cove Molding type. Trim for sauna doors transitions from low profile inside edge to full thickness at outer edge. Cut door trim at 45 degree angles on corners for a seamless look.
Order a Sample Pack of Superior Saunas materials and compare the quality to your local available T&G woods that are typically not refined for sauna building.
Western Red Cedar 1/2" x 4"
Tongue & Groove EV
Actual Size: 1/2" x 3 1/2"
$17.95 per square foot
Western Red Cedar 11/16" x 4"
Tongue & Groove EV
Actual Size: 11/16" x 3"
$19.95 per square foot
Western Red Cedar 1" x 6"
Eased 4 Edges
Actual Size: 11/16" x 5 1/2"
Price and Availability Varies
Western Red Cedar 2" x 6"
Surfaced 4 Sides Eased Edges
Actual Size: 1 1/2" x 5 1/2"
$19.95 per linear foot
Western Red Cedar 2" x 4"
Surfaced 4 Sides Eased Edges
Actual Size: 1 1/2" x 3 1/2"
$13.95 per linear foot
Western Red Cedar 2" x 2"
Surfaced 4 Sides
Actual Size: 1 1/2" x 1 1/2"
$2.95 per linear foot
Western Red Cedar 1" x 4"
Surfaced 4 Side Eased Edges
Actual Size: 11/16" x 3 1/2"
$6.95 per linear foot
Western Red Cedar 1" x 3"
W/D Beveled Casing
Actual Size: 7/16" x 2 5/8"
$3.95 per linear foot
Western Red Cedar 1" x 2"
Eased (Curved) 2 Edges On Face
Actual Size: 11/16" x 1 1/2"
$2.50 per linear foot
Western Red Cedar 1" x 1"
Superior Cove
Actual Size: 3/4" x 3/4"
$1.50 per linear foot
Western Red Cedar 1 3/8" Flat
Flats
Actual Size: 1/4" x 1 3/8"
$2.95 per linear foot
Paneling Tips
Western Red Cedar Sauna Wood boards are most commonly installed vertically for a seamless look and less waste, as the most common board length is 8' length. Some people prefer the horizontal look of sauna woods, which usually costs more because there is more waste. For example a 5' wide x 7' high wall paneled vertically would only have about 1' of waste on each board. This wall paneled horizontally would have almost 3' of waste. Most of our paneling woods are available in several lengths for minimal waste on-site installing the sauna kit.
Other Manufacturers may sell Cedar sauna wood paneling size as a 1x4" (which is starting rough size before finish milling) and priced per linear foot. We offer actual size paneling priced per square foot that is much easier to calculate for sauna building. Cedar sauna woods vary in color and shade, however our shop will select a good mix of boards for a consistent look. When assembling cedar sauna wood, it is best to layout boards for each wall before beginning, so the overall look of the sauna room will be completed to your liking.
Tongue and groove wood paneling can be installed horizontally or vertically. Vertical is most common because there is usually little waste for a 7 foot ceiling height. We have several common lengths of sauna paneling in stock: 6', 7', 8', 9', and 10' lengths. (Nordic Spruce currently only available in 7' lengths.) The usual size of tongue and groove sauna paneling is 3/4" thick x 4" wide in 7 or 8 foot lengths. Some wood types may be available in 1" x 6" sizes. In most vertical applications you will need to fasten 2" x 2" nailers to the studs for proper backing to secure paneling to. Be sure to add supports behind the paneling where benches and a sauna heater will be installed.
Another option for an attractive pattern if you prefer end matching. Simply cut ends at a 45-degree angle. This is a great and economical way to minimize waste.
You can complete your sauna build by pairing cedar paneling with:
FAQs for Cedar Sauna Lumber & Paneling
Why is cedar used for saunas?
Cedar is widely used because it resists moisture, performs well in high heat, and produces a pleasant natural aroma that enhances the sauna experience.
What type of cedar is best for saunas?
Western red cedar is the most popular choice for sauna paneling because it is durable, stable, and resistant to humidity.
Does cedar sauna wood require special treatment?
Most cedar sauna paneling does not require treatment because cedar naturally resists moisture and decay.
Is tongue and groove cedar paneling better for saunas?
Yes. Tongue and groove boards create tighter seams, improve heat retention, and simplify installation.