Outdoor Sauna: What type of wood to use for building an outdoor sauna?

Learn which type of wood is best for building an outdoor sauna. Compare fresh wood, affordable but risky, with kiln-dried C24 timber, known for its durability and stability. Make the right choice for a solid, long-lasting sauna structure.

Posted 10.12.2024 by Sauna Master

In Brief

Fresh wood is cheap and readily available but contains high moisture (50-70%), which can lead to warping, cracking, and mold growth.

Effective use of fresh wood requires a time-consuming drying process before finishing the structure to minimize risks.

C24 timber, kiln-dried to a moisture level of 14-18%, is stable and ready for immediate use, speeding up construction.

C24 timber eliminates moisture-related issues and ensures the durability of the sauna structure.

Fresh Wood

Building an outdoor sauna with fresh wood might seem appealing due to its availability and low cost. However, using wet wood comes with significant issues. Fresh wood has a moisture content of 50-70%, compared to 14-18% for dried wood. As it dries, wood shrinks, causing warping and cracking in the structure. Additionally, constructing a sauna with fresh wood can lead to mold and fungal growth, especially in poorly assembled and non-breathable structures. Therefore, maintaining the correct wall cross-section is crucial.

C24 Timber

Now let's discuss the solution we recommend—C24 timber. This wood is kiln-dried to a moisture level of 14-18% and planed on all four sides. Smooth timber with dimensions like 45x45, 45x70, 45x95, or 45x145 is one of the most popular materials for sauna construction. This type of wood has virtually no drawbacks. By purchasing C24 timber, you can begin construction immediately, significantly reducing the time needed for your first sauna session.

Conclusion

Building an outdoor sauna with fresh wood may seem attractive due to its low cost and material availability, but it carries risks of warping and cracking. Fresh wood has significantly higher moisture content than dried wood, leading to shrinkage problems and a higher risk of mold and fungal growth, especially in poorly assembled structures. There are methods to mitigate these risks, such as erecting the structure and allowing it to dry before finishing, but these methods are time-consuming.
An alternative to fresh wood is C24 timber, which is kiln-dried, planed, and ready for immediate use. C24 timber is more stable and eliminates moisture-related risks, making sauna construction faster and more efficient. Choosing this type of wood significantly speeds up the building process and ensures a sauna free from structural problems.

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