The Best Wood for Infrared Saunas: Hemlock vs Red Wood

Choosing the right wood is one of the most important decisions when buying or manufacturing an infrared sauna. The type of wood influences not only the durability and appearance of the sauna but also the overall comfort and experience inside the cabin. Among the many options available on the market, hemlock and red wood are the two most popular choices. Both are frequently used by professional manufacturers like WizziSaunas, but each brings its own strengths, scent, texture, and long-term performance.

To help buyers make the best decision, it’s worth exploring how these two woods differ, and why your choice may depend on personal needs, budget, and the environment where the sauna will be used.Best wood for infrared saunas hemlock vs red wood.

A Small Story: A Customer’s Dilemma Between Two Woods

A spa owner named Laura once contacted WizziSaunas while preparing to open a wellness studio near Denver. She had already selected the sauna size, heating type, and lighting options—but she was stuck on one final detail: the wood. Her interior designer preferred the elegant reddish tone of red wood, while her budget consultant argued that hemlock offered the best cost-performance ratio.

Feeling uncertain, Laura asked WizziSaunas to ship one sample panel of each wood so she could compare them in person. When she placed the two samples in her spa’s natural light, she noticed an immediate contrast. The red wood had a warm, premium glow, while the hemlock gave a fresh, clean, Nordic appearance. Both were beautiful—just in different ways. After sitting inside a demo sauna built with each wood type during her visit to our factory showroom, she realized how much the wood choice affected the overall mood of the cabin.

In the end, she chose red wood for her luxury relaxation rooms and hemlock for the saunas used in her fitness training area. Her customers loved both environments, and her decision perfectly reflected the unique atmosphere she wanted for each space.

Hemlock: Affordable, Durable, and Clean in Appearance

Hemlock is one of the most widely used woods for infrared saunas, especially for large-scale manufacturing and commercial installations. This light-colored wood has a smooth, subtle grain pattern, giving the sauna a clean and modern look. Many customers prefer hemlock because it creates a bright and calming environment inside the cabin.

One of the biggest advantages of hemlock is its high stability and low resin content. It does not produce strong smells when heated, making it ideal for people sensitive to aromas or chemicals. Hemlock is also highly resistant to cracking and warping, which is essential for long-term use in environments where heat expands and contracts the wood daily.

For manufacturers such as WizziSaunas, hemlock is an excellent choice for bulk orders because it offers consistency, cost efficiency, and dependable durability. Many distributors choose hemlock models because the wood appeals to a wide range of customers and fits easily into both home and commercial environments.

Red Wood: Premium Appearance, Natural Aroma, and Long-Lasting Strength

Red wood, often referred to as red cedar, is known for its deep color, expressive grain, and gentle natural fragrance. It is considered a premium option for infrared saunas and is often chosen by wellness centers, luxury homes, and customers looking for a distinctive and upscale feel.

What makes red wood special is its aromatic oils, which not only create a pleasant scent but also provide natural resistance to mold, moisture, and insects. This makes it an excellent choice for humid areas or outdoor saunas, where environmental conditions might be more demanding. The wood is also very stable under heat, and its thicker grain structure gives it impressive longevity.

For WizziSaunas, red wood models are often selected by buyers seeking a high-end appearance or a sauna that serves as a decorative highlight in a home spa. The warm color and refined texture create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, enhancing the relaxation experience.

Which Wood Should You Choose?

Both hemlock and red wood are excellent choices for infrared saunas, and WizziSaunas uses strict standards to ensure the quality of each type. The best choice depends on your priorities:

• Choose hemlock if you want clean aesthetics, affordability, and a neutral scent.
• Choose red wood if you prefer a luxury appearance, natural aroma, and superior weather resistance.

Regardless of your preference, the wood you choose will shape the tone, comfort, and longevity of your infrared sauna experience.