Why we use Premium Canadian Cedar

5 Reasons We Use Premium Cedar for Our Saunas — The Science Behind the Choice

When choosing wood for a sauna, aesthetics are important—but performance, longevity, and user comfort matter more. At WIDO, we picked premium cedar not just for its look, but because it excels where others fall short. Below are five science-backed reasons cedar is the superior choice.

1. Natural Resistance to Moisture, Decay & Warping

Cedar’s built-in oils act as a natural barrier against moisture, mould, rot, and insect damage. Its stability under changing humidity makes it ideal for sauna environments.

Over time, woods like pine absorb and release moisture—leading to cracks, gaps, and warping under repeated heating and cooling cycles. Cedar holds its shape far better, giving your sauna consistent structure for years.

2. Aromatic Oils & Cleaner Indoor Air

Cedar emits a gentle, soothing fragrance thanks to its natural oils and tannins. This scent enhances relaxation and contributes to the spa-like atmosphere of your sauna.

Unlike pine, cedar emits far fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when heated, resulting in cleaner air and less irritation inside enclosed sauna spaces.

3. Comfortable Surface & Low Heat Conductivity

Because cedar is naturally less dense than many hardwoods, it does not get overly hot to the touch. This makes benches, walls, and surfaces safer and more comfortable during high-heat sessions.

You get a wood interior that stays pleasant under high temperatures without the risk of burns or discomfort.

4. Faster Heat-Up & Thermal Efficiency

Cedar’s thermal properties allow it to warm evenly without trapping hotspots. Some cedar barrel saunas even heat up faster because the curved shape and insulation match well with cedar’s properties.

This efficiency helps maintain even temperatures and reduces energy waste, making your sauna sessions more consistent and cost-effective.

5. Long-Term Durability & Aging Gracefully

Cedar is built to last. Unlike woods that degrade under sauna conditions, cedar remains resilient, resisting common problems like cracking, splitting, and decay.

Over the years, cedar will develop a lovely silver-grey patina, adding character without compromising strength or performance. Its durability ensures your sauna remains beautiful and functional for decades.

Pine vs. Premium Cedar: The Clear Difference

Regular Pine in Saunas

• ❌ Resin bleeding at operating temperatures

• ❌ Significant dimensional movement (warping, gaps)

• ❌ High VOC emissions, impacting air quality

• ❌ Uncomfortable hot spots and uneven heat

• ❌ Degrades quickly under sauna conditions

• ❌ Inconsistent look with knots and irregular grain

Premium Cedar in Saunas

• ✅ Naturally antibacterial and aromatic

• ✅ Stable and resistant to warping or rot

• ✅ Clean air with naturally low VOC emissions

• ✅ Even, comfortable surface temperatures

• ✅ Built to last decades, even in harsh conditions

• ✅ Beautiful, consistent grain that ages gracefully

Building with Cedar: Our Material Philosophy

At WIDO, when we make a sauna, we want it to perform flawlessly—session after session, year after year. Using premium cedar is a decision rooted not in marketing, but in material science and real-world performance.

We balance beauty, aroma, user comfort, structural integrity, and durability in every build. Cedar meets all of these criteria, and we believe it delivers one of the finest sauna experiences available.