When building a high-end home sauna, you aren't just choosing a material for its looks; you’re choosing a material that must survive extreme heat and high humidity for many years. At SteamSaunaBath, we offer Thermally Treated (Thermo-Wood) lumber because it represents the pinnacle of modern sauna engineering.
By choosing thermally treated wood, you are investing in a sauna that stays beautiful, stable, and safe for decades.
What is Thermally Treated Wood?
Thermal modification is a chemical-free process where wood is heated to high temperatures (often exceeding 190°C or 375°F) in a specialized oxygen-free kiln. This process permanently alters the wood’s cellular structure, resulting in a product that is superior to standard kiln-dried lumber in nearly every way.
The Benefits of Going "Thermo"
Extreme Dimensional Stability
The process removes resins and sugars from the wood. This means your benches and walls won't warp, swell, or shrink, even when moving from a dry 200°F heat to a high-moisture environment.
Natural Resistance to Decay
By removing the nutrients that fungi and bacteria feed on, the wood becomes naturally resistant to rotting and mold without the use of toxic chemicals.
Reduced Thermal Conductivity
Thermally treated wood does not hold heat as intensely as untreated wood. This makes it more comfortable to sit on, reducing the "sting" of hot benches on bare skin.
Rich, Consistent Color
The heat treatment "toasts" the wood to its core, resulting in a beautiful, deep amber or chocolate brown hue that accentuates the grain and won't fade or wear away like a surface stain would.
Why SteamSaunaBath is the Leader in Thermo-Wood
Chemical-Free and Non-Toxic
Many "treated" woods use chemicals to prevent rot, which are dangerous when heated in a sauna. SteamSaunaBath’s thermal wood is treated only with heat and steam, ensuring that the only thing you breathe in is pure, clean air.
Sustainably Sourced
Our thermally treated options, such as Thermo-Aspen and Thermo-Spruce, are sourced from fast-growing, sustainable forests. The thermal process allows these species to perform with the durability of slow-growth hardwoods or old-growth cedars.
Precision Milling
Every board we ship is milled to exacting standards. This ensures a tight tongue-and-groove fit, which is essential for maintaining the heat envelope of your sauna and preventing steam from reaching your wall studs.
| Feature | Standard Kiln-Dried | SteamSaunaBath Thermo-Wood |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture Absorption | Moderate | Very Low |
| Stability | May warp/gap over time | Stays perfectly flush |
| Color | Light/Natural | Deep/Rich Earth Tones |
| Longevity | 10–15 years | 25+ years |
Types of Thermo-Wood Offered by Steam Sauna Bath
- Thermo-Aspen
- Thermo-Alder
- Thermo-Spruce
- Thermo-Radiata Pine