Knotty Western Red Cedar Sauna Wood

A classic sauna look at a price that makes sense.

Knotty Western Red Cedar gives you that timeless sauna feel, without the premium price tag of clear cedar.


knotty cedar interior on diamond kote siding on custom outdoor 8x12 sauna
knotty cedar custom trailer sauna

About Knotty Western Red Cedar

Knotty Western Red Cedar is a great choice for sauna lovers who want natural beauty and real cedar scent—without overspending.

It’s strong, it smells amazing, and it looks warm and rustic. This wood brings comfort and charm to any sauna space.

Whether you’re building a new sauna or updating an old one, knotty cedar delivers value and character you’ll enjoy every time you step inside.

Key Benefits

Rustic Look – Natural knots give it character

The knots give it a cozy, cabin-style feel that’s warm and welcoming.


Classic Sauna Feel - Aroma & all

When you imagine saunas, it’s hard not to think about cedar.  Get all of the aroma & classic sauna vibes with Knotty Cedar.

Durable in Heat – Built for high temperatures

This wood won’t warp or crack from sauna heat. It’s made to last in extreme conditions.


Naturally Resistant – Fights mold and decay

Cedar is one of the best woods for resisting moisture and mildew. That means longer life and fewer problems.


Quick Turnaround – We stock it

No long wait times. We carry this wood regularly and can ship quickly.


 

Budget-Friendly – Costs less than clear cedar

Want that cedar scent and feel, but don’t want to pay top dollar? This is the best cedar value on the market.

 

Information on Knotty Cedar Sauna Wood

Knotty Western Red Cedar is a popular choice for the sauna.  Learn more about it below. 

custom knotty cedar sauna with iki pillar heater and rgbw strip lighting on backrest
Product Informaton

Wood Grade: Knotty grade with tight, sound knots. Knots are not loose or open. The look is warm and full of character.

Dimensions Available: Most common size we offer is 1×6 tongue-and-groove (T&G) for walls/ceilings. Available in 6′-10′. 

Moisture Resistance: Naturally contains oils that resist rot, mildew, and decay—no chemical treatment needed.

Smell: That classic cedar aroma people associate with high-end saunas. It smells better than any fake cedar or softwood alternative.

Compatibility: Perfect for traditional electric and wood-fired saunas. Works well in both indoor and outdoor builds.

Installation Notes: Install tongue-and-groove with the tongue facing up and slight spacing for natural expansion. 

Maintenance: Minimal maintenance required.  Wipe down benches after use. Clean walls 1–2 times per year with a mild, sauna-safe wood cleaner. Sand lightly if needed. No sealing or staining required.

Benching & Backrest: Should be B-Grade Cedar (has a lot of character, but minimal knots) or clear western red cedar.  Knots get hot in the sauna so you want the wood that will be touching the skin to be clear – it stays cooler to the touch. 

Product Images

Who Is Knotty Red Cedar For?

  • Anyone looking for a natural, rustic sauna vibe
  • Homeowners who want that sauna feel but want to stay on budget
  • DIY Builders who want an easier wood to cut, install, and finish
  • Wellness Retreats or Rentals wanting a solid sauna interior without blowing the budget
  • Sauna builders who want quicker turn-around times 

Common Questions

Here are some of the most common questions people ask.

Knotty cedar has visible knots and more color variation. Clear cedar is cleaner and more uniform, but also more expensive. Both are Western Red Cedar and great for saunas.


No. We use a high-quality knotty grade with tight, sound knots. They’re stable and safe for sauna use.

With basic care, your knotty cedar interior can last 15–25 years or more. Cedar holds up well in sauna conditions.


No sealing or staining needed. In fact, you shouldn’t seal sauna wood. It needs to breathe. Just wipe down after use and clean occasionally.


No matter whether you want uncut knotty cedar, a custom sauna, or a pre-cut custom sauna kit – the process is simple. Either give us a call at 612.505.9700 or submit a contact form through our website.  Delivery or pick-up is available.

Still have other questions?

If you have other questions or need specific information, don’t hesitate to ask. We have years of sauna experience and will help you with what you need.

Testimonials

Submit a form to get started.

Submit a contact form, email [email protected] or call 612.505.9700 to get a knotty cedar sauna or knotty cedar sauna material! 

Request A Quote

Our response times are quick.  A team member will reach out to you after you submit the form!