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 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.
The knots give it a cozy, cabin-style feel that’s warm and welcoming.
When you imagine saunas, it’s hard not to think about cedar. Get all of the aroma & classic sauna vibes with Knotty Cedar.
This wood won’t warp or crack from sauna heat. It’s made to last in extreme conditions.
Cedar is one of the best woods for resisting moisture and mildew. That means longer life and fewer problems.
No long wait times. We carry this wood regularly and can ship quickly.
Want that cedar scent and feel, but don’t want to pay top dollar? This is the best cedar value on the market.
Knotty Western Red Cedar is a popular choice for the sauna. Learn more about it below.
•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.
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.
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.
We build saunas the way they should be built—with Finnish expertise and Minnesota craftsmanship. Our team doesn’t just sell saunas; we use them daily, understand their construction inside and out, and have helped over 250 families create their perfect sauna experience—whether through a fully custom done-for-you sauna, DIY sauna kit or a modular system.
Every sauna we build reflects decades of combined experience in woodworking, construction, and traditional sauna design. Our builders handle projects from compact home saunas to luxury custom installations, ensuring precise construction and authentic performance every time.
Before you invest, visit our showroom to experience authentic sauna heat. Feel the difference quality materials and proper construction make. Talk with specialists who understand löyly, ventilation, and the details that separate a great sauna from an expensive disappointment.
Our 50+ five-star reviews on Google come from customers who’ve experienced the difference professional guidance makes—from initial design through your first sauna session.
Looking for quality sauna material for your sauna? Use the contact form to get started.
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