Cedar or hemlock sauna: which is better?

Choose cedar for maximum moisture and decay resistance, a warm look, an aromatic experience, and the longest outdoor life. Choose hemlock for a near-neutral scent that suits sensitive users, a clean modern look, and a lower price, particularly for indoor and infrared cabins. Both make good saunas; the right pick depends on your budget, whether the sauna is indoor or outdoor, and your sensitivity to scent.

Cedar Sauna Buying Guide: Is Cedar Worth It?

Q: Is a cedar sauna worth it?

For many buyers, yes. Cedar is naturally resistant to moisture, decay, and warping, which makes it durable and low-maintenance, especially outdoors. It also carries a warm reddish color and a pleasant aroma that defines the classic sauna experience. The trade-offs are a higher price than woods like hemlock and a strong scent that a small number of people find too intense. If you want longevity and traditional character, cedar earns its cost.

Q: Is cedar good for an outdoor sauna?

Cedar is one of the best woods for outdoor saunas. Its natural oils resist moisture, decay, insects, and mildew, so it holds up to humidity and weather far better than most alternatives, sometimes lasting decades. That durability is the main reason premium outdoor and barrel saunas so often use cedar. It still benefits from basic care, but it tolerates the elements better than hemlock or basswood.

A cedar sauna pairs natural durability with the warm look and signature aroma many people picture when they imagine a sauna. Cedar resists moisture, decay, and warping, which makes it a top choice for outdoor and barrel saunas. Here is what to know before you buy, and how cedar compares with other woods.

Why cedar is a premium sauna wood

Cedar is prized for natural oils that resist moisture, decay, insects, and mildew, so it holds up to humidity and temperature swings without warping or cracking. That durability is why premium outdoor saunas, including barrel designs, so often use cedar, and why a well-built cedar sauna can last for decades with basic care. Cedar also brings a warm, reddish color and a distinctive aroma that defines the traditional sauna experience for many people. The main trade-offs are price and scent: cedar typically costs more than woods like hemlock, and its fragrance, while pleasant to most, is strong enough that a small number of scent-sensitive users prefer a more neutral wood. If you want longevity, classic character, and outdoor toughness, cedar is hard to beat.

What to look for in a cedar sauna

Solid cedar construction, with attention to wall thickness and joinery for heat retention and durability.
The heat type that fits you: cedar works with infrared, traditional, and hybrid cabins.
Indoor or outdoor rating, since cedar shines outdoors but suits indoor cabins too.
Size for your space and the number of users, balanced against the room you have.

For the full decision framework across wood, heat type, and size, see our sauna buying guide and sauna wood guide.

Cedar vs hemlock

The most common cedar comparison is with hemlock. Cedar wins on moisture and decay resistance and outdoor longevity, plus aroma and color. Hemlock wins on a near-neutral, hypoallergenic scent and a lower price, which suits indoor and infrared cabins and scent-sensitive users. To weigh the lower-cost option, browse our hemlock saunas; for cedar, see the collection below.

Frequently asked questions

Is a cedar sauna worth it? For many buyers, yes. Cedar is durable, moisture and decay resistant, and carries the classic warm color and aroma. The trade-offs are a higher price and a strong scent some find intense.

Is cedar good for an outdoor sauna? Yes, it is one of the best. Its natural oils resist moisture, decay, and insects, so it holds up to weather far better than most woods, sometimes for decades.

Cedar or hemlock: which is better? Cedar for outdoor durability, aroma, and a warm look; hemlock for a neutral scent and lower price, especially indoors and in infrared cabins.

Ready to shop? Explore our cedar saunas, or compare formats in our outdoor saunas and barrel saunas. As an authorized retailer we offer free US shipping, financing, and HSA and FSA eligible options.

Written by Logan McClure, founder of Restore Suite. Every guide is researched using peer-reviewed studies, recognized medical sources, and manufacturer specifications, and Restore Suite is an authorized retailer for the brands we carry. This article is educational and is not medical advice. Learn about our editorial standards or contact our team.