Cedar Hot Tubs vs Thermowood Hot Tubs: Which Is Better?

Cedar hot tubs are often searched by buyers who want a natural wooden outdoor hot tub with a traditional look, pleasant timber character and a warm garden appearance. Many people search for a wooden cedar hot tub, wood fired cedar hot tub, cedar wood hot tub or even a cedar hot tub DIY project because cedar has a strong reputation in outdoor bathing and sauna culture.

However, cedar is not the only good material for a wooden hot tub. Many modern wooden hot tubs use alternatives such as thermowood, timber cladding, fibreglass liners and insulated structures to create a more stable, easier-to-maintain and practical outdoor bathing product. At TimberIN, the focus is on high-quality wooden hot tubs and wood fired hot tubs, including thermowood and other durable finishes depending on the model and configuration.

This guide explains what cedar hot tubs are, why people search for them, how cedar compares with thermowood, and when a TimberIN wooden hot tub may be a better long-term choice than a traditional cedar tub.

If you already know you want a traditional outdoor bathing product, you can also view our wooden hot tubs or our main range of wood fired hot tubs.

What Is a Cedar Hot Tub?

A cedar hot tub is a hot tub made fully or partly from cedar wood. Traditional cedar tubs are often built from vertical timber staves held together with metal bands. The natural timber swells when filled with water, helping the tub become watertight. This classic construction is one reason cedar hot tubs are associated with traditional wooden bathing.

Cedar is valued because it has a distinctive appearance, natural aroma and long history in outdoor wood products. In hot tub searches, cedar usually represents a desire for something natural, rustic and more authentic than a plastic spa shell.

However, not every buyer searching for a cedar hot tub specifically needs cedar. Often, they are really looking for a natural wooden hot tub with a warm timber exterior, outdoor durability and a traditional appearance. In those cases, thermowood or other modern wooden hot tub designs may be just as suitable, or even more practical.

Why Do People Search for Cedar Hot Tubs?

Most cedar hot tub searches are driven by appearance and material preference. People want a hot tub that looks natural in the garden and feels more traditional than a standard acrylic spa. Cedar has become one of the best-known wood names in this category, even when buyers are open to other wooden alternatives.

Common reasons buyers search for cedar include:

• natural timber appearance
• traditional wooden hot tub style
• interest in wood fired bathing
• preference for non-plastic garden products
• rustic or Nordic outdoor design
• association with saunas, cabins and wellness spaces
• interest in DIY wooden hot tub projects
• desire for a premium-looking garden feature

These are all valid reasons. The important question is whether cedar is the best material for your usage, maintenance expectations and climate, or whether a thermowood-based hot tub gives a better balance of appearance and practicality.

Cedar Hot Tub vs Thermowood Hot Tub

Cedar and thermowood are both used because buyers want a natural wooden appearance. The difference is that cedar is a naturally durable wood species, while thermowood is wood that has been heat-treated to improve stability and durability. Thermowood is commonly used in outdoor saunas, cladding and wooden hot tub finishes because it performs well outdoors and has an attractive warm colour.

The best choice depends on your priorities. If you specifically want a traditional cedar-stave tub, cedar may appeal to you. If you want a wooden hot tub with a natural look, easier configuration options, modern construction and good outdoor performance, a thermowood hot tub can be a very strong alternative.

Is Cedar Always Better for a Wooden Hot Tub?

No, cedar is not automatically better for every buyer. It has a strong reputation, but the quality of a hot tub depends on more than the wood name. Construction, liner type, heater design, insulation, drainage, cover quality, water care and long-term maintenance all matter.

A well-designed thermowood hot tub may be more practical than a poorly built cedar hot tub. Likewise, a cedar tub can be beautiful if it is well constructed and maintained correctly. The material matters, but it is only one part of the full product.

When comparing cedar hot tubs, ask:

• Is the tub fully wooden or only cedar-clad?
• Does it use a liner or fibreglass interior?
• How is the tub made watertight?
• What heater is included?
• Is the heater internal, external, electric or wood fired?
• Is insulation included?
• What cover is supplied?
• What maintenance does the wood require?
• Is filtration available?
• Is the warranty clear?
• Is delivery and installation practical for your property?

Wood Fired Cedar Hot Tub vs Wood Fired Thermowood Hot Tub

A wood fired cedar hot tub is attractive because it combines traditional wood material with log-fired heating. This gives the classic outdoor bathing experience: timber, fire, steam and fresh air.

A wood fired thermowood hot tub can offer the same type of experience, but with modern materials and configuration options. The water can still be heated by a wood-burning stove, while the exterior keeps a natural wooden appearance.

For most buyers, the most important decision is not cedar versus thermowood alone. It is the complete system:

• how the water is heated
• how quickly the tub warms up
• how comfortable the seating is
• how easy the tub is to maintain
• how well it holds heat
• whether it has jets, bubbles or filtration
• how suitable it is for your garden or holiday property

If your main interest is fire-heated bathing, compare our wood fired hot tubs. If you are comparing wood-fired and wood-burning terminology, see our wood burning hot tubs guide.

Cedar Hot Tub DIY: Is It Worth Building One Yourself?

Some people search for a cedar hot tub DIY project because they like the idea of building a traditional wooden tub themselves. A DIY cedar hot tub can sound simple, especially if you imagine timber staves, metal bands and a wood-fired heater. In reality, it is a demanding project.

A DIY cedar hot tub must hold a large volume of water, remain watertight, handle outdoor weather, support bathers safely and work with a heater. Small errors in joinery, sealing, wood movement or heater connections can create leaks and safety issues.

Common DIY challenges include:

• sourcing suitable cedar timber
• creating a watertight tub structure
• managing wood swelling and shrinkage
• fitting a safe wood-fired heater
• preventing leaks around pipework
• building comfortable seating
• adding drainage and filtration
• preparing a strong base
• using safe materials for hot water
• protecting the tub from weather

DIY may suit someone with strong woodworking and plumbing experience. But if your main goal is to enjoy outdoor bathing rather than spend weeks solving construction problems, a ready-made wooden hot tub is usually the safer choice.

For a full comparison, read our guide to a DIY wood fired hot tub.

Traditional Cedar Stave Tub or Modern Wooden Hot Tub?

A traditional cedar stave tub can look beautiful, but it may not be the best option for every modern buyer. Traditional wooden tubs often rely heavily on timber behaviour, water swelling and regular maintenance. Modern wooden hot tubs may use timber cladding with a more practical inner shell or liner, giving the natural appearance of wood with easier ownership.

A modern wooden hot tub can offer:

• natural timber exterior
• wood-fired or electric heating options
• fibreglass or lined interior options
• comfortable seating
• better water management options
• filtration availability
• massage jets or air bubbles
• insulated covers
• round or square designs
• more predictable installation

This is why many buyers who begin by searching for cedar hot tubs eventually choose a modern wooden hot tub with thermowood or another durable wooden exterior.

Maintenance: Cedar vs Thermowood

Maintenance is one of the most important differences to consider. Any outdoor wooden hot tub needs care, but the amount depends on the wood type, construction and finish. Cedar can be durable, but it is still a natural material exposed to water, heat, UV light and changing weather.

Thermowood is used in many outdoor products because heat treatment improves dimensional stability and resistance to outdoor conditions. This can make it a practical choice for hot tub cladding and wooden exterior parts.

Maintenance questions to ask include:

• Will the wood change colour outdoors?
• Does it need oiling or treatment?
• How often should the exterior be maintained?
• Is the interior wooden or lined?
• How easy is the tub to clean?
• Can damaged boards be replaced?
• How does the wood react to repeated wet/dry cycles?
• What does the supplier recommend for long-term care?

For many buyers, the best choice is not the material that sounds most traditional, but the one that offers the right balance of appearance, durability and practical maintenance.

Heating Options for Cedar and Thermowood Hot Tubs

Both cedar-style and thermowood hot tubs can be paired with different heating systems, depending on the construction. The main options are wood-fired, electric and sometimes hybrid-style configurations.

A wood-fired heater gives the most traditional experience. You light a fire, burn logs and warm the water naturally. An electric heater gives easier temperature control and may be more convenient for regular use. Some buyers choose additional features such as jets, bubbles or filtration, which usually require electricity even if the water is heated by wood.

• Wood fired hot tubs are best for traditional fire-heated bathing.
• Electric wooden hot tubs are best for convenience and easier temperature control.
• Wood fired hot tubs with jets combine natural heating with modern comfort features.

If you are comparing heaters, see our dedicated guide to a wood fired heater for hot tub.

Are Cedar Hot Tubs Good for UK Gardens?

Cedar hot tubs can work in UK gardens, but buyers should think carefully about weather, maintenance and placement. The UK climate includes rain, damp conditions, changing temperatures and winter weather. Any wooden hot tub should be placed on a proper base and maintained according to the supplier’s instructions.

For UK gardens, consider:

• stable level base
• good drainage
• wind exposure
• privacy
• cover quality
• wood maintenance
• heater access
• delivery route
• whether the tub will be used year-round

A thermowood hot tub can be a strong alternative for UK gardens because it keeps the natural wooden look while offering a practical exterior material commonly used in outdoor wellness products.

Cedar Hot Tubs for Saunas, Cabins and Holiday Lets

Cedar hot tubs are often associated with cabins, saunas and rustic wellness spaces. The natural material fits the look of a cabin or lodge, especially when combined with a wood-burning stove. However, for commercial guest use, practical details become more important than the wood species alone.

For holiday lets, glamping sites and cabins, consider:

• easy cleaning between guests
• durable inner surface
• safe heater operation
• clear instructions
• filtration and water care
• strong cover quality
• simple drainage
• guest-safe steps and access
• maintenance time for staff or owners

A modern wooden hot tub with thermowood exterior and practical internal construction may be better for guest accommodation than a fully traditional wooden stave tub, especially if frequent cleaning and predictable maintenance are important.

Cedar Hot Tub Prices: What Affects the Cost?

Cedar hot tub prices vary depending on the size, construction, wood quality, heater type, accessories and delivery. A basic cedar-style tub may seem cheaper than a premium modern wooden hot tub, but the final cost depends on the full package.

Important price factors include:

• whether the tub is fully cedar or cedar-clad
• diameter and water volume
• wood-fired or electric heating
• heater size and material
• liner or fibreglass interior
• insulation and cover
• filtration system
• massage jets or air bubbles
• steps and accessories
• delivery and installation access
• warranty and support

When comparing prices, do not compare only the headline cost. A complete ready-made hot tub with a good heater, cover and practical construction may be better value than a cheaper cedar tub that needs more maintenance or extra accessories.

For general wood-fired price planning, see our wood fired hot tub prices guide.

When Should You Choose a Cedar Hot Tub?

A cedar hot tub may be the right choice if you specifically want cedar wood and appreciate the traditional identity of a cedar-stave bathing tub. It may also appeal if you are restoring a rustic property, building a classic sauna area or looking for a very traditional wooden bathing style.

Cedar may suit you if:

• you specifically want cedar as a material
• you like traditional wooden stave construction
• you accept regular wood maintenance
• you want a classic rustic look
• you understand how the tub is kept watertight
• you are comfortable with the supplier’s maintenance instructions

When Is a Thermowood Hot Tub the Better Choice?

A thermowood hot tub may be the better choice if your main goal is a natural wooden appearance with modern practicality. It can give the warm timber look buyers associate with cedar, while fitting well into modern wooden hot tub construction.

Thermowood may be better if:

• you want a natural wooden exterior but not necessarily cedar
• you prefer modern hot tub construction
• you want wood-fired, electric or upgraded options
• you want jets, bubbles or filtration
• you want easier cleaning and water management
• you want a practical option for family or guest use
• you want a good balance of design, durability and maintenance

For many UK buyers, this is the more practical route: a beautiful wooden hot tub that delivers the outdoor bathing experience without relying only on traditional cedar construction.

Buyer Checklist: Cedar or Thermowood?

Before choosing between cedar and thermowood, compare the full product, not only the wood name. The best hot tub is the one that suits your garden, usage, maintenance expectations and budget.

• Material: cedar, thermowood or another timber finish.
• Construction: fully wooden, timber-clad, lined or fibreglass interior.
• Heating: wood-fired, electric or upgraded configuration.
• Maintenance: wood care, water care, cleaning and winter use.
• Comfort: seating shape, depth and internal surface.
• Features: jets, bubbles, filtration, lighting and cover.
• Climate: suitability for UK rain, frost and year-round use.
• Installation: base, drainage, delivery route and access.
• Warranty: supplier support and replacement parts.
• Total value: complete package, not just the starting price.

Final Advice: Cedar Is One Option, Not the Only Wooden Hot Tub Choice

Cedar hot tubs have a strong reputation because cedar is closely associated with traditional wooden outdoor bathing. If you specifically want cedar, it can be an attractive material. But if your real goal is a beautiful, durable and practical wooden hot tub, thermowood and other modern wooden hot tub designs may be just as suitable.

The best approach is to compare the complete hot tub: wood type, heater, insulation, cover, seating, water care, maintenance and delivery. A well-designed thermowood hot tub can give you the natural wooden look you want while offering modern comfort and practical ownership.

To compare TimberIN options, explore our wooden hot tubs, wood fired hot tubs, electric wooden hot tubs and wood fired hot tubs with jets.

Cedar Hot Tubs: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cedar hot tub?

A cedar hot tub is a hot tub made fully or partly from cedar wood. Traditional cedar tubs often use wooden staves held with metal bands, while some modern products use cedar as exterior cladding or design inspiration.

Are cedar hot tubs better than thermowood hot tubs?

Cedar hot tubs are not automatically better than thermowood hot tubs. Cedar has a traditional reputation, while thermowood offers a stable, natural-looking material commonly used in outdoor wellness products. The best choice depends on construction, maintenance, heater type and how the tub will be used.

Does TimberIN sell cedar hot tubs?

TimberIN focuses on wooden hot tubs and wood fired hot tubs with practical modern construction and durable timber finishes such as thermowood depending on the model. If you are searching for cedar because you want a natural wooden hot tub, TimberIN alternatives may be suitable.

What is the difference between cedar and thermowood?

Cedar is a naturally durable wood species often associated with traditional wooden tubs. Thermowood is heat-treated wood designed to improve stability and outdoor performance. Both can create a warm natural appearance, but they differ in material source and treatment.

Can a cedar hot tub be wood fired?

Yes, a cedar hot tub can be wood fired if it is designed to work with a suitable wood-burning heater. However, the heater, pipework, water volume and tub construction must all be compatible and safe.

Is a cedar hot tub good for UK gardens?

A cedar hot tub can work in a UK garden if it is properly constructed and maintained. However, UK weather means you should think carefully about wood care, drainage, cover quality, insulation and long-term maintenance.

Can I build a DIY cedar hot tub?

It is possible to build a DIY cedar hot tub, but it is a demanding project. The tub must be watertight, structurally safe, compatible with hot water and suitable for a heater. For most buyers, a ready-made wooden hot tub is the safer and more practical choice.

Do cedar hot tubs need a liner?

Some traditional cedar tubs rely on the wood itself to swell and hold water, while other modern tubs may use a liner or inner shell. A liner or fibreglass interior can make cleaning and water management easier depending on the design.

Are cedar hot tubs expensive?

Cedar hot tub prices depend on size, construction, wood quality, heater type, accessories, insulation and delivery. A cheaper cedar tub is not always better value if it lacks a good heater, cover, filtration or practical long-term support.

What is the best alternative to a cedar hot tub?

A thermowood wooden hot tub is one of the best alternatives if you want a natural timber appearance with modern outdoor performance. It can offer the wooden look buyers associate with cedar while fitting well into practical hot tub construction.

Explore the full range of wood fired hot tubs, including traditional wood burning models, off-grid options and garden spa solutions.