{"id":112776,"date":"2026-08-05T17:51:22","date_gmt":"2026-08-05T15:51:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.woodenhottubsale.co.uk\/types-of-wood\/"},"modified":"2026-08-05T21:31:23","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T19:31:23","slug":"types-of-wood","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.woodenhottubsale.co.uk\/ie\/types-of-wood\/","title":{"rendered":"Types of Wood for Hot Tubs &#038; Outdoor Saunas"},"content":{"rendered":"<article class=\"ti-guide ti-guide-wood\">\n<section class=\"ti-guide-hero\">\n<p class=\"ti-eyebrow\">Choose timber by its job<\/p>\n<h2>The \u201cbest wood\u201d depends on where it is used<\/h2>\n<p class=\"ti-lead\">A hot tub may have a water-retaining liner, timber cladding and separate structural parts. A sauna has external cladding, framing, benches and an interior exposed to heat. Comparing species without naming the component leads to the wrong conclusion.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ti-quickfacts\"><span data-no-translation=\"\">Water-retaining body<\/span><span data-no-translation=\"\">Exterior cladding<\/span><span data-no-translation=\"\">Sauna interior<\/span><span data-no-translation=\"\">Supporting structure<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<nav class=\"ti-toc\" aria-label=\"On this page\"><strong data-no-translation=\"\">On this page<\/strong><a href=\"#roles\">Timber roles<\/a><a href=\"#compare\">Compare species<\/a><a href=\"#hot-tubs\">Hot tubs<\/a><a href=\"#saunas\">Saunas<\/a><a href=\"#care\">Care<\/a><\/nav>\n<section id=\"roles\" class=\"ti-section\">\n<h2>First identify what the timber is doing<\/h2>\n<div class=\"ti-four-col\">\n<div class=\"ti-card\">\n<h3>Water retention<\/h3>\n<p>In a solid-timber vessel, the staves themselves retain water. In a liner-based model, the liner is the water-retaining component and the timber may be external cladding.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ti-card\">\n<h3>Exterior cladding<\/h3>\n<p>Cladding provides appearance and weather protection but still needs suitable detailing, drying and maintenance for the exposure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ti-card\">\n<h3>Sauna interior<\/h3>\n<p>Benches and internal linings are chosen for heat behaviour, comfort, low splinter risk and indoor-sauna conditions\u2014not simply outdoor durability.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ti-card\">\n<h3>Structure<\/h3>\n<p>Frames, runners and supports are specified for strength, moisture exposure and the construction system. They may differ from the visible finish.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"ti-note\"><strong data-no-translation=\"\">Read the written specification.<\/strong> A model name or photograph does not prove that every visible component is made from the same species.<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"compare\" class=\"ti-section\">\n<h2>Common timber choices in outdoor-wellness products<\/h2>\n<div class=\"ti-table-wrap\">\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Timber<\/th>\n<th>Why buyers consider it<\/th>\n<th>Where it may suit<\/th>\n<th>Points to confirm<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Thermowood<\/td>\n<td>Thermal modification improves dimensional stability and gives a warm, even appearance.<\/td>\n<td>Exterior cladding and selected sauna applications, depending on grade and component.<\/td>\n<td>Exact species, modification class, surface treatment and whether colour change is acceptable.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Larch<\/td>\n<td>Dense softwood character, visible grain and useful natural durability for many external applications.<\/td>\n<td>Outdoor cladding and selected structural or decorative components.<\/td>\n<td>Grade, detailing, resin, checking and the maintenance finish.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Spruce<\/td>\n<td>Light colour, familiar Nordic appearance and efficient use in protected construction.<\/td>\n<td>Sauna structures, interiors or cladding when the grade and exposure are appropriate.<\/td>\n<td>Whether the component is weather-exposed, the treatment and ventilation details.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Western red cedar<\/td>\n<td>Low density, characteristic aroma and natural durability valued in premium outdoor work.<\/td>\n<td>Selected cladding, sauna and solid-timber applications when correctly specified.<\/td>\n<td>Species authenticity, grade, colour variation, availability and price.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Redwood \/ pine grades<\/td>\n<td>Workable, widely available and suitable for many treated or protected applications.<\/td>\n<td>Frames, cladding and components where the treatment system matches the exposure.<\/td>\n<td>Exact commercial species, treatment, grade and permitted finish.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Accoya and other modified woods<\/td>\n<td>High dimensional stability and durability from a controlled modification process.<\/td>\n<td>Premium external components where the product design and budget justify it.<\/td>\n<td>Availability, approved coatings, fixings, warranty and model-specific compatibility.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<figure class=\"ti-wide-media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.woodenhottubsale.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/timber-species-comparison-uk.webp\" alt=\"Six timber samples showing dark Thermowood, golden larch, pale Nordic spruce, reddish western red cedar, knotty pine and uniform modified wood\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"\"><figcaption>Visual comparison only: colour and grain vary by species, grade, finish and exposure. Confirm the exact material for each component in the written specification.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"ti-quickfacts ti-wood-legend\" aria-label=\"Timber samples shown left to right, top row then bottom row\"><span data-no-translation=\"\">1 \u00b7 Thermowood<\/span><span data-no-translation=\"\">2 \u00b7 Larch<\/span><span data-no-translation=\"\">3 \u00b7 Nordic spruce<\/span><span data-no-translation=\"\">4 \u00b7 Western red cedar<\/span><span data-no-translation=\"\">5 \u00b7 Redwood \/ pine<\/span><span data-no-translation=\"\">6 \u00b7 Modified wood<\/span><\/div>\n<section id=\"hot-tubs\" class=\"ti-section\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"ti-eyebrow\">Hot tubs<\/p>\n<h2>Solid timber vessel or timber-clad liner?<\/h2>\n<p>This is the most important distinction. A solid-timber tub relies on accurately made staves and controlled swelling to hold water. It behaves differently from a fibreglass or polypropylene liner surrounded by timber cladding.<\/p>\n<p>For a liner-based model, compare the liner material and support system separately from the exterior wood. The cladding can often be selected for appearance and weathering preference without changing the water-retaining body.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Confirm what actually holds the water.<\/li>\n<li>Ask which timber is structural and which is decorative.<\/li>\n<li>Check whether the selected finish is factory applied.<\/li>\n<li>Use only cleaning and coating products approved for that component.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"saunas\" class=\"ti-section\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"ti-eyebrow\">Outdoor saunas<\/p>\n<h2>Separate the weather shell from the hot room<\/h2>\n<p>The exterior must manage rain, sun and drying. The hot-room lining and benches must remain comfortable at operating temperature and be detailed for ventilation and cleaning. The same species can sometimes appear in both areas, but the grade, profile and treatment should still be specified by component.<\/p>\n<p>Never apply an exterior coating to sauna benches or interior surfaces unless the product manufacturer explicitly approves that use. Internal finishes must be suitable for the temperature and skin contact involved.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"care\" class=\"ti-section\">\n<h2>Appearance and maintenance over time<\/h2>\n<p>Untreated exterior timber normally changes colour under UV and weather exposure. This is not the same as structural decay. A pigmented, compatible finish can slow visible greying, while good detailing helps surfaces dry after rain.<\/p>\n<ol class=\"ti-steps\">\n<li><strong data-no-translation=\"\">Identify the supplied wood and factory finish.<\/strong> Keep the order specification and care instructions.<\/li>\n<li><strong data-no-translation=\"\">Inspect before coating.<\/strong> Look for dirt, trapped moisture, failed sealant and mechanical damage.<\/li>\n<li><strong data-no-translation=\"\">Use compatible products.<\/strong> Test a discreet area and respect drying times and temperature limits.<\/li>\n<li><strong data-no-translation=\"\">Avoid aggressive cleaning.<\/strong> High pressure and harsh chemistry can raise fibres or damage finishes.<\/li>\n<li><strong data-no-translation=\"\">Maintain drainage and ventilation.<\/strong> No coating compensates for persistent water traps.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"ti-section ti-faq\">\n<h2>Timber-selection questions<\/h2>\n<details>\n<summary>Is cedar always the best wood for a hot tub?<\/summary>\n<p>No. It is a valued premium timber, but the correct choice depends on whether the wood retains water, forms cladding, carries load or is used inside a sauna.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Does Thermowood require no maintenance?<\/summary>\n<p>No. Thermal modification improves material properties but does not prevent weathering, dirt, surface checking or colour change. Care depends on the component and desired appearance.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Can exterior sauna timber be treated with any decking oil?<\/summary>\n<p>No. Confirm compatibility with the supplied timber and factory finish. Keep exterior products away from hot-room surfaces unless approved for that use.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Why can photographs of the same model show different timber tones?<\/summary>\n<p>Natural variation, exposure, age, lighting, finish and configurable wood options all affect appearance. The written order identifies the supplied choice.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"ti-cta\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"ti-eyebrow\">Compare like with like<\/p>\n<h2>Ask for the material by component<\/h2>\n<p>Confirm the liner or vessel, cladding, structure and sauna-interior materials separately in the final specification.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a class=\"ti-button\" href=\"\/ie\/contact-us\/\">Discuss material options<\/a><\/div>\n<\/article>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A role-by-role comparison of timber choices for hot-tub cladding, sauna interiors and outdoor structures.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-112776","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"wppr_data":{"cwp_meta_box_check":"No"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"dr. Tom Granger UK [VERIFIED REVIEW]","author_link":"https:\/\/www.woodenhottubsale.co.uk\/ie\/author\/admin\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"A role-by-role comparison of timber choices for hot-tub cladding, sauna interiors and outdoor structures.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.woodenhottubsale.co.uk\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/112776","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.woodenhottubsale.co.uk\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.woodenhottubsale.co.uk\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.woodenhottubsale.co.uk\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.woodenhottubsale.co.uk\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=112776"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.woodenhottubsale.co.uk\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/112776\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":112794,"href":"https:\/\/www.woodenhottubsale.co.uk\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/112776\/revisions\/112794"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.woodenhottubsale.co.uk\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=112776"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}