Aspen vs. Alder Sauna Benches
Aspen is pale and near-scentless; alder is warm-toned and gently fragrant. Both are cool, low-resin bench woods. Here is how aspen and alder compare.
The short answer
Both aspen and alder are excellent, cool-to-the-touch, low-resin bench woods. Aspen is very pale and essentially scentless (ideal for the scent-sensitive); alder has a warm reddish tone and a mild, pleasant fragrance. Either makes superb sauna benches.
When it comes to the wood your skin actually rests on — the benches — aspen and alder are two of the best choices. Both stay cool and splinter-free; they differ mainly in colour and scent.
Aspen
Very pale, clean-grained, and essentially scent-free.
Aspen
- Cool to the touch
- Pale, clean, modern look
- Essentially scentless — great for the scent-sensitive
- Splinter-resistant
Trade-offs
- Very light colour is a matter of taste
- Little aromatic character
Alder
Warm, reddish-toned, with a mild, pleasant fragrance.
Alder
- Cool to the touch
- Warm, attractive reddish tone
- Gentle, pleasant scent
- Splinter-resistant
Trade-offs
- Mild scent is not to everyone taste
- Warmer tone is a matter of preference
How to choose
| Priority | Choose |
|---|---|
| Palest, most neutral look | Aspen |
| Warm tone and gentle scent | Alder |
| Zero scent (sensitivity) | Aspen |
| A cosy, warm feel | Alder |
Why not cedar for benches?
Cedar is a fine bench wood too, but its strong aroma bothers a minority, and aspen or alder are often preferred precisely because they are cooler-feeling and gentler-scented. Many saunas use cedar or hemlock walls with aspen or alder benches — a popular, excellent combination. Whatever you choose, keep bench wood knot-free, bare, and cared for by light sanding, as covered in our interior wood guide.
Picking on look and scent
Because both aspen and alder are outstanding bench woods — cool to the touch, low-resin, and splinter-resistant — the choice really comes down to look and scent preference rather than performance. Aspen is very pale, clean-grained and essentially scentless, which suits a bright, modern sauna and anyone sensitive to wood aromas. Alder is warm and reddish-toned with a mild, pleasant fragrance, giving a cosier feel.
You genuinely cannot go wrong with either for the parts your skin touches, so trust your eye and nose. If you want the palest, most neutral look, or zero scent, choose aspen; if you want a warmer tone with a hint of fragrance, choose alder.
Many saunas pair these bench woods with cedar or hemlock walls — a popular combination that uses cedar aroma and durability on the walls while keeping the benches cool and gentle-scented. Whatever you choose, keep bench wood knot-free, bare, and cared for by light sanding, with an optional food-safe sauna oil the only treatment.
Because the difference is purely look and scent, the safest approach is to see and, if you can, smell samples before deciding. Both will feel cool and comfortable against your skin and last well as bare, lightly sanded bench wood, so trust your preference — the pale neutrality of aspen or the warm, gently fragrant character of alder.
Frequently asked questions
Is aspen or alder better for sauna benches?
Both are excellent, cool-to-the-touch, low-resin bench woods. Aspen is very pale and essentially scentless; alder is warm-toned with a mild fragrance. Choose on colour and scent preference.
Does aspen have a smell in a sauna?
Aspen is essentially scentless, which makes it ideal for anyone sensitive to wood aromas. Alder, by contrast, has a mild, pleasant fragrance.
Why use aspen or alder instead of cedar for benches?
Aspen and alder are cool-feeling, splinter-free and gentler-scented, and cedar aroma bothers a minority. Many saunas pair cedar or hemlock walls with aspen or alder benches.
Are aspen and alder cool to the touch?
Yes — both are low-density, low-resin woods that stay comfortable against skin even when the sauna air is hot, which is exactly what you want for benches.
Do aspen and alder benches need sealing?
No. Like all sauna wood they are left bare and cared for by light sanding, with an optional food-safe sauna oil on benches. Never use a film-forming finish.
Is aspen or alder better for sauna benches?
Both are excellent, cool-to-the-touch, low-resin bench woods, so the choice is about look and scent. Aspen is pale and essentially scentless; alder is warm-toned with a mild fragrance. You cannot go wrong with either.
Which is more scent-free, aspen or alder?
Aspen — it is essentially scentless, making it ideal for anyone sensitive to wood aromas. Alder has a mild, pleasant fragrance and a warmer tone.
Why use aspen or alder instead of cedar for benches?
They are cool-feeling, splinter-free and gentler-scented, and cedar aroma bothers a minority. Many saunas pair cedar or hemlock walls with aspen or alder benches for exactly this reason.
Do aspen and alder benches need sealing?
No — like all sauna wood they are left bare and cared for by light sanding, with an optional food-safe sauna oil on benches. Never use a film-forming finish.
How do I choose between aspen and alder if both perform well?
See and, if possible, smell samples before deciding, since the difference is purely look and scent. Both feel cool and comfortable and last well as bare bench wood. Choose aspen for a pale, neutral look or alder for a warm, gently fragrant one.
