Cedar vs. Hemlock for Saunas

Cedar and hemlock are two of the common choices for lining a sauna. Both work well; they differ in aroma, durability and price.

Western red cedar

The premium standard: dimensionally stable, naturally rot-resistant, and famous for its warm aroma.

Hemlock

An economical, even-grained, pale wood with very little scent.

How to choose

Do not forget the benches

Whatever you clad the walls in, benches should be cool-to-the-touch, knot-free wood — cedar, aspen or alder — since that is what your skin rests on. See our interior wood guide and the aspen vs. alder comparison for bench-specific advice. Both cedar and hemlock are left bare and cared for by light sanding, never sealed.

Where each wood fits best

The choice between cedar and hemlock comes down to aroma, durability and budget. Western red cedar is the premium standard — dimensionally stable, naturally rot-resistant, and famous for its warm scent — and worth its price if you love the smell of a cedar sauna and want maximum durability. Its one caveat is that aroma, which a scent-sensitive minority find irritating.

Hemlock is the economical, even-grained, light-coloured alternative with very little scent, which some people actively prefer — especially anyone sensitive to cedar. It works well as sauna cladding, though it is less naturally rot-resistant than cedar; kept bare, dry and well-ventilated like any sauna wood, it performs reliably.

Whatever you clad the walls in, the benches are where your skin rests, so use cool-to-the-touch, knot-free wood there — cedar, aspen or alder. Many builds pair cedar or hemlock walls with aspen or alder benches, a popular and excellent combination. Both cedar and hemlock are left bare and cared for by light sanding, never sealed.

In the end, both cedar and hemlock make a fine sauna, so the choice is a matter of priorities rather than a right-or-wrong decision. Let aroma, durability and budget guide you, keep the wood bare and cared for by light sanding, and use cool, knot-free bench wood where your skin rests, and the interior will serve you well for years.

Frequently asked questions

Is cedar or hemlock better for a sauna?

Cedar is aromatic, stable and rot-resistant — the premium choice — while hemlock is economical, even-grained and near-scentless. Choose cedar for aroma and durability, hemlock for value or minimal scent.

Does hemlock smell in a sauna?

Hemlock is near-scentless, which some people prefer — especially anyone sensitive to cedar aroma. Cedar, by contrast, has a strong, warm characteristic scent.

Is cedar worth the extra cost for a sauna?

If you value the aroma and maximum durability, yes. Cedar is stable, rot-resistant and gives the classic sauna smell. If budget or minimal scent matter more, hemlock is a sensible alternative.

Is hemlock durable enough for a sauna?

Hemlock works well as sauna cladding, though it is less naturally rot-resistant than cedar. Kept bare, dry and well-ventilated like any sauna wood, it performs reliably.

Can you mix cedar and hemlock in a sauna?

Yes — some builds mix woods for cost and effect. Whatever the walls, use cool, knot-free bench wood such as cedar, aspen or alder where your skin makes contact.

Is cedar or hemlock better for a sauna?

Cedar is aromatic, stable and rot-resistant — the premium choice — while hemlock is economical, even-grained and near-scentless. Choose cedar for aroma and durability, hemlock for value or if you prefer minimal scent.

Is cedar worth the extra cost over hemlock?

If you value the aroma and maximum durability, yes — cedar is stable, rot-resistant and gives the classic sauna smell. If budget or minimal scent matter more, hemlock is a sensible, reliable alternative.

Does hemlock smell in a sauna?

Hemlock is near-scentless, which some people prefer, especially anyone sensitive to cedar aroma. Cedar has a strong, warm characteristic scent by comparison.

Can you mix cedar and hemlock in a sauna?

Yes — some builds mix woods for cost and effect. Whatever the walls, use cool, knot-free bench wood such as cedar, aspen or alder where your skin makes contact.

Can you go wrong choosing between cedar and hemlock?

Not really — both make a fine sauna. Cedar offers aroma and durability at a higher price; hemlock offers value and minimal scent. Let your priorities guide you, keep the wood bare, and use cool, knot-free bench wood where skin rests.