When it comes to maintaining the beauty and durability of your sauna, the right finishing treatment can make a world of difference. The interior of the sauna should always be left raw. For the exterior of the sauna you have a few options to consider: leaving the wood raw, applying a semi-transparent stain, or using a solid-colour stain. Each approach has its pros and cons, so let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed decision.
1. Leaving the Wood Raw
Pros:
- Natural Aesthetic: Raw cedar has a classic, rustic appeal and will age to a nice silver look. For those who love the look and feel of untreated wood, this option can be quite attractive.
- Simplicity: Skipping the staining process saves time and effort. It’s a straightforward approach if you’re looking for minimal maintenance.
Cons:
- Protection: White Cedar is naturally rot resistant, however, raw wood is more susceptible to damage from moisture, heat, and the natural elements. Without a protective finish, your sauna’s wood will eventually begin to rot sooner than if it was protected.
- Aesthetics: Raw cedar will begin to turn a silvery grey and after a couple years will be fully silver. Some people like this natural look, but if you really like the look of the sauna when it’s new, then staining it may be the way to go.
2. Staining with Semi-Transparent Stain (We Recommend Using Sansin Stain)
Pros:
- Enhanced Durability: Semi-transparent stains, such as those offered by Sansin, provide a protective barrier against moisture and UV rays while still allowing the natural grain of the wood to show through. This balance helps maintain the sauna’s aesthetic appeal while extending its lifespan.
- Easy Maintenance: Semi-transparent stains are often easier to touch up compared to full-color stains. They also tend to wear off more evenly, making maintenance less of a hassle. A good quality semi-transparent stain will absorb into the wood and will not peel as it ages.
- Breathability: Sansin stains are designed to be breathable, which is crucial for saunas where wood needs to handle high humidity without trapping moisture.
Cons:
- Limited Color Options: While semi-transparent stains enhance the wood’s natural beauty, they offer fewer color choices compared to full-color stains. If you’re looking for a specific hue, this might be a limitation.
- Application: Proper application is key to getting the best results. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure an even finish and effective protection.
- Continued Maintenance: Once you stain wood you will need to keep re-staining it to keep the look and protection you require. With a good quality stain you may be able to go several years between coats.
3. Solid-Colour Stains
Pros:
- Aesthetic Variety: Solid-color stains provide a range of colors and can completely change the look of your sauna. They’re great for those who want a more uniform appearance or a specific color.
Cons:
- Peeling Issues: Solid-color stains tend to peel and flake over time. With exposure to weather the stain will eventually lose its adhesion to the wood, leading to an unsightly and problematic finish.
- Maintenance: When full-color stains peel, they can require extensive stripping and refinishing to correct. This makes ongoing maintenance more labor-intensive and costly.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right finish for the exterior of your sauna largely depends on your priorities—whether you value a natural look, easy maintenance, or vibrant color. For most sauna enthusiasts, using a semi-transparent stain offers an ideal balance between protection and aesthetic appeal. It enhances the wood’s natural grain, provides effective protection against the weather, and simplifies future maintenance.
If you prefer the raw, unprocessed look or don’t want to do any maintenance, leaving the wood untreated is a great option. However, for a practical and long-lasting solution, semi-transparent stains are a great choice. Avoid solid-colour stains to steer clear of peeling and extensive maintenance challenges unless the aesthetic value that the stain offers is enough to justify the additional maintenance for you.
By making an informed choice, you’ll ensure your sauna remains a beautiful and functional retreat for years to come.
