Here at The Tuki Sauna Co., we work directly with leading Canadian manufacturers who share a deep respect for performance, longevity, and craftsmanship. Every detail is considered — and it all begins with the sourcing of materials.
Our saunas are crafted from premium, Grade A solid cedar, responsibly sourced and sustainably milled. It’s a material chosen not just for how it looks, but for how it behaves over time — in real conditions, in the outdoors, and under heat.
Because ultimately, a sauna is only as good as what it’s made from.
Why Canadian Cedar
Over time, Canadian cedar has become the benchmark for outdoor sauna construction — not through marketing, but through decades of proven performance. It brings together durability, stability, and natural beauty in a way very few timbers can.
In New Zealand, where weather conditions vary — from intense sun to heavy rain, from dry heat to alpine cold — it was important to us to offer a product that not only withstands the elements, but continues to perform within them.
Canadian Cedar was the natural choice.
Built to Last — Naturally
One of cedar’s most valued qualities is its natural resistance to decay. Unlike many other timbers, cedar contains its own protective oils which help defend against moisture, rot, and insect damage.
This means that even when exposed to the elements, cedar holds its integrity without the need for heavy chemical treatments or constant intervention. It doesn’t easily warp, it doesn’t readily break down, and it ages in a way that feels considered rather than compromised.
Over time, this natural durability is what allows a cedar sauna to not just endure — but to remain structurally sound and visually beautiful for years to come.
Thermal Performance & Insulation
Cedar is also uniquely suited to the sauna environment because of its low density.
A lighter timber provides excellent insulation — absorbing heat gently and holding it consistently. It allows the sauna to warm evenly and maintain temperature without excessive energy demand.
In practice, this means your sauna heats well, holds its warmth, and feels comfortable to sit in — never overly harsh or aggressively hot to the touch. The surfaces remain stable under high temperatures, which is exactly what you want in a space designed for slow, restorative heat.
It’s a quieter kind of performance — but one you notice every time you step inside.
Solid Cedar, The Way It Should Be
Another defining feature of our saunas is the way the cedar is used.
Canadian cedar is available in full-length staves, allowing each sauna to be constructed from solid panels rather than smaller joined pieces. That means no gluing, no finger-jointing, and no visible splicing.
Each panel runs complete.
Beyond the visual simplicity, this matters for longevity. Solid boards expand and contract more consistently, reducing the risk of movement over time. It also creates a cleaner, more refined finish — one that feels true to the material itself.
It’s a detail you might not immediately notice, but it plays a significant role in how the sauna performs and ages.
Western Red vs Eastern White Cedar
We work with both Western Red Cedar and Eastern White Cedar. While they differ slightly in appearance, they perform equally well — offering the same durability, stability, and resistance to the elements.
The difference mostly comes down to how you want it to look and feel.
Western Red Cedar
Western Red Cedar carries richer tones, ranging from warm amber through to deeper reddish hues. It is available in two finishes:
- Premium Clear: A cleaner, more uniform appearance with minimal to no knots. This gives a refined, uninterrupted look and sits at a slightly higher price point to reflect its grade.
- Knotty: More character through visible knots and variation in grain, creating a more textured, natural feel.
Eastern White Cedar
Eastern White Cedar is lighter in colour — soft, pale, and understated. It typically features more knots, giving it a more relaxed, organic appearance.
While it doesn’t have the same “clear” finish as premium red cedar, it offers the same structural performance and longevity. The difference is simply in its look and tone.
Red or White Cedar?
Both are exceptional — and importantly, neither is a compromise.
- Performance: Both red and white cedar perform equally well in outdoor conditions and within a sauna environment.
- Longevity: When properly maintained, both will last for many years.
- Durability: Both are naturally resistant to decay, moisture, and insects.
- Stability: Both are more stable and longer lasting than alternatives like pine.
The differences are more subtle:
- Colour & Finish: Red cedar offers deeper, richer tones, while white cedar is lighter and more neutral.
- Knots: White cedar typically has more knots; premium clear red cedar offers a more uniform finish.
- Aroma: Red cedar has a stronger, more recognisable scent, while white cedar is more subtle.
If left untreated, both will naturally weather to a soft silver-grey over time — a process many choose to embrace. Alternatively, both can be stained or painted externally to suit their surroundings.
A Material That Ages With You
What we value most about cedar is not just how it performs on day one, but how it evolves.
It settles into its surroundings — into the landscape it’s placed within. It softens. It silvers. It becomes part of the environment rather than sitting on top of it.
And that, to us, is what good design — and good material choice — should do.
Not demand attention, but earn it over time.