A sanctuary for both warmth and wellness, saunas have been a part of the cultural identity of many countries around the world, including those in Finland and North America. Embedded in this legacy is wood, an ancient building material that is the very definition of what it means to have a sauna. It is much more than simply how we build; rather, wood is the "life" of the sauna: the warmth that rises from the many channels of wood is an extension of the person enjoying it, the fragrance of wood can fill a room with comfort, and the feel of wood provides a sense of security. Wood provides a sensory experience that cannot be matched by other man-made materials. The purpose of this article is to identify the many different ways in which wood is used in saunas; specifically, we will focus on the aesthetics and thermodynamics of wood, as well as why it helps provide a full sensory experience in saunas.
How wood regulates heat: the thermodynamic master
Saunas are designed to generate and hold heat for long periods of time. Wood is the most efficient way to do this. Unlike any other type of material (i.e. stones and metals) that are used to create the heating elements in a sauna, the wood that creates the environment of the sauna does not absorb heat. Wood's ability to hold and regulate heat is its greatest trait. This means that, while air temps can get extremely hot within the sauna, the wood will maintain a temperature that is comfortable (or at least bearable) to your skin. For instance, you would burn yourself on a hot metal bench but you would be able to sit comfortably on a hot wood bench because even if it is extremely hot within the sauna, the temperature of the wood creates a "cooling" effect.In a sauna, the *löyly* produces an increase in humidity when water is poured onto heated rocks. The water vapour will also be absorbed into the wood of the sauna's walls and ceiling and thus will help reduce the feelings of being overwhelmed by humidity while in the sauna and limit how much condensation will come down onto you while you are relaxing. After the water vapour has dissipated from the sauna (i.e., the humidity has decreased), the wood will slowly give back up the moisture it absorbed while in the sauna. This action of the wood naturally creates a more balanced and enjoyable experience of steam, thus helping to reduce the extreme swings of humidity that you would encounter in a non-porous setting.
A Symphony of Sensation: Ambiance and Beauty
Entering a sauna represents an opportunity to enter into a new atmosphere, and wood is the most important thing that establishes this. Aesthetically, warm colours and natural variations of woods like cedar, hemlock and aspen will instantly promote calm. The organic lines and textures of each of the woods will visually connect you with nature and allow you to escape from the artificial world that surrounds us every day in our modern lives - the rustic beauty of each type of wood is simply that: Fit perfectly within the overall aesthetic of the sauna, therefore creating timeless beauty; it is the beauty of the wood that creates the visual appeal.
But, in addition to visual beauty, wood provides additional sensory satisfaction. Wood also has a unique, subtle aroma that is released when it is heated, and this aromatic release is an essential part of experiencing the sauna. Cedar has a sharp and cleansing scent; hemlock has a softer, sweet fragrance; and Nordic spruce has the fresh, clean smell characteristic of woods from a northern forest.Many people use wood in a sauna because it creates a more comfortable atmosphere than a tile or cement floor. Wooden floors feel warm and smooth to the feet when walking as opposed to the cold hard feeling of walking on a tile or cement floor. Additionally, the sound emitted from a wooden sauna is muted by the wood's ability to absorb echoes, thus creating an interior that exudes tranquillity with just the sounds of a crackling fire and the hissing of the steam generator. Choosing the right wood for a sauna is vital to maintaining a healthy and safe environment. Some woods are better suited to be used as sauna materials due to their desirable characteristics, such as low moisture content and low resin content.
First, when selecting wood for a sauna, it is essential to choose a wood type that will not release any resin or sap while in use. An example of a type of wood to avoid is pine, which may produce sticky sap if not dried properly using a kiln. Other woods such as cedar, hemlock, and aspen contain less resin than pine and do not have a tendency to produce sap when heated, thus preventing this issue from occurring.
Secondly, when choosing a type of wood for use in a sauna, it is also essential to consider the wood's ability to resist decay, moisture, and fungal growth. The extreme heat and humidity conditions associated with using a sauna can cause a variety of wood types to warp, crack, or develop mould growth, particularly when subjected to these extreme conditions for a prolonged period. However, the dense, tight grain structure of cedar, hemlock, and aspen allows them to resist the cycles of expansion and contraction associated with sauna use much better than most woods.
Cedar also has the added benefit of having natural oils (thujappins) in the wood that provide it with fungicidal and insecticidal properties, which enhance its hygiene and life expectancy.Quality sauna wood surfaces maintain their smoothness for an extended period of time and will not splinter as the wood gets exposed to the heat and humidity of a sauna. With the combination of durability and smoothness, this ensures the longevity of the sauna as a healthy environment for the user.
Traditionally Wood, Culturally Wood
While many people perceive wood as solely a practical choice in the construction of a sauna, it is also a cultural symbol. The history of the sauna in Finland (the spiritual home of the sauna) is tied to the construction of the sauna by a community, using locally-sourced wood, and having local people construct and maintain the sauna's character. Over the years, this knowledge was passed down from generation to generation. Users of a sauna today are part of a long history of the tradition of wellness.
The cultural significance of the connection to wood extends to the craftsmanship of the sauna. The joinery methods used when building a sauna permit the wood to expand and contract over time with changes in relative humidity, without requiring metal fasteners that could overheat. The significance of the selection, drying, and milling of the wood is to acknowledge the importance of the wood and the traditional usage of it.
Finally, each sauna is unique due to the material, craftsmanship, and care of the builder. The sauna is much more than just a pre-fabricated room; it is a living example of the craft of a sauna builder.
Therefore, wood is the integral component that converts a hot room into an authentic sauna. Wood is the intelligent substance that governs the laws of physics regarding humidity and temperature. Wood can create an environment of peace, beauty, and nostalgia. Wood is the protector of safety and strength. Wood also tells the story of our ancestors. The use of wood connects us to our past by engaging all five senses to create a comprehensive wellness experience. The beauty of designing a sauna without having an extensive understanding and appreciation of wood is that it is to lose the essence of the sauna. The wood is the pliable, warm, fragrant centre of the ritual, and it is beating strongly through the steam.