THE BENEFITS AND LONGEVITY
OF A THERMOWOOD SAUNA
What if you could have a sauna's health benefits, such as healthier skin and a more relaxed mindset, without worrying about your sauna decaying or cracking? To the dismay of many, cheaper home sauna options are often plagued by several issues.
Among them are saunas that crack and splinter after repeated usage. This isn't exactly optimal for anyone looking to unwind after a long day tending to their responsibilities. Fortunately, a sauna type is renowned for its longevity and stability — the thermowood sauna.
This sauna type is known for its reduced moisture content, among other things. Let's go over what thermowood saunas offer and why they are so effective.
What Is a Thermowood Sauna?
Thermowood saunas are an exciting innovation in the home sauna world. This sauna type is made using a thermally modified wood known as thermowood. Thermowood undergoes a process that enhances its durability and stability.
This is done by repeatedly subjecting the wood to high temperatures, using steam and heat. Due to this extreme heat subjugation, the wood's chemical and structural property is altered, resulting in a number of desirable characteristics.
Desirable Characteristics
The first defining characteristic of thermowood is its appearance. The thermal modification process glazes the wood. Granting it a rich brown color that is visually appealing without being too striking.
Aside from its appearance, thermowood benefits from improved dimensional stability, and this is because the thermal process reduces swelling and shrinkage within the wood itself. How is this possible? Well, because the moisture-absorbing components within the wood are removed.
As a result, the wood is less prone to cracking and warping. There are several other benefits that we will be going over later. However, let's look at some thermowood sauna options.
Thermowood Sauna Options
By every measure, thermowood saunas seem like a complete upgrade over regular saunas. This is especially true for the top thermowood sauna brands on the market, Forever Saunas and SaunaLife saunas.
To get a top-quality thermowood sauna, you've got to make sure that the wood used to construct them is of a premium grade. This is where the manufacturer's reputation comes in, which is why I mentioned the two brands earlier.
Both brands are known for their craftsmanship and standards, so let's run through some of their standout thermowood saunas.
Forever Saunas Thermally Treated 2-Person Sauna
Ever wanted an intimate interior with elegant flooring that you can share with a loved one? Of course! Then why not try out the Forever Saunas Thermally Treated 2-Person Sauna? This barrel sauna places special emphasis on delivering a cozy atmosphere.
This is why it has two wide benches facing each other without leaving too large of a gap between both seating arrangements. This comfy interior isn't just for ambiance; it also heats up much more efficiently.
Therefore, you get effective heating that doesn't take long to start up, a massive benefit compared to saunas that require a long start-up process.
Among its other features, you'll find:
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A cabin measuring 81" by 60" inches
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Easy to assemble kit
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Thermo-treated wood planks
SaunaLife Model E8 Sauna Barrel
The SaunaLife Model E8 Sauna Barrel spares no expense when designing this thermowood barrel sauna. True sauna enthusiasts were consulted and included throughout every step of the design and engineering process.
As a result, this barrel sauna has an incredibly comfortable and visually pleasing interior. That's not all; to construct it, thermo-spruce materials were used. What's special about thermo-spruce wood is that it lasts two times longer than thermo-cedar wood.
It's this attention to detail that runs throughout this entire sauna. Rather than settle with the amazing durability and benefits that thermo-cedar wood saunas offer, SaunaLife decided to go further and upgrade to thermo-spruce wood.
Other quality features include:
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Simple two-person assembly
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Great interior height of six feet five inches
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Curved thermo-aspen benches
SaunaLife E7: 4-PERSON BARREL SAUNA
Here we have another SaunaLife creation that raises the bar. The SaunaLife E7 4-Person Barrel shares many of the same quality-of-life improvements as its precursor, like thermo-aspen benches with a premium arched backrest.
This arched design does wonders for the lower and upper back. This allows longer sauna sessions without developing any aches or feeling uncomfortable due to low-quality seating. In fact, the entire sauna was specially designed for ergonomic sauna sessions.
Dual floor drains also effectively remove any excess water. This means that you won't have to worry about decay or large clean-ups after every use.
Standout features include:
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Weather-secured installation thanks to roof design
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Lighting upgrades for enhanced ambiance
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Paraffin oil is provided with the sauna to further enrich your experience
Health Benefits of Using a Thermowood Sauna
While the thermowood sauna's construction has been taking center stage thus far, the many health benefits a sauna offers are truly impressive. These health benefits don't just dwell in the realm of the physical. Often, the mental health benefits that a sauna offers can be overlooked.
We will be going over the physical and mental ways that a thermowood sauna can enrich your life, making you a healthier and happier person.
Detoxification and Improved Circulation
What we eat, poor air quality, and even everyday stressors can cause our bodies to build up toxins and other undesirable components. These toxins can make us feel sluggish and sick. However, spending time within a thermowood sauna can help flush these toxins out; studies say as much.
The way saunas aid this cleansing process is by making us sweat. It is through our sweat that we secrete metabolic waste and pollutants. This same process also improves our blood circulation because of the dilation that our blood vessels undergo.
Relaxation and Stress Relief
Regularly spending time in a sauna has been directly linked with a reduced risk of developing psychotic disorders. That is a powerful claim because it clearly shows that saunas and, by extension, thermowood saunas can positively affect our mental health.
Keep in mind that our mental health is every bit as important as our physical well-being. The reason why saunas are so effective at improving our mental state is because they reduce cortisol.
Cortisol is your body's stress hormone, and because saunas reduce cortisol, your stress is also reduced.
Enhanced Respiratory Function
Studies show that many common but often serious respiratory problems and diseases can be assuaged with regular sauna usage. How is this possible? Well, saunas humidify the air. By humidifying the air, any moisture in the skin and, more importantly, the respiratory tract is evaporated.
As a result, irritation in the airways is reduced, and your breathing comfort is significantly improved. Your airways are also dilated, much like your blood vessels. This dilation improves your airflow, making breathing easier for those with respiratory ailments.
Pain Relief and Muscle Relaxation
Pain relief and muscle relaxation are well-known benefits of using a sauna. In fact, studies show that muscle function actually improves after sauna usage. Even if you aren't suffering from muscle pain or spasms, you still stand to gain a lot from a sauna.
Thermowood saunas can even reduce sensory impairment! All of these great benefits are a result of improved blood circulation. The heat dilates your blood vessels and boosts circulation as a whole.
Starting your day out with less muscle pain and improved mobility sounds like a surefire way to get off on the right foot.
Skin Health Benefits
Want to know something interesting? Even though saunas make you sweat and, as a result, cause you to lose fluids, and they can actually improve your skin's hydration. This is because the sauna's heat can stimulate your skin's natural hydration mechanisms.
A process that results in softer and more supple skin that can retain moisture better. Of course, these effects can also alleviate skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Since your skin is soothed by heat and moisture, eczema flare-ups are less likely to occur.
Maintaining a Thermowood Sauna
Owning a thermowood sauna means endless relaxation and wellness, but keeping it in top-notch condition requires some tender loving care. Fear not! With the right maintenance routine, your sauna will continue to provide you with those blissful steam sessions for years to come.
Cleaning and Upkeep
Regular cleaning is a breeze. Simply wipe down the benches and surfaces with a mild water and soap solution. Avoid harsh chemicals that might harm the wood's natural luster. Remember to mop the floor to keep it squeaky clean, and free from grime.
Preventative Measures for Longevity
To ensure your sauna's longevity, keep an eye on humidity levels. Invest in a hygrometer to monitor and maintain moisture levels between 10-20%. Proper ventilation is key, so ensure your sauna is adequately ventilated to prevent mold or mildew growth.
Tips for Maintaining Aesthetics
Over time, the thermowood might lose some of its sheen. However, there is a way to remedy this. A light sanding followed by a fresh application of sauna-specific wood oil will have it looking as good as new.
You'll also want to protect your sauna from direct sunlight and extreme weather conditions, which can impact the wood's appearance. Keep towels and robes off the floor to prevent unnecessary staining and wear and tear.
Thermowood Sauna and You
From their health and mental benefits to their build's durability and stability, thermowood saunas are a tour de force of comfort. What sauna is best for you will depend on your location, needs, and whether or not you plan on sharing it!
Too much to handle on your own, why not contact the experts? With just one simple call, we can walk you through the entire process of selecting and purchasing your very own home thermowood sauna.
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About the Author
Adam Fromson
Adam Fromson, co-founder of My Sauna World, loves saunas and their transformative health benefits. With years of experience exploring sauna culture and its impact on health and wellness, Adam is passionate about helping others discover the life-changing benefits of saunas for themselves.