Choosing Wood for a Bathhouse: What You Need to Know

The type of wood that surrounds you during water procedures will determine the microclimate of the bathhouse and even its health benefits. But all wood species are different in their properties—what should you consider? And is it worth choosing exotic wood species? We asked an expert.

Sergey Baturin — an expert at EKZOfloor, the largest supplier of planks made from exotic wood species

Let's start with the fact that wood is the most fertile and eco-friendly material for a bathhouse, with several undeniable advantages:

• relatively simple installation work;
• eco-friendliness;
• high thermal insulation properties;
• pleasant tactile sensations;
• aesthetics;
• simplicity of repair work;
• with proper treatment, wooden floors in a bathhouse can prevent excessive humidity.

What Many Forget About When Choosing Wood

As in any industry, there are secrets here that it's better to know in advance to avoid making the wrong choice. For example, resinous wood species emit thick resin when heated, which can stain the finish. Also:

It's better to use material that has been kiln-dried. It costs more, but it helps avoid the consequences associated with lumber that has natural moisture content. You should verify this with the manufacturer or seller.

If you coat the wood with water-repellent agents instead of lacquer, its properties can be preserved for an additional ten years.

Wood used in finishing should dry quickly, which prevents its rotting.

It's better if the wood does not contain resin—bathing procedures will be more comfortable.

The surface of the plank for finishing should be smooth and even, without knots or gaps—this will prevent its deterioration.

Low thermal conductivity is another important characteristic of wood that allows you to enjoy steaming without burns.

Importance

Wood is a great antiseptic. Essential oils found in certain wood species, such as larch, help ease cardiovascular and nervous system disorders.

Top 3 Best Exotic Wood Species for a Bathhouse and Sauna

About domestic wood species like oak, birch, or pine, we know almost everything, but we have little idea about the advantages of exotic species, which often perform better in high temperatures and humidity than domestic analogs. The reason is the environment and climate of Asia or South America, where the wood adapts to harsh tropical conditions from the moment it's born.

With proper treatment, such natural material can withstand the harshest conditions of a Russian bathhouse for decades.

Teak

Few people know about it, as this exotic wood is imported to Russia relatively recently. Teak is a universal material that has been tested for quality in shipbuilding. It has a pleasant texture and several advantages:

• does not rot: due to a high concentration of oils that act as antiseptics (fungi and microbes do not develop even without chemical treatment);
• moisture-resistant: wood absorbs little moisture and does not change volume after drying;
• does not deform due to high density (650 kg/m³);
• strong: teak timber can last several decades even in a bathroom.

Abaşı

Another exotic species from Africa, somewhat resembling domestic oak. Its main advantage is low heat capacity. Walls, floors, and benches made from Abaşı do not burn and adapt to human body temperature.

The color of the wood will surprise many. The natural light yellow tone of the planks after thermal treatment becomes chocolate-colored.

Thermal Wood

Any thermal wood is a material with excellent characteristics of durability, reliability, and longevity. This type of wood is processed using steam at high temperatures, which improves its properties several times:

• increased resistance to external environment effects;
• geometric accuracy maintained as designed during finishing and construction;
• wood is not afraid of any mechanical impacts;
• it becomes fire-resistant;
• its texture is beautifully defined;
• its service life increases manyfold.

Top 3 Domestic Wood Species for Sauna and Bathhouse

Larch

A pleasant-to-touch material that is durable and strong. Larch withstands both high temperatures and constant moisture—such a bathhouse can be heated frequently without worrying about wood damage or rotting.

Linden

An affordable and reasonably durable material with a soft pink tone and a pleasant aroma when heated. It is considered one of the most beneficial woods for human health. Phytoncides in its composition fight the development of fungi and mold.

Hazel

Known for its natural antifungal properties, durability in hot and humid conditions, and beauty in interior decoration. The marble-chocolate tone of hazel wood turns red when heated. The grain pattern of hazel is simply stunning!