Pine cladding is an interior or exterior covering made of pine wood, used for the walls, ceilings or facade elements of saunas, pergolas and wellness structures. Pine is a softwood species with a light, strongly figured surface and visible knots. In its raw state, it has higher thermal conductivity and resin content than species intended for direct skin contact, which is why it is used in sauna interiors mainly for walls and ceilings, not for benches. For outdoor use, pine is often heat-treated (Thermo Wood) or finished with a protective coating, which increases its resistance to moisture and UV radiation. It is an accessible, commonly used species with a good balance of cost and appearance.
Choosing the timber for sauna cladding is not only about appearance. Walls and ceiling have different requirements from benches and contact surfaces, where thermal conductivity and the absence of resin are what count.
| Timber | Thermal conductivity | Resin | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pine | Higher | Yes | Walls and ceiling, exterior cladding |
| Spruce | Higher | Yes | Walls, ceiling, structure |
| Lime | Low | No | Walls, ceiling and benches |
| Aspen | Low | No | Benches and backrests |
| Abachi | Very low | No | Benches and contact elements |
| Western Red Cedar | Low | Little | Walls, ceiling, exterior |
Pine contains resin, which softens at the high temperature of a sauna and can create sticky patches on the surface. It also has higher thermal conductivity than lime or abachi, so it heats up faster to the touch. On walls and the ceiling, where there is no direct contact with the skin, these properties do not matter and its pronounced grain and ready availability come into their own instead.
Related terms: Lime wood, Aspen wood, Spruce wood, Abachi, Thermo Wood.
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