I had a bunch of questions before ordering and they were very patient with me. Ended up getting exactly what I needed and the price was good too.
Sauna Wood Calculator
Plan Your Sauna Wood in 3 Steps
Enter your room size and bench plan. We'll calculate how many tongue & groove boards, bench boards and trim pieces you need, in the right lengths, priced live from our store.
- ✓ Board counts for every wall & the ceiling
- ✓ Bench boards for 4 layouts
- ✓ Live pricing by wood type
- ✓ Add the whole list to your cart
1
Room Size (inside, in inches)
Measure between the framed walls (stud or furring faces), before the wood paneling goes up. We allow for the paneling thickness.
Door wall to back wall
Side to side, along the door wall
Floor to ceiling framing
💡 Ideal ceiling height: about 84" (7 ft) for a single bench and 90" (7.5 ft) for a two-level bench. Lower ceilings heat up faster.
Your estimate below assumes a rectangular room, so treat it as a starting point. For an exact materials list, request a free custom sauna quote →
2
Bench Layout
Pick the layout closest to your plan. Rear benches run along the back wall; side benches run along a side wall.
Custom bench designs need a personal review. Request a free custom sauna quote → Your wall & ceiling estimate below still applies.
Bench depth = front edge to wall (the seat surface). 20" is a comfortable seat; 24" or more lets you lie down.
3
Extra for Cuts & Defects
Extra boards cover cutting waste, knots or blemishes you'd rather not use, and the odd mistake.
💡 Ordering 10% extra now is cheaper than a second shipment, and avoids waiting mid-build for a few boards.
Enter your room size above to see your wood list.
Your Sauna:
✓ Wood list copied to your clipboard.
AChoose Your Wood & Order
Live prices for the exact boards your room needs. Vapor barrier is included; untick it if you already have some. Shipping, fasteners and insulation aren't included. Sauna wood ships by freight truck.
Swipe to compare all 5 woods →
BYour Cut List
Showing:
Walls & Ceiling
| Surface | Boards | Board Length | Profile |
|---|
Benches
| Bench | Boards | Board Length | Profile |
|---|
Each bench count includes the seat slats (laid lengthwise with ½" gaps) plus 3 frame boards.
Vapor Barrier
| Item | Quantity | Size | Coverage |
|---|
Free list review
Want an expert to check your list?
Send us your numbers before you order. A sauna specialist will double-check your wood list and answer your build questions.
- Board counts, lengths & trim checked
- Bench layout & ceiling height advice
- Heater sizing for your room
Call or text a sauna expert
(925) 678-8910Mon–Sat, 9AM – 9PM EST
Prefer email? Request a free custom quote →
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sauna wood should I choose?
It comes down to look, budget and feel. Aspen is pale, smooth and nearly scent-free, a good pick for sensitive noses. Thermo-Aspen is heat-treated for extra stability, has a warm caramel color and needs no finish. Alder has a rich tone and stays cool to the touch. Thermo-Spruce is the most budget-friendly option here. Western Red Cedar brings the classic sauna aroma and natural decay resistance. The price cards above compare all five for your room.
How does the sauna wood calculator work?
Each wall and the ceiling is calculated on its own. Board count = the surface width ÷ the board's installed coverage (3.1" for our 1×4 aspen, thermo-aspen, alder and thermo-spruce; 3.0" for clear cedar), rounded up, plus your extra percentage. Each run gets the shortest board we stock in that wood that covers it, from 3 ft up to 10 ft.
- Benches: seat slats = bench depth ÷ 4" (a 3½" board plus a ½" gap), rounded up, plus 3 frame boards per bench. 2-level L-shaped benches add 3 support boards.
- Trim: 1×2 inside-corner trim for the four vertical corners, and 1×2 flat trim along the base of every wall and the wall-to-ceiling joint, fitted onto 8 ft boards using offcuts where they fit.
- Vapor barrier: wall and ceiling area plus 10% for overlapped seams, divided by 320 sq ft per 48" × 80' roll.
How accurate is this estimate?
Board counts are calculated surface by surface from your measurements, using the real coverage and lengths of the boards we sell. The estimate assumes a rectangular room and doesn't subtract the door, window or heater area, so most builds end up with a little to spare. For angled walls, alcoves or rooms over 10 ft, request a free custom quote.
How much extra wood should I order?
We recommend 10%. It covers cutting waste, the odd board with a knot or blemish you'd rather not use, and mistakes. First-time builders, or anyone picky about matching grain and color, should choose 15 to 20%. A few extra boards now usually cost less than a second freight delivery mid-build.
Why are some boards shorter than my wall or ceiling?
The calculator picks the shortest board we stock that still covers each run, so you don't pay for wood you'll cut off. For example, an 84" ceiling height uses 82⅞" (7 ft) boards: we take 1¼" off for the thickness of the wall boards, and the board ends are hidden behind the base and ceiling trim.
Should my wall boards run vertically or horizontally?
Both are common, and the look is a personal choice. Vertical boards are cut from your ceiling height, so every wall uses the same length. Horizontal boards follow each wall's length. Switch the option in Step 1 and the list and prices update, so you can compare.
What else do I need besides wood?
A complete build also needs insulation, a vapor barrier (included in your list above), stainless or galvanized fasteners, a sauna door, a vent, sauna-rated lighting and a heater sized for your room. Use our sauna heater size calculator and see our sauna building materials guide.
Do I need to finish or seal sauna wood?
Sauna walls and ceilings are usually left unfinished so the wood can breathe. Thermally modified wood such as Thermo-Aspen and Thermo-Spruce does not need a finish. To protect benches from sweat, use a sauna-specific oil or wax made for high heat. Don't use regular varnish, paint or sealers inside a sauna.
How does sauna wood ship?
Because of the board lengths, sauna wood ships by freight truck rather than parcel. Shipping isn't included in the estimates on this page. Ordering everything for your build together keeps it to one delivery. Questions about freight to your area? Contact our team.