If you’ve walked into a boutique wellness resort, a high-end spa, or a luxury vacation rental, you’ve probably noticed that outdoor spaces have become prime real estate for guest experiences. One of the most popular additions right now is a sauna—and not the stuffy, cramped indoor models of the past. Redwood outdoor saunas, in particular, stand out for their natural beauty, durability, and therapeutic benefits. But as a supplier of these saunas, I get asked one question more than any other: Can a Redwood outdoor sauna be used in a commercial setting? The short answer is a resounding yes. The longer answer ties into why redwood is uniquely suited for commercial use, how these saunas hold up in high-traffic environments, and the tangible benefits they bring to businesses. Let’s break it down.
First, let’s talk about why redwood is a game-changer for commercial outdoor use. Unlike pine or cedar, which are common in residential saunas but require frequent maintenance in outdoor settings, redwood is inherently resistant to rot, insects, and extreme weather. It has a natural tannin content that repels moisture, so it doesn’t warp, crack, or fade as quickly when exposed to sun, rain, snow, or humidity. For commercial businesses, that means less upkeep and longer lifespan—two huge wins for the bottom line. A residential redwood sauna might last 15 to 20 years with proper care, but a commercial model, built with thicker, more heavy-duty materials and reinforced for constant use, can easily last 25 years or more. That’s a significant investment that pays off over time.
When I work with commercial clients—from small boutique spas to large hotel chains—I always start by showing them our Redwood Outdoor Sauna page, because it walks through all the design features that make it commercial-grade. For example, our commercial Redwood outdoor saunas come with reinforced foundation brackets to secure the unit to concrete pads or wooden decks, so it doesn’t shift even with heavy foot traffic or strong winds. The interior is lined with clear cedar for heat retention (cedar is non-toxic and doesn’t get too hot to touch), while the exterior is sustainably sourced redwood that ages into a beautiful silver patina that many guests actually prefer over the new, deep red finish. We also offer optional extras like digital temperature controls that can be locked to prevent unauthorized adjustments, durable glass doors that can handle repeated opening and closing, and ventilation systems that keep the air fresh even when the sauna is in use for hours on end. For businesses, these details aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re necessities.
Another key point for commercial use is heat efficiency. A sauna that takes 30 minutes to heat up every time it’s used is going to be a drain on energy costs, especially if it’s used multiple times a day. Our Redwood outdoor saunas are built with thick, insulated walls (made of fiberglass and aluminum foil) that keep heat inside, so they reach a comfortable 150 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit in just 15 to 20 minutes. That means lower electricity or gas bills, which is a big deal for businesses that run saunas during peak hours (like weekends or evening retreats). We also offer infrared options for clients who want even faster heat-up times and lower energy use—though infrared saunas are often more popular for relaxation than traditional hot saunas, so we work with businesses to choose the right model for their audience.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: regulations and safety. Commercial spaces have to comply with local building codes, fire safety rules, and accessibility standards, and saunas are no exception. Redwood is a fire-resistant wood, which is a plus when it comes to fire codes (as long as the sauna is installed at least 10 feet away from buildings, trees, or other flammable materials, per most local regulations). We also work with clients to ensure their sauna meets accessibility standards: we offer wide doorways for wheelchairs, non-slip flooring (both inside and outside the sauna), and seating that’s sturdy enough for all guest sizes. I always advise new commercial clients to check with their local building department before installing a sauna, but our team provides clear installation guidelines that align with most North American and European codes, so the process is straightforward.
One of the biggest reasons businesses invest in a Redwood outdoor sauna, though, is the guest experience. In an era where consumers are willing to pay more for unique, wellness-focused amenities, a commercial sauna is a major selling point. Just look at luxury resorts that offer outdoor saunas as part of their spa packages—guests will book a stay specifically for that amenity, or add a sauna session to their visit as a high-margin add-on. Our clients report that sauna sessions increase average guest spending by 15 to 20% on average, because guests are more likely to book additional spa services, meals, or activities when they’re using the sauna. Redwood adds to that luxury feel: there’s something calming about sitting in a sauna made of natural, beautiful wood, with the fresh air of the outdoors around you, that can’t be replicated with a plastic or metal sauna. We also have a line called Luxury Outdoor Sauna models that are designed for high-end businesses, with features like built-in Bluetooth speakers, LED lighting, and custom seating, to take the guest experience to the next level.
Durability isn’t just about wood, either—it’s about how the sauna is built for high traffic. A residential sauna might be used by 2 to 4 people at a time, a few times a week. A commercial sauna? We’ve had clients who use theirs 8 to 10 times a day, with groups of 6 to 8 people at a time. Our commercial Redwood outdoor saunas are built with 2x6 framing (compared to 2x4 for residential models) and thicker glass that doesn’t scratch or crack easily. We also use stainless steel hardware, which resists rust from humidity and frequent cleaning, so the sauna stays looking new even after years of use. I remember a client who runs a mountain resort in Colorado; they installed their Redwood outdoor sauna in 2018, and it’s still going strong despite heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and daily use. They told us it’s one of the most popular amenities on their property, and guests often request extra sauna time during their stay.
Maintenance is another factor that makes redwood ideal for commercial use. Unlike other woods that need to be stained every year, redwood only needs a clear sealant every 2 to 3 years, which takes just a few hours. For commercial businesses, that means minimal downtime—no need to close the sauna for days at a time to do major repairs or refinishing. We also provide a maintenance guide to all our commercial clients, so they know exactly how to clean the interior (with mild soap and water, no harsh chemicals) and check for any small issues before they become big problems. For example, we recommend checking the door seal every few months to make sure it’s tight, which helps with heat efficiency. That’s a simple task that takes 10 minutes, but it saves businesses money on energy bills in the long run.
I want to be honest, though: a Redwood outdoor sauna isn’t the right fit for every commercial business. If you’re running a small, low-budget gym that sees only a handful of members a day, a cheaper cedar sauna might work for you. But if you’re in the luxury market, or you expect high traffic, long-term use, and a premium guest experience, redwood is the way to go. The upfront cost is higher than other materials, but the return on investment is much better. Our commercial clients typically recoup the cost of their sauna within 3 to 5 years through increased guest spending and return visits.
If you’re a business owner considering adding a sauna to your property, I encourage you to reach out and talk about your specific needs. Every commercial space is different: a beach resort in Florida will have different weather challenges than a ski resort in Canada, and a boutique spa will have different guest needs than a large hotel. Our team has years of experience working with commercial clients, and we can help you design a sauna that fits your space, budget, and audience. Whether you’re looking for a basic, durable model or a top-of-the-line Luxury Outdoor Sauna with all the bells and whistles, we can tailor a solution that works for you.
At the end of the day, a Redwood outdoor sauna isn’t just a residential luxury—it’s a practical, profitable, and memorable addition to any commercial wellness space. The combination of natural beauty, durability, heat efficiency, and guest appeal makes it a smart investment for businesses that want to stand out in a competitive market. If you’re ready to take the next step, don’t hesitate to contact our team to discuss your project and get a personalized quote. We’re here to help you create an amenity that your guests will rave about for years to come.
References:
- American Redwood Association. (2022). Commercial Use of Redwood for Outdoor Structures. Retrieved from industry research on redwood durability for high-traffic environments.
- International Residential Code (IRC) & International Building Code (IBC). (2023). Safety Requirements for Commercial Sauna Installations.
- Spa Business Magazine. (2024). Top Amenities Driving Guest Spending in Wellness-Focused Properties.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2023). Energy Efficiency of Insulated Wooden Outdoor Saunas.