Untreated or pre-treated panels?
CENT’s selection includes both untreated sauna panels and panels pre-treated with sauna protection.
If you prefer the natural tone of wood in your sauna, choose untreated panels and protect them with a clear sauna finish. Untreated panels are also the right choice if you want a shade not included in our standard range.
Pre-treated panels are ready to install as they are, bringing ease and speed to sauna construction or renovation. CENT offers pre-treated sauna panels in white, grey, black, and alder shades. Despite their name, these panels are also well suited for all dry indoor spaces. When installed in dry rooms, you can add, for example, a clear lacquer on top for a glossier and more durable surface allowing you to create a consistent look throughout your home, from sauna to living spaces.
Thermo-treated panels – everyday luxury with superior qualities
Thermo-treated sauna panels have a beautiful brown tone that gives your sauna a refined appearance. Heat treatment further enhances the natural qualities of wood, making it an excellent choice for sauna environments.
The process improves durability and creates a unique look that will last for decades. Thermo-treated wood resists rot and mold better than untreated wood, since moisture cannot easily penetrate it. During treatment the wood dries, making it stable against changes in heat and humidity, and improving both insulation and heat resistance.
For example, thermo-treated Scots pine panels are completely resin-free and non-toxic, ensuring the surface remains cool even at high temperatures. The process involves only heat and steam, with no chemicals used.
Please note: due to the nature of heat treatment, color variations may occur between production batches. For a consistent look, we recommend purchasing enough material at once for the sauna and other spaces.
For finishing, we recommend paraffin oil, which highlights the grain and protects the wood. Paraffin oil does not color the wood but deepens its natural tone, slightly darkening the overall appearance.
Installing sauna panels – ventilation and fastening
When installing panels in saunas or other damp spaces, always use nails designed for wet areas and ensure proper ventilation both in the room and behind the panels. Panels should be installed on battens (a subframe), allowing airflow and helping the wood maintain its shape over time.
In the sauna, correct insulation, vapor barrier, and battening are essential for proper drying and long-term durability of the space. Consult a professional if needed.
After insulation and vapor barrier installation, paneling proceeds as follows:
- Install battens on the ceiling and walls
- Panel the ceiling first
- Reinforce walls as necessary for fixing the heater and
benches—benches and heaters cannot be attached directly to panels - Begin paneling the walls starting from the “back” wall
- Use galvanized nails to prevent rust
- Panels can be installed horizontally or vertically, or even
in creative patterns for a personalized look.
When installing vertically, remember to use cross-battens in addition to vertical battens to provide attachment points for the panels. CENT’s sauna panel range also includes profiled accent panels, perfect for creating striking visual features.
Treatment and maintenance – for a long-lasting and beautiful finish
We recommend treating panels before installation with a product suitable for saunas, unless they are already pre-treated. Various sauna finishes, waxes, and oils are available to suit your preference. Paraffin oil is a popular natural option. Often, different products are used for panels and benches, but paraffin oil can be applied to both.
Sauna protection products allow the wood to breathe while shielding it from dirt and moisture. This makes cleaning easier, keeps the sauna looking fresh for longer, and ensures durability year after year.
Regular maintenance according to usage is necessary. Sauna protection products can be tinted to your preferred shade, but tinted panels can also be maintained later with clear sauna protection. In our production we use water-based finishes, so we recommend using water-based maintenance products as well.
Explore CENT’s selection and build the sauna of your dreams
Whether you want a traditional, atmospheric sauna or a modern spa-like retreat, you’ll find the right panels in our collection. To make the choice easier, you can order samples from us to compare shades and profiles before making your final decision.
Our goal is to offer the best sauna panels on the market. That’s why we’ve made the buying experience effortless, with fast home delivery. Alongside panels, you can also purchase benches and trims from us, giving you everything you need to build or renovate a sauna that meets all your expectationsp
