If you want to relax at home, you may be considering purchasing a hot tub. Rather than sticking with the modern style of acrylic, inflatable, or in-ground hot tubs, you could add a rustic quality to your house with a wood hot tub. This style may be older, but it is considered quite durable, especially if you opt for a wooden hot tub that is made of sturdy wood. You can choose among cedar, redwood, and teak, as they all have their own advantages. Compare the traits of each wood, including durability, price, color, and rarity, before you select a wooden hot tub.
One of the most popular materials for wood hot tubs is cedar, as it is durable and unlikely to warp. Of course, it is also waterproof, like the material for any wood hot tub must be. Red cedar is the most popular kind for hot tubs, and it is known for having a soft texture, great insulation capabilities, and a light straw to reddish brown color. Yellow cedar, on the other hand, is more difficult to find, but this yellow wood is also quite dense, tough, and resistant to decay and insect damage. Decide whether you want a wood hot tub made of a material that is easy to find and therefore likely cheaper, or one made of a unique type of wood.
Redwood is known for being both strong and lightweight. It is often perfect for the outdoors due to its resistance to damage caused by insects, as well as the fact that it frequently resists splitting. Therefore, redwood is usually considered low maintenance, which is often a good trait to have in a hot tub that will be placed outside. Its reddish brown hue typically darkens as it ages, providing an elegant appearance for any wood hot tub. The only downside is that the main redwood available these days is reclaimed, as it is typically taken from logs that have sat in rivers for years, so it can be expensive.
Teak is another wood type that is difficult to find, but it is considered a good material for hot tubs since it resists most decay, mildew, insects, and water damage. In fact, it is so durable that it is frequently used to make yachts, and can also be found in decks and window trim. Teak comes in various colors, from olive green or yellow, to light or dark brown. This hard, heavy wood often makes durable hot tubs that will likely last years, but it may be a challenge to find this material. If you are prepared to search for this kind of wood hot tub and perhaps pay a premium for it, teak may be the best choice.