ProSaunas Hemlock 1/2x4 Tongue & Groove Sauna Paneling, Clear, V-Joint is a clear hemlock board for lining sauna walls and ceilings. Each board is 0.44 in thick and 3.71 in wide, covers 3.49 in of wall once fitted, and is sold by the piece in 1 ft, 3 ft, 4 ft, 5 ft, 6 ft, 7 ft, 8 ft and 10 ft lengths.
Why hemlock for a sauna?
Hemlock has a light straw color and straight grain. ProSaunas says hemlock resists warping and cracking, wears well and withstands heat and moisture, and calls it a good choice for indoor saunas.
The V2E profile
The V2E profile has a crisp bevel on both edges of the smooth face, which forms a sharp V-groove where boards meet. Each board's tongue fits into the groove of the next, so the boards lock together into one continuous surface.
Nominal 1/2x4 vs. actual size
"1/2x4" is the nominal size: the board's size when it is cut from the log, before drying and surfacing. The finished board is 0.44 in thick and 3.71 in wide. Its tongue sits in the groove of the next board, so each board covers 3.49 in of wall rather than its full width.
How many boards do you need?
One linear foot of this board covers about 0.29 sq ft of wall (3.49 in of coverage × 12 in). To estimate an order, multiply the wall and ceiling area in square feet by 3.44 to get linear feet, then divide by the board length you choose. For example, 100 sq ft in 8-ft boards is about 344 linear ft, or 43 boards, before an allowance for cuts. The number of boards also sets the freight rate shown under Shipping.
Matching paneling, bench wood and trim
Most saunas are built in one wood. Hemlock Sauna Wood collects every Hemlock paneling profile and bench size; Hemlock comes without matching trim. Sauna Paneling lists every paneling profile in all species, and Sauna Wood collects ProSaunas paneling, bench wood and trim by species.
Cleaning and care
ProSaunas recommends wiping benches, walls and floors with a mild detergent solution to remove sweat, oils and dirt, and ventilating the sauna after each use so moisture does not build up and lead to mold or mildew.