ProSaunas Thermo-Aspen 3x3 Sauna Bench Wood is thermally modified aspen lumber, milled smooth on all four sides with eased edges, which ProSaunas recommends for benches and floors. Each piece is 2.68 in thick and 2.68 in wide and is sold by the piece in 1 ft and 8 ft lengths.
What is thermally modified aspen?
Thermo-Aspen is aspen treated with heat, steam and pressure. ProSaunas describes the process as chemical-free and says it leaves the wood less prone to warping, twisting and shrinking, less absorbent of moisture and quicker to dry, and less susceptible to fungal decay and rot. The treatment often gives the wood a richer, darker color.
ProSaunas selects straight-grained Thermo-Aspen with a uniform texture and describes its color as golden brown; it does not secrete resin, splinter or overheat.
Smooth four sides, eased edges
ProSaunas mills this 3x3 smooth on all four sides (S4S) and eases the edges, softening them for comfort against bare skin. ProSaunas recommends it for benches and floors.
Nominal 3x3 vs. actual size
"3x3" is the nominal size: the piece's size when it is cut from the log, before drying and surfacing. The finished piece is 2.68 in thick and 2.68 in wide.
Matching paneling, bench wood and trim
Most saunas are built in one wood. Thermo-Aspen Sauna Wood collects every Thermo-Aspen paneling profile, bench size and trim piece, so the paneling and trim can be matched to this bench wood. Sauna Bench Wood lists every bench wood profile in all 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.