ProSaunas Thermo-Radiata Pine 1x4 Tongue & Groove Sauna Paneling, Nickel Gap is a thermally modified radiata pine board for lining sauna walls and ceilings. Each board is 0.59 in thick and 3.54 in wide, covers 3.15 in of wall once fitted, and is sold by the piece in lengths from 1 ft to 10 ft.
What is thermally modified radiata pine?
Thermo-Radiata Pine is radiata pine 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 describes Thermo-Radiata Pine as having a rich color and a pronounced, knotty grain pattern that gives a sauna a deep, warm look.
The STS4 profile
The STS4 profile has narrow, angular grooves that give the nickel-gap look between boards, and ProSaunas notes it can be combined with other profiles for contrast. Each board's tongue fits into the groove of the next, so the boards lock together into one continuous surface.
Nominal 1x4 vs. actual size
"1x4" is the nominal size: the board's size when it is cut from the log, before drying and surfacing. The finished board is 0.59 in thick and 3.54 in wide. Its tongue sits in the groove of the next board, so each board covers 3.15 in of wall rather than its full width.
How many boards do you need?
One linear foot of this board covers about 0.26 sq ft of wall (3.15 in of coverage × 12 in). To estimate an order, multiply the wall and ceiling area in square feet by 3.81 to get linear feet, then divide by the board length you choose. For example, 100 sq ft in 8-ft boards is about 381 linear ft, or 48 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. Thermo-Radiata Pine also comes as paneling, bench wood and trim, all listed on Sauna Wood, so the bench wood and trim can be matched to this paneling. Sauna Paneling lists every paneling 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.