Ash

Native to Britain and Europe, ash is a large, charismatic deciduous hardwood tree thats common and widespread in Britain’s native broadleaf woodlands.

We use native British ash that has been transformed by thermal modification, a chemical-free process that reconfigures the cell structure of the wood by superheating it to 210°C. This natural method removes moisture, resin and other extractives, resulting in an extremely stable and durable rot-resistant material, ideal for standing up to the heat, water and steam of a sauna and certified to withstand the elements for over 30 years. Thermally modified woods were first developed specifically for use in saunas in Northern Europe and are widely regarded as one of the best timbers for use in sauna building. 

Using local thermally modified wood reduces our dependence on old growth timber and its associated negative ecological impacts, and increases the demand for UK timber, supporting the regeneration of our local forests. The thermally-modified ash we use offers a stability and durability that matches Canadian western red cedar, and is sourced locally in well-managed woodlands in England and Wales.

We use thermally modified ash for internal cladding and benches because of its outstanding heat and moisture resistance, and because its deep coffee colouring and bold grain patterning elegantly contrasts the lighter shades of other woods we use.