Leading Change: How FSC® Certification is Redefining the Sauna Industry
Standing on the forest floor, surrounded by towering evergreen trees swaying in the wind, you breathe in the scent of earth and resin. Bees buzz, birds call, and for a moment, this is serenity. For millions of years, humans have looked to the forest to sustain their lives. It’s no surprise that when we sought warmth, healing, and community, we turned there once again. The first saunas, born in the forests of Finland, began as simple earthen pits before evolving into wooden sanctuaries heated by fire; built, of course, from the very trees that surrounded them.
Today, that ancient tradition is evolving. Sauna culture is spreading rapidly across the world, especially in North America, where at-home saunas are becoming a centerpiece of wellness routines. At Redwood Outdoors, our mission is to create spaces for restoration and connection without asking nature to pay the price. Redwood Outdoors is proud to be one of the few sauna brands to achieve FSC® certification, setting a new industry standard in environmental, economic, and social responsibility.
What FSC® Certification Means
The Forest Stewardship Council, or FSC®, has operated the most rigorous forest certification system worldwide since 1994. They are a “non-profit organization providing trusted solutions to help protect the world’s forests and tackle today’s deforestation, climate, and biodiversity challenges”. Over 150 million hectares of forest worldwide are now certified according to FSC® standards, meaning huge swaths of forests across the globe are audited to ensure that each acre is managed, worked, and replanted in ways that contribute to a more sustainable environmental, social, and economic future. When we care for the forest as a living ecosystem, it continues to care for us, offering materials, shelter, and beauty while maintaining the balance of life within it (https://fsc.org/en).
Achieving FSC® certification required rigorous third-party audits, full chain-of-custody transparency, and proof of ethical labor practices. Few sauna companies take on this level of accountability, which makes our certification especially meaningful. This goal of ours wasn’t born out of chasing trends and profits; it was born out of a commitment to protect the environment and preserve the heritage of traditional sauna culture. While many brands may use terms like ‘eco-friendly’, FSC® certification is the proof behind the promise.
When you sit in a Redwood Outdoors sauna, you’re surrounded by materials that honor the forest they came from. It starts with the sustainable sourcing of Hemlock from FSC®-certified forests and lumber yards. Once harvested, our wood is transported to our lumber mill, where it is carefully milled, kilned, and cut. We select only the finest cuts of wood to meet our strict standards. Every stave is crafted with precision and care, ensuring your sauna reflects the quality and integrity behind the Redwood Outdoors name. We stay closely involved in every step of the milling and production process. It’s not the easiest way to build a sauna, but it’s the only way to ensure each one is strong, beautiful, and crafted to bring you lasting peace of mind.
Sustainability as a Standard, Not a Slogan
Our customers know that true wellness extends beyond personal benefit. The reason Redwood Outdoors stands out among a sea of options is the connection people feel between our quality, integrity, and deep respect for the natural world. We’re proud to source responsibly, supporting forest workers, local communities, and the global ecosystems we all depend on. Within the sauna industry, sustainability is often an unverified or overlooked topic. We are proud to be a leader in the shifting expectations for what responsible sauna-making looks like in the United States.
Stepping into your backyard sauna, surrounded by the gentle glow of radiant heat, you breathe in the scent of warm hemlock and resin. You let yourself relax, feeling your heart steady as the day melts away. In a Redwood Outdoors sauna, every session is a reminder that the best relaxation starts with respect - for yourself, and for the forests that make life possible.
Wellness for people and the planet; that’s what we mean when we say ‘Outdoors’ in our name. You can count on Redwood Outdoors to deliver a product that’s as refined as it is responsibly made.
