Recommended Timbers for Sauna Handles: Why We Prefer Sapele and Iroko

When it comes to timber handles for saunas, our preferred choices at Ash Door Furniture are generally Sapele and Iroko.

Both timbers offer a strong combination of durability, stability and appearance, making them particularly well suited to environments where heat and changes in humidity need to be taken into consideration.

Sapele Timber Handles

Sapele is a dense, durable hardwood with an attractive reddish-brown colour and a distinctive grain. It machines and finishes well, which makes it a very good choice for producing high-quality timber pull handles.

For sauna applications, one of the main benefits of Sapele is its good dimensional stability. Timber will naturally react to changes in temperature and moisture, but a stable hardwood helps reduce the risk of excessive movement, twisting or distortion.

Sapele also produces a smooth, comfortable finish in the hand and gives a sauna door a warm, premium appearance.

We particularly like Sapele for:

• Sauna and spa door handles

• Interior timber pull handles

• Glass door handles

• Bespoke architectural handles

• Projects requiring a darker, richer timber finish

• Engraved or logo-branded handles

Its relatively consistent grain also makes it particularly suitable where a number of matching handles are required across the same project.

Iroko Timber Handles

Iroko is another timber we would strongly recommend for sauna handles.

It is well known for its natural durability and resistance to moisture, which is why it has traditionally been used in demanding applications such as external joinery, marine environments and architectural woodwork.

Those characteristics make it an excellent option for spa, sauna and leisure environments where there may be regular exposure to heat and humidity.

Iroko typically has a golden-brown colour when freshly machined, gradually developing into a deeper brown tone over time. It has a naturally strong, substantial appearance and works particularly well for larger pull handles and contemporary architectural designs.

The key advantages of Iroko include:

• Excellent natural durability

• Good resistance to moisture

• Good dimensional stability

• Strong and hard-wearing construction

• Attractive natural grain

• Suitability for humid and demanding environments

For these reasons, Iroko would often be one of our first choices for a sauna timber handle, particularly for commercial spa, hotel and leisure installations.

Sapele or Iroko – Which Should You Choose?

Both can work very well, and the choice will often come down to the appearance required and the conditions of the individual project.

Sapele is a great option where a smooth, refined finish and richer reddish-brown appearance is preferred.

Iroko is particularly attractive where natural durability and moisture resistance are priorities, making it especially suitable for more demanding sauna and spa environments.

At Ash Door Furniture, we can advise on the timber most appropriate for the application and manufacture the handles accordingly.

We offer standard timber handle options as well as bespoke sizes and profiles, and handles can also be engraved with a company logo or branding where required.

If you are searching for timber handles, wooden pull handles, sauna door handles or bespoke timber handles, get in touch with Ash Door Furniture to discuss the size, timber and style required for your project.

Frequently Asked Questions About Timber and Sauna Handles

What is the best timber for a sauna door handle?

For many sauna applications, we would recommend Iroko or Sapele. Iroko is particularly valued for its natural durability, moisture resistance and stability, while Sapele offers good stability, strength and a smooth, attractive finish.

Is Iroko suitable for sauna handles?

Yes. Iroko is one of our preferred timbers for sauna handles because it performs well in environments where heat and humidity are present. It is naturally durable, stable and resistant to moisture, making it a strong choice for both domestic and commercial sauna installations.

Is Sapele suitable for sauna door handles?

Yes. Sapele is a durable and dimensionally stable hardwood that can work very well for sauna door handles. It also machines and finishes particularly well, making it suitable for bespoke shapes, larger pull handles and engraved designs.

Why use a timber handle on a sauna door instead of metal?

Timber does not conduct heat as readily as metal, which can make it more comfortable to hold in a hot sauna environment. It also complements the natural timber finishes commonly used in sauna interiors.

Can timber handles be fitted to glass sauna doors?

Yes. Timber pull handles can be manufactured for glass sauna doors, subject to the correct fixing arrangement and door specification. Bespoke handles can also be made to suit specific glass thicknesses, hole centres and overall dimensions.

Can you make bespoke timber sauna handles?

Yes. At Ash Door Furniture, we manufacture both standard and bespoke timber handles. Bespoke options can include different lengths, sections, shapes, fixing centres and timber species.

Can a company logo be engraved into a timber handle?

Yes. Timber handles can be engraved with logos, company names or other branding. This can be particularly effective for hotels, spas, health clubs, sauna manufacturers and commercial leisure projects.

What sizes are available for timber pull handles?

We can offer standard options as well as made-to-measure timber pull handles. For bespoke enquiries, dimensions such as overall length, handle section, projection and fixing centres can be tailored to suit the project.

Can timber handles be made to match existing joinery?

In many cases, yes. If a project uses a particular timber elsewhere, we can discuss suitable options for producing handles that coordinate with doors, frames, wall panelling or other joinery.

Are timber handles only suitable for saunas?

No. Timber handles can also be used on entrance doors, internal doors, glass doors, sliding doors, pivot doors and feature doors in residential, hospitality, retail, office and leisure projects.

Where can I buy bespoke timber handles in the UK?

Ash Door Furniture manufactures standard and bespoke timber handles in the UK, including options for sauna doors, glass doors and architectural projects. Handles can be produced in different timbers, dimensions and profiles, with engraving available where required.

If you are searching for timber handles, wooden pull handles, sauna door handles, Iroko handles, Sapele handles or bespoke timber handles, get in touch with Ash Door Furniture to discuss the size, timber and style required for your project.