Sauna Backrest: Small Upgrade, Big Comfort Difference

A sauna backrest is a curved or angled wooden support that sits against the wall behind you on the sauna bench. It gives you something comfortable to lean against during your session, and it keeps your bare skin from pressing directly against the hot wall behind the bench. It's one of those accessories that seems optional until you try one - then you wonder how you ever went without it.

Why Use a Backrest

Without a backrest, you're either sitting bolt upright (tiring after 15 minutes), leaning against flat wall boards (uncomfortable), or slumping forward (defeats the purpose of relaxing). A backrest gives your lower back ergonomic support at a slight recline angle, letting you actually relax into the heat.

Backrests also create a small air gap between your skin and the wall. Sauna walls absorb and radiate heat, and direct contact can be uncomfortably hot, especially on upper benches near the ceiling. That little buffer makes a noticeable difference.

Types of Sauna Backrests

Not all backrests are the same. The type you pick depends on how you sit, how long your sessions run, and whether you want something permanent or portable.

• Curved cedar backrests: The most common style. A single curved panel made from western red cedar that leans against the wall at a natural recline angle. The curve follows the shape of your spine, and cedar stays cool enough to lean against even in a hot sauna. Lightweight, easy to move, and they look great.
• Ergonomic contoured backrests: Shaped with a pronounced lumbar curve and sometimes a slight headrest ridge. These cost more but provide genuine lower back support for sessions over 20 minutes. If you have back issues or like extended rounds, ergonomic is worth the premium.
• Adjustable angle backrests: Feature a hinge or slot system that lets you set the recline angle. Some have three to five positions ranging from nearly upright to a relaxed lounge. Good if multiple people use the sauna and have different preferences.
• Flat slatted backrests: Simple flat boards with horizontal slats. Less comfortable than curved options but easy to build yourself and very affordable.

Materials

The wood species you choose affects comfort, durability, and how the backrest handles heat.

• Cedar: Naturally aromatic, rot-resistant, and stays relatively cool to the touch. The most popular choice. Western red cedar has natural oils that resist moisture and decay without treatment.
• Aspen: Light-colored, smooth, hypoallergenic, and doesn't splinter. Great for sensitive skin. Very low thermal conductivity keeps it comfortable against bare skin at high temperatures.
• Alder: Similar to aspen in heat properties. Common in European-style saunas. Warm honey tone that darkens attractively with age.
• Abachi (African whitewood): Extremely low heat conductivity. Stays cool even in very hot saunas. Premium option popular in commercial installations.
• Thermally modified wood: Any species heat-treated for extra stability and moisture resistance. Handles the constant heat-and-moisture cycle better than untreated wood long term.

Sizing Guide

Backrest width should match or come close to the width of your bench seating position.

• Small (16-18 inches wide): Fits one person on a compact bench. Works for 1-2 person saunas.
• Medium (20-24 inches wide): The most common size. Covers a single seating position on a standard bench.
• Large (28-36 inches wide): Full bench-width backrests for larger saunas. Some people prefer two medium backrests side by side.

Height matters too. A backrest should support from your lower back to at least your mid-back - typically 16 to 20 inches. Taller backrests (up to 24 inches) add upper back and shoulder support.

Installation Tips

Most sauna backrests are portable and need no installation - just lean them against the wall. If you want to secure one in place:

• Use stainless steel hardware only. Regular screws and brackets rust in sauna humidity within months.
• Don't screw directly through the backrest into the wall unless you know what's behind the paneling. You don't want to puncture a vapor barrier.
• Wall-mounted brackets let you hang the backrest at your preferred height and remove it easily for cleaning.
• Leave at least a half-inch gap between the bottom of the backrest and the bench surface for air circulation.

Maintenance

Basic maintenance extends the life of a backrest that takes constant heat and moisture exposure.

• After each use: Stand the backrest upright or lean it forward so both sides air dry. Moisture trapped between the backrest and wall promotes mold.
• Weekly: Wipe down with a damp cloth to remove sweat and body oils. A light water-and-vinegar solution works well for sanitizing.
• Every 6-12 months: Light sanding with 220-grit sandpaper refreshes the surface. Follow with food-safe wood oil if desired, though most sauna woods don't require it.
• Never use: Chemical cleaners, polyurethane, varnish, or paint. These off-gas in high heat.

Portable vs. Fixed

Most sauna backrests are portable - you lean them against the wall and adjust the angle to your preference. Some higher-end saunas have built-in backrests integrated into the bench design. Portable backrests are more versatile since you can move them to different bench positions or remove them for cleaning.

Related Terms

• Sauna Headrest
• Sauna Bench Height
• Sauna Bench Depth
• Sauna Towel Essentials

Related Articles

• Sauna Dimensions: Standard Sizes and What You Need
• Best Foundation for an Outdoor Sauna
• Can You Read in the Sauna?
• Best Time of Day to Use a Sauna

Upgrade Your Comfort

Browse our sauna accessories for backrests and other comfort upgrades. Explore our full sauna collection or check our wood comparison guide to understand which materials suit your setup best.