Since the first thing people notice when they see a spa is the cabinet, it is best to use a high-quality wood to enhance the overall look of your hot tub. The appearance of an elegant, textured cabinet will not only add to the aesthetic appeal of the spa, but will also add to the feeling that the spa is quality furniture.
When choosing a material for your cabinetry, take into consideration its quality, structural integrity, and its ability to withstand normal customer abuse and wear and tear.
Over 95% of all major hot tub manufacturers use at least one or more of the following four types of materials in constructing hot tub cabinets.
Redwood
Redwood is the most commonly used wood in the hot tub industry. Most hot tub manufacturers are located in California, where redwood grows in abundance. It is therefore the predominant material used in spa cabinetry. However, the quality of redwood varies greatly among lumber mills. Check with the manufacturer for information about the grade of redwood that is used in the construction of the hot tub.
Cedar
1. Western Red Cedar. It is grown in hostile environments (i.e. colder climates, coastlines, etc.), where it fights to survive with other plant life and vegetation. This helps it to build tremendous strength, while also developing into a very durable and weather-resistant wood. Many up-scale home builders use western red cedar because it easily stands up to the abuse from nature's elements, while still providing an elegant appearance.
2. Inland Cedar. Inland cedar is a light, blonde wood, absent of the deep, rich tones present in western red cedar. Since it is grown in milder, non-threatening climates, inland cedar does not have the strength and integrity as does western red cedar.
Synthetic Cabinetry
A common myth about spa ownership is that it requires a substantial amount of maintenance, and therefore is a time consuming investment. Fortunately, this is no longer the case-recent technological advancements have made spa maintenance a breeze. One particular area of improvement is the spa cabinet. When shopping for a spa you might want to consider one that features a synthetic cabinet rather than conventional redwood so you can spend less time caring for your spa, and more time relaxing in it.
Redwood cabinets often require frequent cleaning and staining to keep your spa looking fresh and new. Synthetic cabinets, however, are virtually maintenance free. To clean, simply spray the surface with a mild soap and water solution, then rinse with water. No scrubbing is necessary. The cabinet may be touched-up or restrained every three to four years, if needed (this will vary according to the environment).
All alternative cabinets are not alike, however. Be sure to select a synthetic cabinet which combines the natural warmth and beauty of redwood with the low maintenance and high durability of rigid polymers. The cabinet should have an embossed wood grain and rich color to ensure a natural appearance. Cabinets constructed with polymers won't crack, peel, blister or delaminate, even after prolonged exposure to the elements. And be sure to inquire about the cabinet's warranty.
