Bamboo vs Teak Sauna Bench: Which One Should You Buy?

Bamboo vs teak sauna bench: at a glance

The bamboo side is represented by two benches: the Bambusi at 17 x 9 x 17 inches rated to 250 lbs, and the Unibambou at 16 x 10 x 17 inches rated to 220 lbs. Both have shelves and rubber non-slip feet, and both listings describe care routines of wiping dry and air-drying. The teak side is the Jekruiet: a 24-inch solid teak bench rated to 300 lbs, with dual handles, a 2-tier shelf and a shower head holder, finished with natural wood oil and no synthetic lacquers.

How the materials differ

Bamboo is a fast-growing grass, and both bamboo listings lean on that: the Unibambou calls itself 100% natural bamboo, sustainable and chemical-free, with a 4-layer water-based paint coating for basic water resistance. The Bambusi lists a smooth bamboo finish with rounded corners. Neither bamboo listing claims the wood is waterproof on its own; both describe care to keep it sound.

Teak is a dense hardwood, and the Jekruiet listing makes the material the selling point: 100% solid teak with no veneer, no MDF and no chemicals, finished with moisture-resistant natural wood oil and zero synthetic lacquers. The listing claims teak’s natural rich oils make it inherently waterproof and decay-resistant, and contrasts this with bamboo. That contrast is the listing’s claim, not an independent finding; what is checkable is that the teak bench states no coating maintenance while both bamboo benches describe drying and oiling routines.

Size and weight capacity

The teak bench is the largest and strongest here: 24 inches long and rated to 300 lbs. The Bambusi bamboo bench is 17 x 9 x 17 inches and rated to 250 lbs at 3.82 kg, light enough to move easily. The Unibambou is 16 x 10 x 17 inches and rated to 220 lbs. If the bench doubles as a step or gets heavy use, capacity matters; if it moves between the sauna and the bathroom, weight and handles matter more.

Care and upkeep

Water care separates the two sides. The Bambusi listing says to air dry the bench and floor after use to reduce moisture buildup and mold risk, and to avoid soaking or standing water. The Unibambou goes further: wipe dry with a soft cloth after use, air-dry regularly, and apply bamboo oil regularly. The teak Jekruiet states no oiling routine; its slatted seat and shelf are described as fast-drainage to keep the bench hygienic and mold-free. In a wet sauna, the bench that dries quickest usually needs the least attention.

Gear for each side

These are scored on the Chill Score: performance 30, build 20, value 20, safety certifications 15 and warranty 15. None states a UL or ETL listing, so all score 0 for safety, and none states a warranty term.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Safety counts only for powered gear or where the listing states safety features; where it does not apply, the score is taken over the remaining 90 points.

Choose bamboo if

• You want a light bench that is easy to move between rooms.
• You are fine with wiping dry and oiling on a routine.
• The sauna is small and a compact seat fits better.

Choose teak if

• You want the highest weight capacity and the largest seat here.
• You want handles, a towel bar and a shower head holder built in.
• You prefer a bench whose listing states no oiling routine.

Common questions

Is bamboo or teak better for a sauna bench?

It depends on what you value. The bamboo benches here are lighter and more compact, with stated care routines. The teak bench is larger, rated higher and its listing claims natural oil resistance. Match the bench to the sauna, not the material’s reputation.

Do bamboo sauna benches need oiling?

The Unibambou listing says to apply bamboo oil regularly, along with wiping dry and air-drying. The Bambusi listing says to air dry after use and avoid soaking. Follow the listing for the bench you buy.

How much weight can these benches hold?

The Jekruiet teak bench is rated to 300 lbs, the Bambusi bamboo bench to 250 lbs, and the Unibambou bamboo bench to 220 lbs. These are the listings’ stated maximums.

Can these benches get wet?

All three are made for wet spaces, but none is maintenance-free. The bamboo listings say to dry the bench after use, and the teak listing describes fast-drainage slats. Do not leave any of them standing in water.

Back to all sauna reviews.