What is a Cedar Hot Tub?
A cedar hot tub provides the natural beauty and warmth of wood with the functionality of an always-ready hot tub. The cedar exterior ages gracefully while providing natural thermal insulation. The clear marine fiberglass reinforcement—applied like a cedar canoe—creates a structurally strong, waterproof vessel that can remain filled year-round.
Unlike our ofuro tubs with natural wood interiors designed for drain-and-fill use, cedar hot tubs are built to stay filled continuously with heating and filtration systems.
Construction & Materials
Cedar Exterior: Handcrafted from Western Red Cedar, Port Orford Cedar, Redwood, or Douglas Fir. The wood provides natural beauty, thermal insulation, and weather resistance. Hand-finished with oil to protect against outdoor elements while showcasing the natural grain.
Clear Fiberglass Reinforcement: Like a traditional cedar canoe, we apply clear marine fiberglass to create a strong, waterproof vessel. This allows the tub to remain filled indefinitely without leaking while still showing the beauty of the wood grain.
Built in Oregon: Each tub is custom-built in our Eugene workshop. We source wood locally from Pacific Northwest mills and hand-finish every detail.
Easy to Clean & Maintain
The smooth fiberglass-reinforced interior is easy to wipe clean—simpler maintenance than porous natural wood. Exterior cedar requires minimal care: let it weather naturally to silver-grey or maintain original color with annual oil application.
Always-On Design for Year-Round Use
These tubs are designed to stay filled and heated:
- Remain filled year-round - Strong, leak-proof construction
- Compatible with heating systems - Electric (110V), propane tankless, or wood-fired
- Filtration ready - Works with standard spa filtration systems
- Easy water treatment - Standard hot tub chemicals or alternative systems
- Natural cedar insulation - Reduces heating costs vs. uninsulated tubs
- Weather-resistant - Built for outdoor use in all climates
This differs from our ofuro tubs which have natural wood interiors and are designed for drain-and-fill use without heating systems.
Heating System Guidance
We don't sell heating systems, but we have extensive experience and provide expert consulting to help you choose the best system for your needs:
Electric Spa Systems (110V):
- Best for always-on heat and convenience
- Standard residential outlet (no special wiring for small tubs)
- Reliable, thermostat-controlled
- Most common choice for regular use
- Cost: ~$300-600 for system
Budget Option - Inflatable Spa Heater:
- Works with our tubs (like SaluSpa heaters)
- Very affordable entry point
- Slower heating but adequate for smaller tubs
- Good for occasional use
Tankless Propane:
- Most efficient for on-demand heating
- Fast temperature rise
- Great for off-grid locations
- Lower operating costs than electric
- Requires propane supply and venting
Wood-Fired with Thermosiphon:
- Romantic, traditional experience
- Off-grid compatible
- Requires most work and time
- Least efficient for regular daily use
- Best for occasional special soaks
We help you find suppliers and connect you with local contractors for installation.
Outdoor Use Across Climates
Perfect for decks, patios, and garden settings in Oregon, California, Washington, and other regions. Cedar weathers naturally or can be maintained with oil. With proper heating, these work year-round even in cold climates.
Customization Options
Every tub is built to order:
Size Variations:
- Width: 28-34"
- Length: 44-50"
- Depth: 27"
- Custom dimensions available
Features:
- Built-in bench seating
- Cedar plank lids or roll-top lids
- Steps and stools
- Custom drain/fill configurations
- Can accommodate jets if customer adds them
Wood Options:
- Western Red Cedar (classic, excellent insulation)
- Port Orford Cedar (premium, tight grain, aromatic) +$200
- Redwood (rich color, naturally rot-resistant) +$200
- Douglas Fir (economical, rustic character)
Pacific Northwest Craftsmanship
Built in our Eugene, Oregon workshop by experienced craftspeople. Our lead builder brings 30+ years of finishing carpentry experience. Each tub is custom-made to order with attention to finish quality and long-term durability.
Standard Dimensions (Interior):
- Width: 28-34" (custom available)
- Length: 44-50" (custom available)
- Depth: 27"
- Water capacity: 80-150 gallons (depending on size)
Construction:
- Exterior: Western Red Cedar, Port Orford Cedar, Redwood, or Douglas Fir
- Interior: Clear marine fiberglass reinforcement (like cedar canoe construction)
- Hand-finished wood exterior with oil coating
- Structurally strong, leak-proof design
Pricing:
- Base tub: From $4,500 (varies by size and wood)
- Port Orford Cedar upgrade: +$200
- Redwood: +$200
- Heating system: Not included (customer sources, we provide guidance)
- Filtration/pump: Not included (customer sources, we provide guidance)
- Custom features: Pricing varies by request
Installation Requirements:
- Outdoor: Level surface (deck, patio, concrete pad)
- Electrical hookup if using electric heater (110V for small tubs)
- Plumbing for fill/drain
- Access for equipment (pump, heater, filter if used)
- Weight when filled: ~650-1,250 lbs (depending on size)
Heating System Options (Customer Sources):
We provide expert guidance on selecting the right system:
- Electric 110V spa systems (~$300-600) - best for always-on use
- Budget: Inflatable spa heaters (like SaluSpa) - occasional use
- Tankless propane (~$800-1,500) - most efficient on-demand
- Wood-fired with thermosiphon (~$1,000-2,000) - romantic but labor-intensive
Filtration & Water Treatment:
Standard hot tub filtration and chemicals work perfectly. We recommend:
- Small cartridge filter system (customer sources)
- Standard hot tub chemicals (chlorine, bromine) or alternatives (mineral, ozone)
- Test water regularly, maintain proper pH and sanitizer levels
Lead Time: 6-8 weeks custom fabrication
Optional Features:
- Built-in bench seating
- Cedar plank lids
- Roll-top lid covers
- Steps and stools
- Custom configurations
- Jets (customer can add if desired)
Shipping: Oregon, California, Washington, nationwide freight
What's the difference between a cedar hot tub and your ofuro tub?
Cedar Hot Tub (this product):
- Clear fiberglass-reinforced interior (like cedar canoe)
- Stays filled continuously
- Compatible with heating and filtration systems
- Requires water treatment
- Always-ready year-round hot water
- Easy to clean smooth interior
- From $4,500
Ofuro Tub:
- Natural unsealed wood interior
- Drain-and-fill usage (fill, soak, drain)
- No heating systems needed
- No chemicals needed
- Traditional bathing ritual
- Natural wood contact
- From $5,250
Choose hot tub for always-ready convenience, choose ofuro for natural wood soaking experience.
Why is the ofuro more expensive if it's simpler?
The ofuro requires premium tight-grain wood and specialized joinery for the wood-to-water seal. The hot tub uses fiberglass reinforcement (like a canoe) which is more economical but still structural and durable.
Can I use this outdoors year-round?
Yes. These tubs are designed for outdoor year-round use. Cedar provides natural insulation, and with proper heating, you can maintain hot water even in winter. The wood will weather naturally (silver-grey patina) or can be maintained with oil for original color.
Is fiberglass safe? Doesn't it make it "plastic"?
The clear marine fiberglass is applied just like a traditional cedar canoe—it's a proven method for creating durable, waterproof wood vessels. The fiberglass is clear so the wood grain shows through, and it creates a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. Think of it as a protective reinforcement layer, not a plastic lining.
What heating system should I get?
Depends on your usage:
- Regular daily use: Electric 110V spa system (most convenient)
- Budget-conscious: Inflatable spa heater (works but slower)
- Efficient on-demand: Tankless propane (heats fast, lower costs)
- Off-grid/romantic: Wood-fired (most work, least efficient)
We provide detailed guidance and help you find suppliers and installers.
Do you sell the heating equipment?
Not currently. We have extensive experience with all systems and provide expert consulting to help you select the right components. We connect you with suppliers and local contractors for installation.
How much does it cost to heat?
Depends on system, usage, climate, and whether you maintain temperature 24/7 or heat on-demand. Electric 110V typically costs $30-60/month for maintained temperature. Propane can be more economical. Cedar's insulation helps reduce costs vs. uninsulated tubs.
Can I add jets?
Jets aren't standard in our traditional soaking tub design, but there's no reason you couldn't add them with your own pump system. These tubs are about deep, calm soaking rather than hydrotherapy jets.
How do I maintain it?
Water: Standard hot tub water treatment—test pH regularly, add chlorine/bromine (or alternative sanitizers), change water every 3-4 months.
Filter: Clean cartridge filter regularly (every 2-4 weeks depending on use).
Wood exterior: Cedar will weather naturally to silver-grey, or maintain with wood oil annually for original color.
Winter: Keep heated year-round or drain and winterize if not using.
Interior: Smooth fiberglass-reinforced surface is easy to wipe clean. Much simpler than natural wood.
What wood should I choose?
- Western Red Cedar - Classic choice, excellent insulation, beautiful grain, naturally weather-resistant
- Port Orford Cedar - Premium option, tighter grain, more aromatic, highest durability (+$200)
- Redwood - Rich color, naturally rot-resistant, ages beautifully (+$200)
- Douglas Fir - Economical option, rustic character, durable
How long does it take to build?
6-8 weeks from order confirmation. Each tub is handcrafted to order.
Will it fit on my deck?
When filled, these weigh 650-1,250 lbs depending on size (similar to standard bathtubs, much lighter than large acrylic hot tubs). Most residential decks can support this, but consult a structural engineer if uncertain. Compact dimensions take less space than standard hot tubs.
Can I install it myself?
You'll need plumbing connections and electrical hookup (if electric heater). We provide installation guidance. Many customers hire local plumbers/electricians for final hookup. The heating and filtration equipment installation varies by system type.
Do you ship to California/Washington?
Yes. We ship throughout Oregon, California, Washington, and nationwide via freight. Shipping costs vary by location.
Can I see examples?
Visit our Gallery or follow Instagram for completed tubs and customer installations.
1. Initial Consultation
Contact us to discuss your project:
- Outdoor location and space dimensions
- Heating preference (electric, propane, wood-fired)
- Size and capacity needs
- Wood preference
- Optional features (benches, lids, steps)
- Budget
2. Custom Design & Quote
We'll provide detailed specifications and quote including:
- Tub pricing (size, wood type, features)
- Heating system guidance and supplier recommendations
- Filtration recommendations
- Lead time (currently 6-8 weeks)
- Shipping/delivery to your location
- Installation requirements
3. Fabrication
Once confirmed, we begin handcrafting your tub in our Eugene workshop. Cedar construction, fiberglass reinforcement, hand-finished details.
4. Equipment Sourcing (Customer)
While we build your tub, you source heating/filtration equipment based on our recommendations. We help you find suppliers and connect with local contractors for installation.
5. Delivery & Installation
- Freight shipping or local delivery (Oregon, California, Washington)
- Compact dimensions for easier access than large hot tubs
- We provide installation guidance
- Customer arranges plumbing/electrical hookup with local contractor
- We support you through the process
6. Commissioning & Enjoyment
- Fill tub, connect heating/filtration systems
- Test all components
- Water treatment and chemistry guidance
- Years of relaxing, always-ready soaking in beautiful wood surroundings
Contact Us for Custom Quote →
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