There’s no comparison! Our benches have the greatest strength and durability and are made from the finest materials. https://www.countrysaunas.com/components.html?gclid=CjwKCAiA6seQBhAfEiwAvPqu10xtQYcR5lO0KnZrmR8IGzDGAfJvrQMoKr8KhL7Xf8BlAICqSUb2IRoC6zEQAvD_BwE
Finlandia’s standard benches are preconstructed for strength and durability out of 2” x 2” tops with 3/8” spacing and 2” x 4” facing. Others use 1” x 3” or 1” x 4” bench tops and some do not even pre-build their benches, but provide a pile of boards with a “How to build” plan.
| Finlandia’s 2” x 2” Bench Tops | Competitor’s 1” x 4” Bench Tops | |
|---|---|---|
| Fastening Ability: | 1-3/8” penetration for greatest strength and durability. | Minimal – only 5/8” penetration |
| Tendency to Cup: | None | Moderate – elevates with flat grain. |
| Water Retention: (Perspiration) | Virtually none – narrow tops will not retain perspiration. | High – due to width of boards and tendency to cup. |
| Vertical Grain: | Always | Occasionally |
| Air circulation: | Excellent – narrower boards allow greater air circulation and less water retention. | Less due to the width of the boards. |
| Advantages: | Greater durability, better holding strength, neater look, and no slivers. Fastened from the bottom leaving no exposed metal to burn bather. | All advantages are to the manufacturer. Cheaper to make, lower cost of materials, takes less time to manufacturer. |
| Disadvantages: | None for the purchaser. Better materials, higher costs for manufacturer. | Questionable durability, will not support heavy weight, tends to sag with use, high tendency for flat grain boards to cup and splinter. Less air circulation. |
| Maximum Load Strength | 902# sq. in. (S45 Western Red Cedar tested by Louisiana Pacific Lab) | 605# sq. in. (S45 Western Red Cedar tested by Louisiana Pacific Lab) |
