Caring for Your Wooden Hot Tub Cladding

dealer82
Sep 16
2 min read

A big part of what makes a Cotswold Eco Tub so appealing is its natural wooden cladding. Depending on the model, or what’s specified at the time of order, we use spruce or thermowood as standard. All of our timber is sustainably sourced, ensuring

your tub is not only beautiful but environmentally responsible too.

Like all natural materials, wood will age over time — it’s part of its charm. With a little care, you can keep the cladding nourished and looking its best, while still embracing the natural character of real timber.

Why Cladding Care Matters

The cladding is more than just decoration. It protects the tub structure and completes its rustic appeal. Spruce and thermowood are both excellent outdoor timbers, chosen for their strength and durability, but they will still respond to sun, rain, and seasonal changes.

This means the appearance of your tub will evolve with time. Some owners love the silvery-grey tones that appear naturally, while others prefer to maintain the rich warmth of freshly oiled wood. Both approaches are perfectly valid — it simply comes down to your preference.

The Spring Refresh

Once or twice a year, especially in spring, we recommend giving your tub a quick “refresh.” It’s simple, takes less than half an hour, and makes a big difference.

Clean the surface – Brush away any dirt, dust, or pollen, then rinse with clean water.
Dry thoroughly – Let the wood dry completely before applying any treatment.
Oil the cladding – Using a cloth or brush, apply Danish oil (or a similar exterior-grade wood oil). This nourishes the timber, replenishes natural oils, and restores depth of colour.
Wipe away excess – After a few minutes, remove any extra oil with a clean cloth to avoid stickiness.

This small step helps protect against drying, cracking, and uneven weathering, keeping your tub’s exterior looking healthy.

Long-Term Durability

Every Cotswold Eco Tub is built to last. The cladding will naturally weather over time, but if it ever does need replacing, it can be swapped out without changing the whole tub. This modular design ensures your investment stands the test of time and supports sustainable ownership.

Embracing the Natural Look

No two pieces of wood are the same, which means your tub will develop a unique character as the years go by. Regular oiling will help retain the original tones, while leaving it untreated will encourage a silvery-grey patina. Neither is “better” — it simply depends on the look you prefer.

In Summary

Our tubs use sustainably sourced spruce or thermowood cladding as standard, depending on the model or order specification.
Wood is a natural material, so it will age and weather over time.
A simple spring refresh with Danish oil helps keep cladding nourished and vibrant.
Cladding is replaceable if needed, so your tub can always look its best.