The most commonly used material for hot tub cabinets has traditionally been wood. Although real wood cabinets have a more aesthetically pleasing look to them they require regular maintenance and can deteriorate over time especially in wet climates. Most reputable manufacturers offer an alternative to wood which is lower maintenance and can have a higher insulation value than wood. These synthetic cabinets can be made of plastic, PVC, fiberglass, high density foam, or some other composite material. These lower maintenance materials can also be fashioned into stone, stucco, or metallic designs which can fit almost any landscape or hardscape scheme.
It’s also worth noting that some manufacturers actually insulate the cabinet walls with foam or a foil wrap which increases the insulation value of the hot tub. HTI would advise purchasing a hot tub with a synthetic cabinet that is insulated.