A close-up of the Ergatta Lite rower made from oak wood

Is a Wooden Rower Worth It? Pros, Costs & Benefits

Q: Is a wooden rower worth it?

Yes, a wooden rower is worth it if you want a machine that blends into your home, is built to last, and supports consistent use.

April 29, 2026

Last updated April 29, 2026

If you’re considering a rowing machine for your home, wooden rowers likely stand out right away. They look different—more like furniture than fitness equipment. But beyond aesthetics, are they actually worth the investment?

A wooden rower is worth it if you value a machine that blends into your home, is built to last, and reflects more intentional materials and craftsmanship. Workout feel and noise depend on the resistance system, not the frame itself. The wooden build adds a premium, furniture-grade design—especially with options like the Ergatta rowers, which combine sustainably sourced hardwood, U.S.-based craftsmanship, and a connected workout experience.

Is a wooden rower worth it?

Yes—wooden rowers are worth it for their durability, sustainable materials, and ability to blend into your home, which supports consistent use. Performance comes from the resistance system, while options like the Ergatta rowers pair a handcrafted wooden build with a connected, engaging workout experience.

If you’re deciding whether Ergatta is right for you, you can compare the Ergatta rowers here or explore the Ergatta Luxe and the Ergatta Lite to see which model fits your home and training goals.

What are the benefits of a wooden rower?

Wooden rowing machines stand out not because they perform differently, but because they fit differently into your home and routine.

The most immediate benefit is design. Built from furniture-grade materials like oak or cherrywood, wooden rowers bring warmth and permanence to a space. The Ergatta rowers, for example, are designed to live in your home—not be stored away after each workout.

That distinction matters. When your equipment blends into your space, it becomes easier to use consistently. It’s visible, accessible, and doesn’t disrupt your environment.

Sustainability is another key advantage. Wood is a renewable material, and when sourced responsibly, it can have a lower environmental impact than large-scale metal manufacturing. The Ergatta rowers build on this with sustainably sourced wood and U.S.-based craftsmanship.

Durability also plays a role. Hardwood frames are naturally strong and built for long-term use, holding up well over time without relying on overly complex mechanical systems.

Finally, wooden rowers are designed for real homes. The Ergatta rowers store upright in seconds, have a compact footprint, and are relatively lightweight compared to some connected alternatives—making them easier to move and reposition in apartments or shared spaces.

Ergatta wooden rowing machine in a modern living room with connected screen displaying a race workout

Wood vs. metal rowing machines

One of the biggest misconceptions is that wooden rowers perform differently because of the material. In reality, workout feel, sound, and resistance are determined by the machine’s internal system—not whether the frame is made from wood or metal.

If you’re comparing resistance types, this guide to water vs. magnetic rowers explains how each impacts your workout experience.

The real difference comes down to how the machine fits into your home. Wooden rowers are designed to blend into your space, while metal rowers are often better suited for garages or dedicated workout areas.

Feature	Wooden Rower	Metal Rower
Frame Material	Hardwood, furniture-grade	Steel or aluminum
Home Fit	Designed to blend into your space	Often stored away or in the garage
Aesthetic	Design-forward, warm	Gym-style, functional

Close-up of Ergatta wooden rowing machine rail highlighting hardwood craftsmanship and design details

How does pricing compare?

Pricing across rowing machines is influenced by multiple factors—not just the material. One of the biggest drivers is whether a rower is connected.

A connected rower includes a built-in screen and software platform that delivers workouts, tracks performance, and adapts training over time.

Other factors also play a role, including materials, manufacturing, where the product is made, and shipping logistics.

With the Ergatta rowers, you’re getting a combination of sustainably sourced wood, U.S.-based craftsmanship, and a connected experience built around game-based workouts and performance tracking. You can explore how that works on the Ergatta membership page.

Maintenance and upkeep

Maintenance for a wooden rower is typically minimal and straightforward. Most of the upkeep comes from the resistance system—not the frame itself.

For water-based rowers like Ergatta, this usually includes occasional water treatment and keeping the tank clean. These steps are simple and infrequent.

The wooden frame itself requires very little attention. Hardwood is naturally durable and resistant to wear, making it a practical choice for long-term home use.

Add water purification tablets periodically
Wipe down the frame and rails as needed
Check for general wear over time

Who should buy a wooden rower?

A wooden rower is a strong fit if you want a machine that integrates naturally into your home and supports long-term consistency.

You plan to keep your rower in a living space
You care about design and sustainability
You want something easy to store upright
You value durability and long-term use
You want a more engaging workout experience

Person using an Ergatta wooden rowing machine with connected screen in a stylish home workout space

Bottom line

A wooden rower is worth it for people who want more than just a functional piece of equipment. It offers a better home fit, more intentional materials, and a design that supports consistent use.

The workout itself comes from the resistance system. The value of the wooden frame is everything around it: design, durability, sustainability, and how easily it fits into your life.

When paired with a connected experience like the Ergatta rowers, you get a machine designed not just to perform—but to be used consistently over time.

Ready to explore your options? Shop the Ergatta Luxe or compare the Ergatta Lite.

Key Takeaways

Workout feel comes from resistance type, not the frame
Wooden rowers are designed to fit into your home
Ergatta rowers combine sustainability with U.S. craftsmanship
Consistency matters more than equipment specs

Frequently Asked Questions

Does wood affect rowing performance?

No. Performance comes from the resistance system, not the frame material.

Are wooden rowers durable?

Yes. Hardwood frames are strong, long-lasting, and require minimal maintenance.

Are wooden rowers good for apartments?

Yes. Many offer upright storage and compact footprints, making them ideal for shared spaces.

Whole family loving it

Really enjoying our Ergatta. While I use it the most (6 days a week) my preteens really like it too! Have never enjoyed cardio like this before. I use it nearly every morning right after waking with a 12,000 Lux light for circadian reinforcement.

I love it and my family does too

I didn’t expect my under 10 children to become devotees but here we are. They love the games and compete with each other daily. It’s fun to watch (and hear as they encourage each other, with the occasional disagreement!).

My wife and I also have taken to the rower, she’s a former d1 rower and is getting back into the groove.

I love that the exercise is a full body workout on such a beautiful machine.

Looks, games, 1M meters, and service

I echo many of the words of other reviews. (Although echo workouts aren't my favorite - I'm a meteor spaceman). I don't naturally love fitness routines, but Ergatta has kept me on track in ways that my friends notice, too. I recently crossed 1M meters.

The thing just looks cool whether in use or stored. I love when my friends or nephew or niece wants to try it. This has the added benefit of making me appear strong and cool because, well, it's hard work especially for a first try.

I've encountered some maintenance hiccups and design issues with the device over the years (always unplug it before moving it!). BUT - the customer service has been phenomenal. During downtimes, I was bummed to lose my streak, but that's it.

Above all - I am grateful. Ergatta is one of the best functional, beautiful, social, and gratifying things that I've invested in for myself.

Love my Sexy Rower

If you are looking for a rower that matches a sophisticated lifestyle, the Ergatta is in a league of its own. It’s for the person who values craftsmanship, appreciates the "woosh" of water over the hum of a motor, and wants a workout that looks as beautiful as the results it delivers.
It’s not just a workout—it’s an aesthetic experience.

Awesome rower!

We did have a couple hiccups in the beginning when we first ordered the Luxe rower. First was that we paid for assembly and home delivery. The unit is normally assembled by the delivery partner prior to delivery. So at first I was told it couldn’t be delivered to the room I needed it to be put in due to the size of the rower and the path to get to the room, but ergatta and the delivery partner made it right. They disassembled the machine, delivered it and reassembled the machine in the room. Then, the screen started to give errors. Ergatta immediately sent us a new screen. Top notch customer service! Now past those initial issues, the rower is excellent! It of course looks great, but it also works incredibly well. The motion and resistance is incredible smooth. Use of the touch screen is very responsive and intuitive. I especially love all there is to do with it from games that you can play to competitions to just doing an open row where you pick a location and row around the area. I like seeing the stat tracking as well. Great machine! Highly recommend!

The Ergatta Blog