For residential, tile is attractive and functional; however it is also acceptable to leave concrete. Cedar floors are an option, but is not intended as an alternative to tile. Cedar "duckboard" is generally only installed in the walking area. It is mostly cosmetic for those who like the look. If sauna is on a upper floor or over a wood subfloor, we recommend a water membrane and tile (as in a shower). If floor is sloped, mosaic tiles are best. You may add a tile...
While other materials are occasionally used, clear Western Red cedar is by far the most popular, most attractive and most durable. Cedar has a mild, pleasant fragrance that many people associate with saunas. Western Red cedar's particular properties allow it to expand and contract. And the natural tannins make cedar rot resistant. This is important in a sauna where the wood is exposed to extremely high, dry temperatures, interspersed with blasts of humidity when water is splashed on the...
It’s always nice to have a bench long enough for someone to lie down (6' or 7'). We can do a sauna as small as 4'x4 or 3'x5' 4’x6’ is a nice size small sauna. (Even in small saunas, we try to always fit two tier benches.) 5’x7’ with top L bench is the most popular size. 6’x8’ is recommended max. size for home sauna.
We use Canadian Western Red Cedar for most of our saunas unless otherwise specified.
Yes, a foundation is required for an outdoor sauna. The foundation provides stability for the building to be level and correctly supported. This becomes very important for the longevity and safety of the structure. An outdoor sauna without a strong bottom might shift over time and could suffer from structural problems or other types of damage. What's more, proper foundations can help avoid the accumulation of moisture, which in turn helps materials preserve well and protects them from things...
The time it takes to install an outdoor sauna kit can vary based on the size of the model and the difficulty of the assembly, but also the user's level of experience. Though most sauna kits are designed to be user-friendly in regard to assembly, allowing almost any homeowner to complete installation in 1-2 days, this time can vary based upon the size of the sauna, your skill level, and if you are working alone or with assistance. If you're considering adding an outdoor sauna to your...
Generally speaking, yes, it will be less expensive to buy an outdoor sauna kit than it is to build a sauna from scratch. Buying a prefabricated sauna kit saves the hassle and labour costs and eliminates the need for any special tools and materials. You may incur higher costs when building a sauna yourself since you will have to bear the cost of material sourcing, the time used, and construction errors. Needless to say, an outdoor sauna kit makes more economic sense. Cost Comparison: Building...
Yes, outdoor saunas are specifically designed to work efficiently in winter, providing warmth and relaxation even in freezing temperatures. With proper insulation and a quality heating system, outdoor saunas maintain high internal temperatures regardless of the weather, making them ideal for year-round use. How Do Outdoor Saunas Handle Cold Weather? Effective Insulation: Standard material like cedar or spruce used to build high-quality saunas prevents cold air from seeping in and...
DIY sauna kits are quite clean if properly installed and cared for. Heat in a sauna naturally reduces germs and bacteria, but the moisture that is generated can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew if not cared for properly. Ventilation, cleaning on a regular basis, and proper materials are the secrets to maintaining your sauna clean. How to Keep Your DIY Sauna Clean To ensure your DIY sauna kit stays a clean and healthy space, follow these best practices: Choose the Right Wood:...
When deciding between cedar and hemlock saunas, the most notable differences are in durability, aroma, appearance, and moisture/decay resistance. Both woods are used in home sauna kits, but each has unique advantages that may make one preferable to you. Cedar Saunas One of the most sought-after choices for saunas is cedar since it is resistant to moisture, rot, and insects naturally. Its reddish colour is beautiful, and offers a soothing aroma that enhances the sensory aspect of a sauna....
Most features in a home sauna kit can be customized to suit your preferences. Some customizable features include the orientation, benches, lighting, size, door and more. Why Choose a Custom Home Sauna Kit Over a Prefab? A home sauna kit offers even more customization options than a standard prefab sauna option, making it the ideal choice for someone who has a specific vision for their sauna. Whether you want a particular look or capacity, it can be achieved with a kit. A custom sauna...
You will require a combination of tools to assemble your home sauna kit; however, many of the tools are everyday items that many individuals tend to have in their homes. What You Need to Build Your Home Sauna Kit Being adequately prepared with the right tools and supplies to build your sauna is critical to a smooth and easy installation. Each sauna kit is unique and may require different tools, so ensure that you read your installation guide carefully so that you have time to acquire...
You may need a permit for your outdoor barrel sauna, depending on its size and paired heater. Structures that are above a certain footprint need approval from the city; in addition to this, structures requiring new electrical outlets may also require a city permit. However, this all depends on your municipality and its bylaws regarding backyard structures. Common Reasons You May Require a Permit Size: Some cities require you to have a permit for additional structures in your backyard...
The price of a DIY sauna kit may fluctuate depending on the customizations you make to the product. The sauna’s size, layout, lighting, heater, door type and more will all have a direct impact on its price. Factors that Impact DIY Sauna Kit Prices Size: One of the main factors that drives sauna prices is size. The larger your sauna, the more material is needed to build it. So the larger, the more expensive. Layout: The two main bench layouts for a sauna are the classic style,...
Assembling a home sauna kit should not be too difficult for the average homeowner to manage, especially if you order your kit from a reputable sauna company like SaunaFin. With the help of detailed instructions and an installation video, sauna installation should be very straightforward. Why Building a Sauna Kit Isn’t as Bad as You Think Instructions: At SaunaFin, we outline the exact instructions that need to be followed in order to assemble your sauna successfully. Our...
Custom sauna kits are not movable once they have been installed. While the sauna can be disassembled, since it is customized to fit a very specific area, it cannot be reinstalled elsewhere. Why Can’t Sauna Kits Be Moved? Custom sauna kits consist of materials that are meant to fit inside an existing framed space. The wood received in your kit is cut to fit the surface area of your room perfectly. Sauna kits are intended to be permanent structures that are never moved during...
Yes, custom sauna kits will line the walls of your existing space. Unlike prefab saunas, sauna kits are like the inner skin of the sauna that is installed in a spare room or unused corner of your home. Sauna kits are intended to go inside a framed space. What Comes in a Sauna Kit? When you design a sauna kit, you get to pick everything from the design to the size and seating configuration. SaunaFin will then put together a kit that contains all of the wood and hardware needed to assemble...
