A girl relaxing in an Ideal Sauna

The Ultimate Guide to Choose the Ideal Sauna for Your Space

Saunas, are widely known for their numerous health benefits and have been sought after for their ability to promote rest, rejuvenation, overall health, and well-being. Originating in Finland, saunas are now a worldwide sensation passing all cultural boundaries, and promoting health benefits in every part of the world. 

As we explore the specifics of saunas,  it is key to comprehend the wide range and types of saunas available, with each offering unique features and advantages. Regardless of whether or not you have used a Sauna before, understanding all of its types and aspects can be helpful for the purpose you want it to serve. 

Join us as we dive into the global trend of saunas to find the perfect one for you!

Understanding The Types Of Sauna

Since heated rooms became a thing ages ago in Northern Europe, Russia, and the territories of the Roman Empire, the evolution of saunas has undergone immense changes ever since. 

Let’s go over a variety of sauna options, ranging from contemporary steam spaces found in gyms and spas to classic wood-burning saunas, we have them all listed down for you!

Infrared Sauna

The infrared sauna is a relatively new kind of sauna that heats the body using infrared radiation, as the name implies. These waves release infrared radiation, which has a wavelength of roughly 7 to 14 microns, fun fact: it is comparable to the amount of energy that a human organism naturally releases.

Sauna Room

A sauna room is a little, closed-off area with wood flooring, heated to a high temperature for restorative purposes. Saunas can be heated to temperature around 158° and 212° Fahrenheit by using electricity, wood combustion, or infrared electromagnetic waves. While most saunas have a relative humidity of 10% to 20%, some—like Turkish saunas—may have higher humidity levels.

Steam Room 

A steam room sauna, sometimes referred to as a room for steaming, is a kind of sauna where heat is generated and periodically released into the space. Turkish hammams, for instance, use steam saunas, which are also common in gyms.

Sauna Cabin

With the updated Sauna Cabin, discover the amazing advantages that a home bathhouse can offer. With its roomy two-tier stadium seating, this arrangement provides plenty of space for six individuals to spread out and settle down. Furthermore, for optimal comfort and the ideal sauna experience possible, two bench seats may be transformed into two ergonomically recliners.

Electric Sauna

The most popular kind of sauna is one called an electric sauna, this typically involves heating heated stones or other heat-retaining objects using an electric sauna stove. All you need to do on an electric sauna—or more accurately, the stove—is to touch a button. To put it another way, burning wood is not necessary. To generate extra heat, one might squirt water onto the rocks.

Sauna With Wood Burning 

Similar in operation to an electric sauna, a wood-burning sauna, also known as a wood burner sauna, is built more traditionally. Wood is burned in a metal stove, called a kinase in Finnish, and sauna stones are placed on top to heat the stones.

Conventional Saunas 

Wood or electrically powered heaters are used to heat traditional saunas. The unit’s surroundings are heated by the steam produced when water is poured over the rocks. The conventional sauna takes around 40 minutes for it to warm up properly and can be used indoors or outdoors. Conventional saunas can reach temperatures of up to 185 degrees, occasionally even more.

Finding the Perfect Size and Space

The number of users, the kind of sauna, and the amount of space available can all influence the ideal size and layout of a sauna room. Here are some rules to follow:

Count of Users:

  • 4′ x 4′ (1.2 m x 1.2 m) to 5′ x 5′ (1.5 m x 1.5 m) for 1-2 people
  • 5′ x 6′ (1.5 m x 1.8 m) to 6′ x 7′ (1.8 m x 2.1 m) for 2-4 people
  • 6′ x 8′ (1.8 m x 2.4 m) to 8′ x 9′ (2.4 m x 2.7 m) for 4-6 people

Height

The standard ceiling height is between 7′ (2.1m) and 8′ (2.4m) to ensure adequate and effecient heat distribution.

Setting Up the Bench:

To seat more people peacefully and maintain varying heat levels, allow for tiered benches.

The Top Benefits Of A Traditional Sauna

There are several health and wellness advantages to traditional saunas. Here are a few of the main benefits:

Severe Stress Reduction: 

Saunas are a great way to combat stress and feel better. Our bodies can become caught in between sympathetic states as a result of our unhealthy lives, but an old-fashioned sauna session can help the body enter a parasympathetic state.

Detoxification

  • Sweating: Perspiration helps remove toxins and pollutants from the body by the skin. The scorching temperatures of a conventional sauna encourage sweating.
  • Cleaning: Frequent sauna use can help unclog pores and enhance the skin’s general health.

Hormone Balance: 

Saunas can help you maintain hormonal balance by balancing insulin, testosterone, thyroid function, DHEA, and estrogen after they lower cortisol levels.

Gain Recovery Power: 

Sauna time has a major positive impact on wound and muscle tissue recovery.

Minimize Ageing Signs: 

For a lot of people, this is the primary motivation for sauna use. By promoting the formation of collagen and elastin, they can assist you in lessening the appearance of aging.

Understanding The Heating Systems

The popularity of home saunas continues to soar as more people gain awareness of the many health advantages they could potentially bring to the table. Saunas offer a natural and comprehensive approach to wellness, reducing stress and promoting better circulation. 

Traditional Sauna Heaters Burning Wood

Sauna heaters that burn wood are a time-tested option that has been in use for generations. The sound of hardwood crackling and the smells of burning wood create a cozy and welcoming environment, and this sort of heater burns wood logs as fuel.

Heaters For Electric Saunas 

Modern alternatives to conventional wood-burning sauna heaters are electric sauna heaters, such as the Harvia Cilindro Black Steel Pillar Sauna Heater PC70 6.8kw and the Harvia Cilindro Black Steel Pillar Sauna Heater PC90 9kw. 

Heaters For Infrared Saunas 

In the realm of home saunas, infrared saunas are a more recent technological advancement. Infrared heaters release infrared light waves that heat your body directly, as opposed to heating the air. This technique encourages profuse perspiration even at lower ambient temperatures.

Heat-Retaining Heaters 

Before taking a bath, a heat-storing heater is preheated, and plenty of stones store enough heat to last the entire bathing period. Stated differently, the stones store heat. Using a heat-storing heater, sauna heating often takes several hours. 

Making A Smart Budget

To make sure you’re getting the most out of your investment, carefully prepare and take into account several aspects when creating a budget for a ideal sauna. 

  • Choose the Sort of Sauna
  • Think About the Size and Capability
  • Select the Resources
  • Examine the Installation and Location
  • A Budget for Expenses of Operation
  • Make a plan for extras as well as accessories.

Design And Aesthetics: Craft A Welcoming Sauna

Assembling Supplies and Equipment 

Assemble the required equipment and supplies before you begin construction. The building’s structural wood, insulating material, vapor barriers, doors, windows, as well as heating components are necessities. 

Steps In Construction 

  • Foundation: Let’s begin by getting the ground ready. Make sure the base of an outdoor ideal sauna is stable and level. 
  • Framing: Use treated wood to construct the frame. Verify that the framing is adequately insulated. 
  • Install wall panels and vapor barriers on the walls and ceiling. Cedar is a well-liked option because of its strength and pleasing scent. 
  • Benches: Build space-appropriate, comfy benches.
  • Windows and doors: To allow for light and ventilation, install windows and doors as needed.
  • Final details: Use treatments that both strengthen and improve the appearance of the wood in the sauna.

Putting In Heating Components 

The key to having a working ideal sauna is selecting the appropriate heating element. Electric heaters or stoves with wood burning are commonly used to heat conventional saunas, but these types of saunas employ specialized infrared panels.

Find A Reputable Sauna Contractors

  • Seek for Specialized Expertise: Contractors with experience building an ideal sauna will be more knowledgeable about the particular needs and difficulties involved.
  • Examine your online presence: A trustworthy and well-established company may be indicated by an official website as well as active social media accounts.
  • Examine reviews thoroughly: Examine evaluations, positive as well as negative, for trends that point to the contractor’s advantages and disadvantages.
  • Enquire about warranties: A reputable contractor needs to provide guarantees for both professional workmanship and the supplies they utilize.

Common FAQ’s About Sauna

Traditional sauna vs. infrared sauna: Which type is better?

Your interests and objectives will determine which kind of sauna is best for you: classic or infrared

Advantages of Traditional Saunas:

  • At 150°F to 195°F (65°C to 90°C), it is considered high heat.
  • Steam Option: To create steam, pour water over hot stones.
  • Genuine Experience: A traditional, scorching encounter.
  • Social: Usually bigger and ideal for gatherings.

Cons of Tradtional Saunas:

  • Long Heating Time: The heating process takes 30 to 45 minutes.
  • High Energy Use: Makes greater use of energy.
  • Heat Intolerance: Some people may find high temperatures uncomfortable.

Pros of Infrared Saunas:

  • Reduced Heat: Functions between 120°F and 140°F (50°C and 60°C).
  • Direct Heat: At lower temperatures, it penetrates the skin more thoroughly.
  • Quick Heating: Takes 10 to 15 minutes to warm up.
  • Reduces energy use when energy-efficient.
  • Benefits to Health: May reduce pain and increase circulation.

Cons of Infrared Saunaus:

  • No Steam: Doesn’t generate any steam.
  • Less Social: Smaller, usually meant for personal usage.
  • Different Sensation: The way that heat feels may not be to everyone’s taste.

Do saunas require regular maintenance?

Maintaining your saunas now and then (depending on usage) will not only help you maintain the productivity of the ideal sauna but can potentially increase its longevity. Here’s how you can care for your sauna:

Cleaning:

  • Benches and Floors: To get rid of perspiration and grime, wipe clean benches and floors after every use.
  • Walls and Heater: To avoid accumulation, clean the surfaces of the walls as well as the heater regularly.

Examining the Parts:

  • Heater: Frequently inspect the heater including its stones for indications of deterioration or wear.
  • Vents: To provide adequate ventilation, ensure the vents are clear and clean.

Wood Care:

  • Benches and Walls: To prevent wearing out and cracking, treat wooden components with a hardwood cleaning and protectant designed specifically for saunas.

Examining Electrical Systems:

  • Electrical Wiring and Controls: Look for indications of wear and tear or malfunction in these areas.

Swapping Out Stones:

Heater Stones: Depending on usage, replace sauna stones whenever necessary, usually every few years.

Is it possible to customize the design of my ideal sauna?

Yes, It is feasible to alter the sauna’s design. You can tailor your sauna design to fit your unique requirements, tastes, and space available.

What Key Details Should I Finalize When Purchasing a Sauna?

Before making a sauna purchase, confirm these important details:

  • Sauna Type
  • Size and Capacity
  • Location 
  • Materials
  • Design and Layout of the Heating System
  • Installation Costs
  • Safety Features

Use our guide to select the perfect sauna that fits your needs, looks well in your room, and will offer you years of relaxation!