Frequently Asked Questions: Sauna Kits

General Kits Pre-Fab Heaters Steamers

What kind of floor is best for a sauna?

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 baseboard up the wall 2-3".

Why Do You Recommend Cedar for Saunas?

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 heater or the walls.

How small can I build my sauna?

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.

What type of wood do you use for your saunas?

We use Canadian Western Red Cedar for most of our saunas unless otherwise specified.

Does an Outdoor Sauna Need a Foundation?

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 such as decaying and mold.

Read on to learn why the experts at SaunaFin always recommend your outdoor sauna has a foundation!

Why Your Outdoor Sauna Needs a Foundation

However, most saunas built directly onto the ground usually result in bad weight distribution. This may make the sauna either tilt or become unstable. A solid base provides a leveled ground to support the weight of the occupants and the sauna itself. Over time, soil can shift or erode, and its absence would lead to serious structural damage. A well-built base ensures that the sauna remains durable for years.

Types of Outdoor Sauna Foundations

Depending on the location and soil type, there are a number of options that can be used for an outdoor sauna foundation. Among these options are:

Concrete Slab: This is one of the most common and most durable options. The concrete slab provides a flat, solid surface resistant to shifting and is suitable for most types of outdoor saunas.
Base Gravel: The base can be made of gravel, which is cheaper. It allows drainage to prevent moisture from building up under the sauna, but it does take some extra work to initially set and may require ongoing maintenance to keep it level.
Decking/Wooden Base: Others prefer using decking wood, especially if their sauna sits near their deck area or patio. This option offers aesthetic appeal and a raised platform for drainage.

Protect Your Investment

In addition to providing a solid platform, a proper foundation protects your investment by protecting it against water damage. Since the outdoor sauna is exposed to the elements, there is much emphasis on controlling moisture. A well-drained and appropriately leveled foundation keeps water from collecting underneath it, which preserves the materials and assures a long-lasting structure.

If you're unsure about the best foundation for your outdoor sauna, consult with a professional or sauna supplier such as SaunaFin to help ensure you make the right choice for your environment.

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How Long Does it Take to Install an Outdoor Sauna Kit?

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 home and want an easy, high-quality option, consider SaunaFin's variety of kits designed to make quick work of setting up a sauna. Easy instructions come with all the components necessary for your sauna; with that, you can now set up quickly and enjoy your sauna in no time, but first, here are some more things to consider!

Factors That Affect Installation Time

Several factors can take away or add to the time of installing an outdoor sauna kit, such as:

Sauna Size: The smaller the sauna, the quicker it will generally be to put together, while larger models with more components involved can easily require a full day or two.
Experience Level: If you are handy with tools, you may find the process faster than if you have little experience in DIY projects.
Assistance: Having a friend or family member to help you can really make the process much quicker.

Installation by Professionals

If you are not comfortable with DIY projects or want everything to be installed perfectly, there is always the possibility to seek help from professionals to get the assembling service. That will save you time and make you feel safe because you know everything is installed as it should be.
Are you looking for the perfect outdoor sauna? SaunaFin only offers superior, easy-to-install sauna kits that last. Let SaunaFin help you explore the wide selections today and make your sauna dreams a reality!

Contact us today!

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Is it Cheaper to Build a Sauna or Buy One?

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 vs. Buying

Building from Scratch:

All materials, such as wood, heaters, and insulation, are to be purchased separately, amongst others.
You might have to hire contractors or carpenters, adding to your labour costs.
It is time-consuming and more subjected to construction delays.
Potential for mistakes or future repairs, increasing the total cost.

Buying a Sauna Kit:

It comes with everything, such as materials, heaters, and instructions.
They come pre-designed; therefore, putting them together wouldn't require as much labour.
Generally, it takes less time to install, hence saving money and time. Therefore, guaranteed product quality and professional designs minimize the chances of errors.

Benefits of Buying a Sauna Kit

Affordable: Kits are designed to save money and considerably reduce the chance of wasting money due to fewer unexpected expenses.
Time-Saving: A kit allows for quick work to put everything together, especially with easy-to-follow instructions.
Professional Results: Pre-cut materials and tested designs ensure that the sauna will meet all the specific standards in the industry.
Fewer Tools Required: No need for special tools or experience, unlike building from scratch.

Outdoor Sauna Kits from SaunaFin

While building can be a fun sauna DIY project, buying an outdoor sauna kit is generally cheaper, faster, and more reliable. You will not only save money and time but will also get a professional result. So why wait? Trust SaunaFin to make your sauna dreams come true. From cabin saunas to outdoor sauna kits, we have it all to ensure your sauna experience is top-tier.