Learn About Saunas

Traditional vs. Infrared Saunas

Traditional saunas and infrared saunas differ mainly in the way they heat the body and the temperature levels they reach:

Heating Method:

Traditional saunas heat the air first by burning wood or using electricity, and usually heat stones which can produce steam if water is dropped on them. This then heats your body. Infrared saunas use infrared light to penetrate and heat the body directly. 

Wood burners are very effective at heating larger spaces such as 6-person or larger. But they require an additional chimney kit.

Temperature:

Traditional saunas can reach much higher temperatures as high as 190 degrees Fahrenheit. In contrast, infrared saunas reach lower temperatures, typically 140 degrees.

Comfort and Ease of Use:

Infrared saunas are often considered more comfortable and easier to use at home.

Ambiance:

Wood-burning sauna heaters create a traditional sauna experience with the crackling sound of firewood and a distinctive scent. This adds layers of relaxation not found in modern heating solutions. On the other hand, electric sauna heaters offer a more modern experience with precise temperature control.

Convenience:

Electric sauna heaters are straightforward to operate and fit well into fast-paced lifestyles. They provide consistent temperature without needing constant attention or additional fuel sources like wood or gas.

Maintenance:

Electric sauna heaters are easier to maintain as they do not leave behind ashes or require venting smoke outwards. Wood-burning heaters, while offering a unique experience, require more effort in terms of maintenance.

Cost:

Infrared saunas are generally less expensive to purchase, and very energy efficient. A 2-person 1500 watt model would only add $5 - $10 to your bill if used five days a week for 2 hours a day.

Conclusion:

Both types of saunas can have health benefits, including increased cellular repair, improved cardiovascular function, and enhanced stress tolerance.

Each type of heater has its own set of benefits, and the choice between them often comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your sauna.

Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Saunas

Indoor Saunas

• Privacy: Indoor saunas are typically installed within existing spaces in your home, such as principal bathrooms, basements, or next to home gyms.
• Longevity: Tend to last longer because they are not exposed to the elements.
• Maintenance: Easier to maintain since they are protected from outdoor weather conditions.
• Size: You can install an indoor sauna in the garage, a spare room, your basement, or an area the size of an extra closet. Plan about 20 inches of bench space for each user.
• Drawbacks: They take up valuable real estate in your home, and installation can be more complex due to ventilation and drainage requirements. The sauna will heat your home which is a drawback in hot climates.

Outdoor Saunas

• Design Options: Outdoor saunas come in various design options and can be installed anywhere in your yard. You have more flexibility in choosing the exact design and layout.
• Visual Appeal: They tend to have better visual appeal than indoor units.
• Installation: Easier to install than indoor saunas, although running plumbing and electrical utilities to the unit is necessary.
• Maintenance: Requires more maintenance than indoor saunas due to exposure to outdoor elements.
• Access: You’ll need to walk outside to access the sauna, which may be inconvenient in different weather conditions.

Ultimately, your choice depends on your preferences, available space, and desired sauna experience. Whether you prefer the snug privacy of an indoor sauna or the natural ambiance of an outdoor sauna, both options offer relaxation and health benefits.

Choose the Wood Carefully

When selecting a sauna, prioritize its wood construction as it is a critical factor. Premium woods like cedar and hemlock offer superior durability compared to pine or plywood, prone to shrinking, warping, and splitting. Opt for high-quality, chemical-free wood, preferably kiln-dried or air-dried, for enhanced safety and longevity. Consider the scent emitted when heated; various woods have distinct aromas, some potentially unpleasant or triggering allergies/sensitivities. Understanding the wood composition ensures a safer, longer-lasting sauna experience, aligning with most consumers' preferences. The wood type commonly used in making saunas is cedar, spruce, hemlock, and Douglas fir.

Cedar

Cedar wood stands out as the top choice for sauna construction due to its all-round performance, which is why it’s frequently used in outdoor saunas. Its rustic variety characterized by visible knots, and clear types devoid of knots, are both suitable for building indoor saunas.

This combination of durability, adaptability, and beauty makes cedar the best wood for a sauna.

• Aroma: Cedar is renowned for its pleasant, relaxing, and invigorating aroma. It adds to the overall sauna experience.
• Durability: Cedar’s strength and resilience in damp environments surpass other softwoods, making it ideal for saunas. Cedar is naturally resistant to decay, insects, and moisture. It’s not only sturdy and soft but also resistant to warping under the sauna’s fluctuating heat and humidity. It can last for decades, sometimes exceeding 30 years.
• Insulation: Cedar has excellent insulation properties due to its cellular structure, which helps retain heat.
• Color and Grain: It has a light color, an aesthetic reddish tint with shades that shift with the light. Its straight grain makes it easy to work with.
• Drawbacks: Cedar can be expensive, and its natural oils may not suit individuals with allergies or sensitivities.

Thermally Modified Wood

Spruce

• Affordability: Spruce is a cost-effective option for sauna construction.
• Appearance: It has a light color and a uniform texture.
• Drawbacks: While it’s a good choice for budget-friendly saunas, spruce is less durable than cedar.

Hemlock

• Insulation: Hemlock offers insulation, although not as high as cedar. It retains heat well.
• Appearance: Hemlock has a light color, exuding natural elegance and sophistication.
• Durability: While durable, it lacks cedar’s exceptional decay resistance.
• Eco-Friendly: Hemlock is gaining popularity as an eco-friendly alternative to cedar.
• Maintenance: Requires regular maintenance but is still a good choice for saunas.

Douglas Fir

• Strength: Douglas fir is a strong wood, suitable for sauna construction.
• Appearance: It has a reddish-brown hue and a distinctive grain pattern.
• Drawbacks: Not as commonly used as cedar or hemlock for saunas.

In summary,  cedar remains the gold standard due to its durability, natural resistance, and pleasant aroma. Hemlock offers an eco-friendly alternative, while
spruce is budget-friendly.

Consider your priorities—whether it’s insulation, appearance, or cost—when choosing the ideal wood for your sauna experience.