The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Saunas

As you sit enveloped by the heat, the tension melts away, every muscle relaxes and softens. The warmth surrounds you and gives you some much needed time out to rest and rejuvenate.

At Innovative Saunas and Cellars Inc, our goal is to give you this time out from the world. With our range of innovative designs, saunas kits and modular saunas, we have something to suit every home and lifestyle. We are dedicated to building the perfect saunas, whatever your needs may be. Before you melt away that stress, let’s discuss what is involved in finding and building your perfect sauna. 

How and what are they built from? 

Traditionally from Finland, the oldest saunas were originally built by digging a pit into the solid ground.  Once dug a fireplace was built and stones heated, once heated water was thrown on the stones to produce steam and a feeling of increased heat.  

In more modern times saunas were built of varying types of wood and heated using stones or wood.  For most people, the word sauna conjures an image of a small wooden hut in a snow-covered landscape. With a billow of steam rising as the door opens into the cold air.  While we find the traditional hut in the snow style saunas iconic. Chances are you need something a little more innovative and modern to fit into your lifestyle. 

The main material remains the same, wood.  Our saunas are built using excellent quality, hand-selected woods with a light finish. They are invoking the essence of style and elegance. Cedarwood is our most commonly used wood. Its natural resistance to temperature makes it ideal and the added hint of its gentle scent adds relaxation and calm. Other types of wood frequently used are the Canadian Hemlock and Western Red Cedar. When building our saunas, we ensure to use only the highest quality of wood. Making sure each piece is well crafted and knot-free. While knots look amazing in furniture, in saunas they get hot.

Improving on the traditional, we've added modern elements of glass and lighting. Our saunas represent Scandinavian taste at its most stylish. With up to date technology housed in the timber elegance of tradition. Lighting, Bluetooth and sound systems are all available in a range of options. As well as a range of heating options from stones to infrared. Our sauna builds combine innovation and tradition in a seamless blend of style and functionality. 

About the building, well that's up to you. Your needs, experience and personal choice will all be reflected in the building process. For those looking for fun around the home project, our modular sauna options are perfect. For a more complex build and installation that gives you extra options, our sauna kits are for you, but before you select and build there are a few important details to take into account. 

Where should it go?

Before you choose the design and start your sauna build, you need to select the space. To make sure your sauna fulfils the purpose you need it to and add a touch of style to your house. As an addition to a home gym, basement spa or outdoor area, sauna's work inside and outside. You will also need to make sure of a few things first. 

Is the space between 6 and 7ft tall? You'll also want to consider the width. Is the sauna going to be a social activity or a relaxing time for you? A preferred choice is 6ft wide. While the 6ft is quite long, it will be the most comfortable as you'll be able to sit with others or lie down. Are the floors level and waterproof (because no one loves wet carpet smell)? Is there decent ventilation? This is an easy one to overlook; you'll need to make sure it's well-ventilated to ensure fresh airflow. Is there a shower nearby? 

Now you've got the perfect location, let's move onto the materials involved and the building of your new sauna. From custom installations to do it yourself weekend projects. We have everything required to build your perfect sauna. 

What is a sauna kit?

Our innovative sauna kits are designed to allow you to add modifications and personal touch. With a minimum of 6 options available we have the perfect one for you. Each one is made of luxury wood with solid craftsmanship and an eye for detail. All of our kits come in a range of sizes available. We will help you plan and install your sauna kit to meet your needs. Installation can either be free-standing or against a wall. With a range of shapes and sizes, we have the ideal sauna to build for any space in your home or garden. 

What is a modular sauna?

A modular sauna is a perfect option for those wanting the convenience of a pre-made sauna. Often referred to as prefab saunas, these are designed as the perfect do it yourself project. Aside from a clear flat space, no other materials are required. Our modular sauna kits are handcrafted in Scandinavian style. With optional wood choices of Red Cedar or Canadian Hemlock as well as the choice to hide the walls inside or out. They arrive with each panel fully assembled and numbered. Making building them straightforward and easily done. These beautiful saunas will add a touch of luxury to your home. Each modular is designed and built with care, craftsmanship and attention to detail. The modular option is also perfect for those not yet in their forever home. As they can be disassembled and moved with ease. 

Choosing and building the type of sauna that fits into your lifestyle is worth taking some time. At Innovative Saunas and Cellars, we are happy to help you make the decision that suits you. From kits and modular to a custom-built sauna we are here to add luxury and relaxation to your life.