Before You Buy a Sauna: What Most People Miss (And How to Choose the Right One)

Before You Buy a Sauna: What Most People Miss (And How to Choose the Right One)

Buying a sauna isn’t like buying furniture. It’s one of the rare purchases that can genuinely change how you feel every day — how you recover, how you sleep, how you unwind, and how you show up for the people around you.

But because most people only buy one sauna in their lifetime, the industry is full of shortcuts: low-grade materials, weak manufacturing standards, and saunas that look beautiful online but perform poorly once installed.

Here are the key things to know before you invest in a sauna for your home.


1. Not All Saunas Are Built the Same

A sauna may look similar on the outside, but the materials and craftsmanship inside make all the difference.

Some companies use glues or chemically treated woods that release fumes when heated to 180–230°F. You won’t see it, you won’t smell it — but you will inhale it deeply every session. Others use infrared panels that haven’t been properly EMF tested.

Your sauna should support your health, not compromise it. The quality of the components directly affects the quality of every breath you take inside.


2. Infrared vs Traditional — They Serve Different Needs

Infrared saunas are great for smaller spaces, condos, and plug-and-play setups. They offer gentle heat, easy installation, and longer, relaxing sessions.

But they don’t create steam, and they struggle to perform outdoors — especially in Canadian winters.

Traditional saunas deliver the classic Finnish experience: high heat, deep warmth, and the rich steam (löyly) that most people imagine when they think “sauna.” They require more planning upfront but offer unmatched performance and longevity.

The right choice depends on your goals, your space, and the experience you’re looking for.


3. Wood Selection Matters More Than People Realize

The species of wood determines how your sauna:

  • smells

  • ages

  • handles moisture

  • feels to the touch

  • performs over decades

From cedar to hemlock to thermally modified spruce, each one behaves differently under heat. Premium woods stay stable, resist warping, and maintain their beauty for years. Lower-grade woods might look nice at first but often crack, leak resin, or lose their shape over time.

Wood isn’t just decoration — it’s the foundation of your sauna.


4. Indoor vs Outdoor, Kit vs Custom — Every Space Has Different Needs

Some clients need a modular kit they can assemble in a weekend.
Others need a completely custom build that fits a unique room, supports specific bench heights, or performs in harsh winter temperatures.

Factors like:

  • ceiling height

  • heater size

  • ventilation

  • insulation

  • window and glass placement

…all impact how your sauna performs in real daily use.

A thoughtful design ensures your sauna heats evenly, feels good to sit in, and becomes a place you actually want to spend time in.


5. A Well-Built Sauna Becomes a Lifelong Habit

The wrong sauna leads to frustration — cold spots, warped boards, drafts, or air that feels stale.
The right sauna becomes a ritual.
Something that supports your health for decades.

Our philosophy is simple:
If we wouldn’t install it in our own homes, we won’t install it in yours.

Your sauna should feel like a personal sanctuary — a small, quiet space where your day resets and your health compounds slowly over time.


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This article is just a preview.
If you want the full breakdown — wood comparisons, heater recommendations, electrical requirements, layout tips, and common mistakes to avoid — we can send you our complete Sauna Buyer’s Guide.

👉 Reply “GUIDE” and we’ll send it to you.

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