"The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten." – Benjamin Franklin.
This quote hits especially hard when you’re standing inside a “sauna” that feels more like a poorly ventilated shed with a heater slapped on the wall.
Here’s the truth:
Most people get it wrong when they try to build a sauna.
Even in Kelowna or Calgary, where winter practically begs for it.
At Inland, we’ve seen the same mistakes again and again — and not just from DIYers. Some of them come from so-called pros who never actually use saunas themselves. That’s like hiring a chef who doesn’t eat their own food.
So let’s break it down.
Mistake #1: Thinking All Wood Is the Same
Cedar smells amazing. But not all cedar is created equal. You need kiln-dried, knot-free wood that can handle heat and moisture swings without cracking or warping. That’s what separates a custom sauna from a backyard project.
Actionable Tip:
Ask your sauna builder if they’re using thermally modified wood or untreated softwood. If they hesitate, walk away.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Ventilation
This is the #1 thing people don’t think about — until it’s too late.
Without proper airflow, your sauna will feel stuffy, not steamy. Your heater will overwork. Your sessions will be shorter and less enjoyable. And worst of all? You’ll miss out on the rejuvenating effects that come from real, oxygenated heat.
Actionable Tip:
Make sure your sauna has both intake and exhaust vents. They should be strategically placed, not just drilled randomly into the wall.
Mistake #3: Skipping the Vapour Barrier
Moisture loves to creep into places it doesn’t belong. If you skip the vapour barrier behind your walls, you’re inviting mold and rot. That $15,000 sauna could turn into a $5,000 demo project faster than you'd expect.
Actionable Tip:
Use foil-faced vapor barrier behind all interior walls. Tape the seams. Seal the corners. Treat it like you’re building a spaceship — not a closet.
Mistake #4: Choosing Infrared Without Understanding the Difference
Infrared isn’t bad. It’s just… different.
It doesn’t give you löyly. That deep, steamy heat you feel when you throw water on the rocks? That’s traditional. That’s what helps your body truly release tension, sweat deeply, and sleep better.
Actionable Tip:
If you’re after that classic sauna feel — the kind that soaks into your bones — go traditional. Talk to a sauna builder who understands both options and can guide you based on your goals.
Mistake #5: Underestimating Calgary’s Climate
Building a sauna in Calgary isn’t like building one in Vancouver or Kelowna. Extreme temperature shifts. Snow. Wind. Dry air. These all matter. And your build needs to account for them.
Insulation isn’t optional. Door seals matter. Placement on your property matters.
Actionable Tip:
If you’re working with a builder, ask:
“How do you account for our winters?”
They should have an immediate, confident answer.
Final Thoughts
A sauna isn’t just a box with a heater.
It’s a refuge. A recovery tool. A place to disconnect and recharge.
But only if it’s built right.
If you’re searching for a sauna builder in Kelowna or Calgary, choose someone who sweats the details — literally and figuratively. A real custom sauna is an investment in your health, home, and peace of mind.
Want help designing a sauna that works for your lifestyle and your climate?
Let’s talk. We’ve built saunas in the Rockies, in sub-zero temps, and everything in between. We know what works — and we’re here to help you build it right the first time.