“Buy cheap, buy twice.”
That phrase rings especially true in the world of saunas. What should be a relaxing, restorative experience often turns into a lesson in regret—because someone skipped a detail, ignored advice, or cut a corner.
At Inland, we’ve seen it all. From warped boards and underpowered heaters to mismatched designs and unhappy clients. Buying a sauna is an investment—whether it’s an indoor retreat in Calgary or an outdoor escape in the Okanagan. You deserve to get it right the first time.
Here are the top 5 mistakes people make when buying a sauna—and how to avoid them.
1. Buying Based on Price, Not Quality
Let’s be honest. Saunas aren’t cheap—and they shouldn’t be. But the fastest way to waste money? Chasing the lowest price tag.
Budget units from big-box stores may look sleek online, but they often use lower-grade materials (think knotty pine instead of thermally modified spruce or cedar). They warp. They crack. They don’t last.
What to do instead:
Ask your sauna builder where the wood comes from. Make sure it’s kiln-dried or thermally modified. Choose proven materials like Thermory’s Nordic spruce for outdoor saunas or clear cedar for indoor builds. Think long-term. The upfront investment in quality pays off every single session.
2. Choosing the Wrong Size or Layout
You wouldn’t build a home without measuring your family. Yet we often see clients choose a sauna that’s too small—or awkwardly designed for their space. Cramped corners, benches that don’t allow you to lie down, no room for growth.
How to avoid it:
Work with a custom sauna builder who’ll take the time to understand how you’ll use the space. Will you host friends? Sit solo? Stretch out after a workout? We recommend sketching the layout before you commit. And if in doubt, go slightly bigger—it’s always better to have extra space than not enough.
3. Forgetting About Ventilation and Heat Flow
Looks aren’t everything. Even the most beautiful sauna won’t work properly if it doesn’t breathe.
Poor airflow means inconsistent temperatures, longer heat-up times, and that “why is it hotter over there?” frustration. Worse, a badly ventilated sauna can trap moisture and create long-term structural damage.
The fix:
Ensure your sauna design includes a proper intake vent (low and near the heater) and an exhaust vent (higher and diagonal to the intake). This creates a passive airflow that evenly distributes heat and removes stale air. A good sauna isn’t just hot—it breathes.
4. Ignoring Local Climate Conditions
What works in Florida won’t work in Calgary. It’s that simple.
Too often, we see clients choose infrared panels or low-insulation kits for outdoor builds in cold climates. Result? Saunas that take forever to heat, or worse, can’t hold temperature when it’s -20°C outside.
What to ask:
Is this unit rated for your local climate? Will the heater size match the cubic footage and outdoor exposure? In Alberta and British Columbia, we always recommend higher insulation R-values and heater wattage. Trust us—it makes the difference between frustration and flow.
5. Going DIY Without a Plan (or Experience)
We love DIYers. Seriously. There’s something beautiful about building your own wellness retreat. But too many people jump in without a clear plan—or the right tools.
They underestimate material needs, forget wiring requirements, or worse—mismatch the heater to the room size. That’s when the dream starts to feel like a headache.
Solution:
If you’re going the DIY route, get a consultation from a sauna builder first. We offer layout planning, material sourcing, and coaching to help you succeed. Or, consider a hybrid option—where you handle the install, and we handle the rest. It’s custom sauna building made simple.
Final Thoughts
Buying a sauna should feel exciting—not stressful. And when done right, it becomes one of the best investments you can make for your health, home, and peace of mind.
At Inland, we build saunas the way they were meant to be built—customized to your space, crafted from the best materials, and designed to last in the unique climates of Alberta and British Columbia.
Whether you’re looking for an indoor sauna, an outdoor escape, or simply a conversation with a trusted sauna builder—we’re here to help you get it right.
Thinking about building your own custom sauna in Calgary or beyond?
Let’s chat. Your perfect sauna starts with a smart first step.