Ceiling Height

A 7′ ceiling works best for holding heat where it’s most comfortable. If your ceiling is higher, consider raising the benches to keep bathers in the optimal heat zone.

Vents

Ventilation is for fresh air, not moisture removal. Place the intake vent low under the heater, with the exhaust high on the opposite wall for best air flow.

Drainage

A floor drain isn’t essential for most home saunas, but commercial setups may require one. Always check local building codes.

Plumbing Inside The Sauna

It’s best to avoid water lines inside the hot room to reduce safety risks and protect electrical systems.

Flooring Options

Durable, water-resistant materials like tile, sealed concrete, or vinyl work well. Many customers add duckboards for comfort and style.

Electric Setup

All sauna wiring should be done by a licensed electrician to meet safety standards and warranty requirements.

Heater Size

Plan on 1 kW of power for every 50 cubic feet of interior space. For outdoor installations or spaces with less insulation, a slightly larger heater may be needed.

Insulation Levels

R-19 for walls and R-30 for ceilings are ideal. At a minimum, use R-12 insulation for proper heat retention.

Lighting

Only use fixtures designed for high heat and humidity. Both wall-mounted and ceiling options are available.

Bench Layout

Allow 2–3 feet of upper bench space per person. A longer bench (5–6 feet) lets bathers fully stretch out for relaxation.

Heater Size

Select a heater based on your sauna’s volume—plan for 1 kW of power per 50 cubic feet of space. Outdoor saunas or those with less insulation may require a more powerful heater to maintain consistent heat.

Heater Type

Electric heaters are the most common choice for residential and commercial saunas due to their ease of use, safety, and precise temperature control. Wood-burning heaters offer a traditional experience but require proper ventilation and a chimney. Infrared heaters provide a different style of heat, warming the body directly rather than the air.

Stone Capacity and Heat Quality

Heaters with larger stone capacity hold more heat, providing a softer, longer-lasting warmth and greater steam production when water is poured over the rocks.

Control Options

Heaters may include manual controls on the unit, wall-mounted panels for convenient access, or smart Wi-Fi-enabled systems for remote operation and scheduling.

Installation Requirements

Ensure your electrical system can handle the heater’s power needs. Always use a licensed electrician for installation and maintain manufacturer-recommended clearances for safety and efficiency.

Aspen

Known for its soft, smooth texture, Aspen is gentle on the skin and stays cool in high heat. Its light creamy color and uniform grain make it ideal for a modern, upscale sauna interior.

Western Red Cedar

Famous for its aromatic scent and natural resistance to decay, cedar offers durability and comfort. Its warm reddish-brown color and straight grain add beauty and thermal comfort to sauna walls and ceilings.

Hemlock

A durable, affordable option with a light straw color and straight grain. Hemlock resists warping and cracking, making it suitable for indoor sauna construction.

Alder

Stable and moisture-resistant, Alder has a subtle grain and even color. Its low heat conductivity keeps sauna surfaces comfortable even in high temperatures.

Thermo-Aspen

Premium Thermo-Aspen features a rich hue and smooth texture, ideal for maintaining comfort in intense sauna heat.