Sauna FAQs

We take pride in offering an extensive range of saunas tailored to our customers’ preferences. Understanding that each individual has unique needs when it comes to sauna experiences, we have curated a diverse selection.

Our offerings include traditional Finnish saunas, infrared saunas, steam saunas, and wood-burning saunas, each providing distinct benefits and experiences. For instance, traditional Finnish saunas utilize dry heat and high temperatures to promote relaxation and detoxification, while infrared saunas employ heat waves that penetrate deeper into the body’s tissues, delivering therapeutic advantages.

Furthermore, we provide a variety of custom-designed and pre-built saunas to meet your specific requirements. Our sauna installation services can accommodate nearly any location, whether it be a poolside sauna or a private master bath sauna.

No matter the size or shape of your space, we have a sauna option that will fit perfectly. Our saunas range in size from compact one-person models to larger multi-person designs. The minimum amount of floor space you need for a sauna is typically around 4′ x 4′, but we recommend having at least an extra foot on each side for easy access and movement inside the saunas.

Whether you prefer traditional options like cedar, pine, or spruce, or modern choices, we will collaborate with you to create the perfect custom sauna.

• Cedar: Naturally resistant to moisture and decay, cedar offers a delightful aroma. Our handpicked cedar is knot-free, guaranteeing both durability and safety. Its natural oils also repel insects, making it ideal for outdoor saunas.
• Pine: Another popular and affordable option, pine provides a mild fragrance and durability.
• Hemlock: Known for its durability, hemlock is less prone to warping, though it lacks the aromatic qualities of cedar.
• Cypress: While not as fragrant as cedar, cypress is highly durable and resistant to decay.
• Redwood: Over time, redwood darkens and showcases exceptional durability.

We offer multiple sauna heating options: modern electric sauna heaters, traditional Finnish wood-burning sauna heaters, and high-quality infrared sauna heaters. Each type of heater has its unique benefits and features, allowing you to choose the best option for your needs.

Our modern electric sauna heaters are energy-efficient and easy to use. They provide consistent heat, making them a great choice for longer sauna sessions. For those who prefer a more traditional experience, our Finnish wood-burning sauna heaters offer an authentic and rustic feel. They also produce a soft, soothing heat that is perfect for relaxation.

We offer various flooring options suitable for various spaces, including finished concrete often found in basements, water-resistant luxury vinyl, and ceramic tile that can seamlessly extend from the adjoining bathroom, and custom duckboard flooring. Additionally, interlocking slip-resistant Dri-Dek flooring squares are available.

Skirting panels, headrests, and backrests are available to enhance comfort and aesthetics. LED lighting options are available, with various styles and settings to create the perfect ambiance.

The installation time will depend on the project’s size, design, and complexity. Typically, most of our builds are completed within 2 to 3 days.

To keep your sauna’s wood looking beautiful and extend its lifespan, regular maintenance is necessary. We recommend wiping down the interior walls and benches with a soft cloth after each use to remove any sweat or oils that may have accumulated. Additionally, it is crucial to periodically oil the wood with a non-toxic product specifically designed for saunas. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners as they can damage the wood’s natural properties.

Yes, we provide sauna kits, sauna heaters, and accessories if you prefer to build the sauna yourself.

At Warm Timber, we prioritize customer satisfaction above all else. We are passionate about providing high-quality saunas that promote physical and mental wellness. Our team of experts has years of experience in designing, building, and installing custom saunas tailored to our customers’ unique preferences and requirements. We also offer exceptional customer service throughout the process to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish.

Absolutely! You can browse our gallery to see our previous sauna projects and get inspiration for your own custom sauna design.

Submit a request here to discuss your vision, and we’ll work with you to design and build a sauna that achieves your vision.

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The most popular woods used to build saunas in the US are:

Western Red Cedar

This is the gold standard for sauna construction in the US. It is durable, highly resistant to moisture and decay, and can withstand the high heat of saunas without warping or swelling. It has a beautiful reddish color and an aromatic scent that enhances the sauna experience. Western Red Cedar is commonly used for both indoor and outdoor saunas.

Eastern White Cedar

Found in the eastern and central US and Canada, this wood has a lighter, creamy tan to white color that ages to a silvery gray when exposed. It is moisture-resistant and durable, though less common than Western Red Cedar.

Hemlock

Hemlock is popular for indoor saunas due to its pale color, low resin content, and minimal scent. It is resistant to warping and relatively affordable. It is often used for sauna benches and interiors.

Pine

Pine is an affordable and traditional choice for saunas, offering a rustic look with visible knots. However, it is less resistant to moisture and decay than cedar or hemlock, so requires more maintenance.

Nordic Spruce

Spruce is a light-colored wood common in Nordic sauna traditions. It has good insulating properties but is less durable than cedar or hemlock.

Basswood

Preferred for infrared saunas, basswood is hypoallergenic, odorless, and stays cool to the touch. It’s excellent for sensitive users.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a strong, durable, aromatic wood used in premium sauna builds. It is more costly and less common but offers a unique sauna scent and lasting build quality.

Douglas Fir

Valued for strength and structural uses in saunas, though less moisture-resistant and aromatic.

Poplar and Aspen

Sometimes used for their hypoallergenic properties and smooth texture, especially in infrared sauna interiors.

In summary, Western Red Cedar stands out as the most popular and widely used sauna wood in the US due to its durability, resistance to moisture, and aromatic qualities. Hemlock and Pine are popular alternatives depending on budget and indoor/outdoor use. For sensitive users or specific sauna types like infrared, Basswood or Aspen are preferred.

This selection balances durability, aesthetics, scent, and cost for optimal sauna experience and longevity.

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