Frequently Asked Questions
WHERE CAN A SAUNA BE INSTALLED IN A HOME?
Anywhere you have the space. We recommend these locations: Close to the master bath; close to a shower; in the recreation or exercise area; in a garage; on a patio; by a pool or hot tub; or on a deck.
WHAT IS THE BEST SIZE FOR A HOME SAUNA?
A sauna can be as small as 4' x 4' (a one-person sauna) or as large as 10' x 12' (a community size sauna), however, if the space is available, the saunas should be as long as the height of the tallest person in the family (for reclining purposes) or you can plan the space allowing 2' per person when sitting on the longest bench. A 4' x 6' space up to a 6' x 8' space would be sufficient for most home saunas.
SHOULD I INSTALL A PRECUT OR PREFAB SAUNA?
In new construction, the architect or builder can design the space where ever the homeowner requires it. Then, the sauna can be properly framed and insulated, and the hard surfaced, waterproof floor can be provided (with a drain, if desired). The builder can then order the precut package and build the interior of the sauna, using the precut boards, assembled benches, pre-hung door, etc. supplied by Finlandia. In an existing home, a Finlandia prefab can be ordered if there is an available open area with a waterproof floor. The space should be a little larger and higher than the size of the prefab. The advantage of the Finlandia prefab is that it can be moved later to another location and it is effortless to install because of our unique locking system.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BUILD A SAUNA?
After the framing and insulation is supplied, the Finlandia precut sauna can be installed by 1 or 2 carpenters in 1 day. The Finlandia precut sauna can be installed by 1 or 2 carpenters in 1 day. The Finlandia prefab can be installed in as little as two hours time.
WHAT ARE THE ELECTRICAL AND PLUMBING REQUIREMENTS?
Most saunas require 220/240V power with hard wire to a separate 30 AMP or 40 AMP breakers in the house panel. For a very small sauna (3' x 4' x 6 1/2' ceiling) the heater can be plugged into an 110V/120V outlet, as long as there is a #12 wire behind the plug. There is no plumbing requirement unless a floor drain is desired. A drain is not required and is only an accessory for cleaning.
IS THE SAUNA EXPENSIVE TO OPERATE?
No. If your electric rates are six cents per kilowatt hour, it will only cost 36 cents to operate a 6kw heater per hour. It will cost less per hour to operate the same heater for a longer time, as the heater is not on for a full hour - the thermostat shuts it off at the desired temperature. If the sauna is used about 10 hours per month, the electric bill for the sauna will only be $3.00.
DOES THE HEAT AND HUMIDITY OF THE SAUNA CAUSE ANY PROBLEMS FOR THE HOMEOWNER?
As the sauna is not a steam bath, there is no live steam to escape from the room and cause damage to the surrounding areas. The humidity of a sauna is only 10% (totally dry) to 30% (when water is added to the stones). The reason for the low humidity is that the softwood absorbs the moisture and the 180-degree F heat will dry out the moisture. Some of the heat will escape when the door is opened, but the heat is dry.
ARE VENTS REQUIRED?
One upper and one lower should be used for good air circulation. We recommend a size 4" x 10". Saunas should be vented to an adjacent room or other open area, not to outside air (for reason of minimizing initial sauna heat up time.)
Sauna Q&A...From the Sauna Experts
HOW IS A SAUNA DIFFERENT FROM OTHER BATHS?
A sauna must have a special, insulated room built of softwood; a heater which is designed and built to heat the room to a temperature of about 180°F; and stones which get hot (about 500-700°F) to produce a good steam when water is poured over them. Anything else is NOT A SAUNA!
IS A SAUNA A STEAMBATH?
A sauna is not a steambath, but a sauna is superior to a steambath for opening pores and ridding the body of impurities. As humidity is increased to only about 25% when water is poured over the stones, the air is still dry. There is no possibility of water condensation to cause damage to the surrounding areas of the Sauna room - peeling of wallpaper or paint - and there is no chance of dry rot. In contrast, a steambath has 100% humidity.
ARE ROCKS NECESSARY IN A SAUNA?
Rocks are necessary to store heat and to produce steam when water is poured over them. Heaters that do not heat rocks (such as infrared heaters) are not sauna heaters.
SHOULD ROCKS BE DIRECTLY HEATED?
Rocks must be distributed among the electric elements in the heater so that they will get hot enough to produce a good steam and so that they will filter the heat for a comfortable sauna. Rocks which sit on top of a grille or basket will not produce as good a steam and the bather will experience a harsh heat, because the heat reflects directly off the elements.
WHY IS WATER NECESSARY IN A SAUNA?
Bathers can regulate their own humidity to create a more relaxing atmosphere and to aid perspiration and deep cleansing of the pores. One or two dipperfuls of water are ladled slowly over the hot stones as often as the bather chooses.
WHY MUST A SAUNA BE BUILT OF SOFTWOOD?
The humidity must be absorbed to keep the atmosphere dry. Softwoods have this property. Hardwoods absorb heat and become too hot to sit or lean against. The wood must be kiln dried to within 6-11% moisture content to prevent shrinkage and warpage.
WHY IS THE THICKNESS OF THE WALL AND CEILING PANELING IMPORTANT IN THE SAUNA?
The thicker the lumber and the more growth rings per inch, the less chance there is of shrinkage. 1"x4" and 1"x6" material (with 11/16" finished thickness) will not shrink as much as 1/2"x4" or 1/2"x6" material. FINLANDIA uses 1"x4" lumber for the interior of the sauna.
SHOULD YOU USE KNOTTY WOOD IN THE SAUNA?
Even when using the highest grade of knotty wood (construction grade) knots can crack during the kiln drying process; knots can loosen in the high sauna heat, leave ugly holes, and seep pitch; and the bather can be burned when touching hot knots. FINLANDIA does not use knotty woods. They are cheaper and inferior to our clear softwoods.
SHOULD A SAUNA HAVE A WATERPROOF FLOOR?
A sauna must have a waterproof floor so that it can be easily washed and kept clean and sanitary, and free of odor. Best washable floors are cement, tile (strongly recommended), or vinyl. In new construction, we also recommend a drain where possible (very important for commercial saunas!)
SHOULD A SAUNA BE INSULATED?
Yes, to prevent heat loss. We recommend R11 fiberglass batt type of insulation between the framing of the walls and ceiling.
HOW HIGH SHOULD A SAUNA BE?
Sauna ceiling height should be no higher than 7' as it is important to bring the heat down to the bench levels. It is also more economical to heat, and the sauna will heat faster.
WHERE CAN A SAUNA BE INSTALLED?
ANYWHERE, but it is best to have it close to a shower for convenience (for cooling off and washing off purposes).
WHO CAN USE A SAUNA?
Any healthy person of any age can safely use a sauna. People with health risks should consult their physicians before using a sauna.
Contact Country Saunas with any other questions or comments you may have about any of our products or adding a sauna to your home.
