Custom sauna installation

by Sally Bouorm | December 1, 2012 8:52 am

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By Anna Vetta

Today, an increasing number of people are looking for unique products to complement their lifestyle and individual taste. Most consumers are looking for products that can be tailored to their personal needs, allowing them to stand out from the rest by emphasizing their style. This desire for a unique, personalized product also applies to sauna enthusiasts.

Those interested in saunas want a product that reflects their needs, but also possesses distinct features that differentiate them from other products. Many people have the misconception that typical box-style saunas, commonly found on the Internet and in big-box stores, are the only models available. However, this is not the case.

A myriad of customizable possibilities are available and the options for unique, cutting-edge sauna designs are endless. Many sauna manufacturers offer a variety of alternatives that are sure to meet most, if not all, consumer demands and specifications, with eye-catching results.

Sauna evolution

The evolution of Finnish saunas is astounding. Over the course of the past 2000 years, saunas have graduated from a mere hole (i.e. pit) in the ground into wood-panelled rooms, complete with benches, which most are familiar with today. Contemporary Finnish saunas may be built of log, stone, wood, and glass and now use sauna stoves as a heat source, which are capable of heating a sauna to approximately 80 C (176 F).

The infrared sauna, which has been recognized for its convenience, compact design, and health benefits, is also a popular sauna style. These saunas operate at lower temperatures, typically around 45 C (113 F), and are energy efficient. The majority of infrared saunas are plug-in units. However, all saunas, whether of the Finnish or infrared variety, can be customized to accommodate the consumer’s needs.

Design choices

There are no limits when it comes to building a sauna. Certainly, in both residential and commercial projects, challenges may present themselves, however, most sauna manufacturers are able to overcome these obstacles and still provide the customer with a functional sauna that also possesses a unique design. Although the standard, ‘What you see is what you get,’ models are available, an increasing number of sauna enthusiasts want ideas that require the manufacturer to think ‘outside the box.’ Customization is available for all types of saunas—whether they are pre-built modular freestanding units, do-it-yourself (D-I-Y) material kits, or pre-built built-in units.

Pre-built modular saunas

These saunas can be manufactured with several options. With true craftsmanship, many sauna manufacturers can pre-build a sauna to the exact measurements and design details requested by the consumer. This option is for areas with large open concept spaces, such as a large residential basement. These saunas are completely pre-built at the manufacturer’s facility, using the customer’s design specifications, and then simply assembled on site.

In some cases, pre-built modular saunas may not be an option because the consumer’s plans may already have a fixed space with pre-existing walls allocated for the sauna. In this case, the consumer will require a unit to be built on site. The best alternative in this situation is a D-I-Y sauna kit.

D-I-Y sauna kits

These sauna kits provide everything the consumer needs to build the sauna on site. A contractor or manufacturer may be designated to build the sauna. D-I-Y sauna kits are often the best course of action for individuals that are working with fixed spaces; this often applies to new condo projects, health facilities, community centres, or residential spaces that may convert an existing space into a sauna. For example, a cold cellar or closet that is not currently being used.

Pre-built built-in units

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If the first two options do not fit the plan, a third option is the pre-built built-in sauna. This is an internal assembly custom-designed sauna that can be used in tight spaces. Sauna manufacturers offer this option to clients who want the illusion of an on-site built-in sauna. This option is quickly becoming popular with today’s sauna enthusiasts as many consumers want the hand-detailed workmanship offered by the sauna manufacturer, with a quick-and-easy on-site assembly. For most consumers, this is an attractive option as the sauna is pre-built at the manufacturing facility with the customer’s design input.

Further, with the customer’s design in mind, sauna manufacturers are capable of custom building either an infrared, Finnish, or combination sauna to suit their demands, while also carrying the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and UL Standards approval.

Each of these options is readily available to the consumer, making any sauna purchase a worry-free and rewarding investment. Ultimately, no space is too small, too big, or too oddly shaped for the perfect sauna.

POPULAR SAUNA UPGRADE FEATURES

Along with all of the custom options discussed above, there are additional upgrades to be considered when purchasing a sauna. One of the most popular is the inclusion of an MP3, CD, or DVD player inside the sauna. Relaxing music or playing a movie can heighten the sauna experience for many people. Another common trend is the inclusion of coloured lighting. This not only increases the level of therapeutic benefits the sauna provides, but also gives the sauna a unique glow. Different coloured lights are available for both the sauna’s interior and exterior. The sauna’s door also represents another opportunity for customization and unique design as they can be made of wood, glass, or a combination of the two. They can also include a personal touch, for example, many commercial saunas feature a name or logo, while residential saunas sometimes have a family name, crest, or another image of their choice on the sauna door. All of these customizable upgrades will allow the consumer to own a sauna that is not only functional and beautiful, but a reflection of their individual style.

Available options 

Saunas are generally thought of as square-style rooms. Although often times this may be the case, the sauna’s size and shape is also customizable.

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Saunas can be designed to the exact dimensions that a customer requires. For instance, the sauna’s height can be tailored to fit under air ducts, or areas with low ceilings. Conversely, they can also be built with higher ceilings. The room dimensions themselves can also be made to suit the customer’s needs, ensuring there are no fixed dimensions that limit the customer.[4]

Contemporary saunas are more often built in interesting shapes that combine functionality and esthetics. With bay-window style front wall options, corner styles, and rounded designs becoming more popular, saunas are becoming a work of art. Contemporary saunas have graduated from an eyesore or a ‘box’ in the corner of a room, to an integrated piece of furniture for any residential or commercial space.

Just as the sauna’s exterior shape can be customized, there are multiple options for the interior layout as well. For example, benches can be configured in many different variations in order to accommodate the customer. The most popular is the two-tier bench. Customizations of this popular style include adding leg rests, a third tier, or bench skirts. Bench and door sizing can also be customized to accommodate wheelchair access.

Building materials

Originally, saunas were built out of stones and logs, and although they can still be made from these materials, wood and glass have become the norm. It is generally believed the first wooden saunas were built by the Finns around the fifth century. There are several different types of wood that customers can select from to build their sauna, including cedar, poplar, basswood, hemlock, sitka, spruce, alder, pine, abachi, and redwood. Each type of wood has its own characteristics and presents its own unique benefit to the customer. Hemlock is cost effective, cedar is recognized for its durability and strength, and poplar wood is a great choice for those looking for a hypoallergenic wood with durable qualities.

Location

Saunas do not have to be limited to the indoors. Although indoor saunas are the most popular, outdoor units have also been well-received. Consumers who are looking for a sauna, but are limited for space, may want to consider opting for an outdoor installation. Sauna manufacturers offer kit-style outdoor models, which are easy for consumers to assemble themselves. An outdoor sauna can be assembled and ready for use in very little time, allowing the consumer to sit back, relax, and enjoy the outdoor scenery surrounding them.

Heater and control options

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Finnish saunas have three heating stove options: wood, gas, and electric. The most common heating option in contemporary saunas is the electric stove with rocks, which is convenient and easy to operate. However, in many remote areas where electricity is expensive or not readily available, gas or wood-burning stoves are great alternatives. A wood-burning stove requires no electricity and is easy to use by simply adding firewood.

Infrared saunas also have three heating options: ceramic tube, organic carbon fibre, and medical-grade ceramic. Sauna manufacturers offer these different heating methods to allow consumers to choose which option best suits their needs; however, ceramic tube and organic carbon fibre are the most common. These are great choices for those who are on a budget and are looking to add a sauna for health reasons. Consumers who want increased health benefits and a pure detoxification experience are more likely to select the medical-grade ceramic heating option.

Many different controls are also available to the consumer, ranging from simple analog and digital operation, to sophisticated touch screen controls.

Combination saunas

A sauna that combines both traditional hot rock and infrared heat capabilities is an excellent way for the consumer to experience the best of both worlds. By combining these two heat sources, bathers can experience a traditional sauna environment from the hot rock stove, while still receiving the added health benefits of an infrared heater.

As knowledge increases regarding the health benefits of infrared heating, sauna manufacturers are finding the popularity of combination saunas becoming increasingly popular for both residential and commercial applications.

Electrical requirements

Saunas can be customized to fulfil various electrical requirements for residential and/or commercial use as they can vary in both settings. For example, saunas can be offered with low wattage to increase energy efficiency. In residential applications, the most common voltages are 120 and 240 volts, while for commercial saunas it can vary between 120 and 600 volts.

It is also important to note, however, a licensed electrician must install the sauna’s electrical components.

Health and wellness

It has become common knowledge that regular sauna use provides many health benefits as they assist in the removal of toxins from the body. Traditionally, saunas have been used to improve mental clarity, to diminish pain, and promote longevity.

More recently, it has been shown that regular sauna use can greatly assist in the elimination of accumulated toxins[6], including mercury (Hg), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), and pesticides. It is also important to consumers with environmental sensitivities and allergies as saunas can be customized to ensure none of the these potentially harmful materials are included.

In fact, some saunas on the market are made from certain woods and materials these consumers should not come in contact with. Therefore, manufacturers can custom-build a sauna to meet their customer’s demands for better health. For instance, they can be completely constructed without the use of adhesives, plywood, or other impure materials that may adversely affect sensitive individuals.

If a customer has an allergy to a particular type of wood, the manufacturer can suggest one of the wood alternatives previously discussed. Should a customer have a general wood allergy, the sauna can be made completely from glass.

Equally as important as the material the sauna comprises is the building materials used to construct the sauna stove.

The heating source, whether infrared or traditional hot rock, can be made of surgical stainless steel for pure heat. Surgical stainless steel is pure metal, allowing bathers to get the best quality heat. Low-wattage components are also available so the consumer does not have to worry about any impurities or electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Many small portable saunas are also built on wheels, allowing users to move the sauna to clean its exterior and avoid dust build-up. These upgrade options are often found on saunas used in treatment facilities, or on residential units for those who want a high-quality, pure-heat therapy sauna.

Going beyond consumer expectations

The old saying, “If the sauna[7] is just a bath, then Buckingham Palace is just a house,” rings true. Saunas have moved from simple box-style construction to rooms that go far beyond the consumer’s expectations of functionality and esthetics.

Contemporary saunas can meet nearly any demand a consumer has and can also echo the style of a person or company. Sauna manufacturers can provide input in order to ensure codes and requirements are met and in doing so, helping to make your customer a satisfied one.

 

 

 

Anna Vetta is the sales administrator for Saunacore, a manufacturer of custom sauna products in Bolton, Ont. She has more than 12 years of experience in the sauna industry and holds a specialist degree in economics and geography from the University of Toronto. Vetta can be reached via e-mail at anna@saunacore.com[8].

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/custom-sauna-installation/

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