Custom sauna kits are more accommodating than ever before

by jason_cramp | November 21, 2015 2:00 pm

By Anna Vetta

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With increasing demand for saunas in North America, the simple square box is no longer the prime style for sauna enthusiasts. Veteran sauna bathers, along with the new generation of sauna users, are increasingly looking for something that is above ordinary. A combination of education on saunas[2] and their many health benefits[3], along with the growth of infrastructure of new home developments and the rise of renovations, has increased the demand for unique sauna installations. It is all about customization and making them a personal attribute to the space. That said, cutting-edge designs are in demand from today’s sauna manufacturers to accommodate these distinct, one-of-a-kind installations.

Sauna evolution

The evolution of Finnish saunas is astounding. Over the past 2000 years, saunas have developed from a mere hole in the ground (i.e. pit) into wood-panelled rooms, complete with benches and other amenities. Contemporary Finnish saunas can be built from logs, pre-cut wood, or glass and comprise an electrical or wood-burning heat source to obtain air temperatures of approximately 80 C (176 F). Infrared saunas are an entirely different concept. These units may use a choice of infrared heating options (e.g. medical-grade ceramic, ceramic tube, active carbon fibres, etc.) to emit heat and warm objects. The temperatures in these saunas are much lower than traditional units, operating at approximately 50 C (122 F). Infrared sauna rooms also tend to be more compact in design, however, some exceptions apply.

In terms of market trends and consumer demand, dual saunas, which provide bathers the benefits of both sauna types, are popular choices. The ability to have an infrared and hot-rock sauna in one space gives customers the traditional look and ambiance of a hot-rock sauna, while experiencing the many health benefits of an infrared system. These systems are popular because they accommodate the preferences of those households where sauna users are torn between the different types of bathing—sweating at intense temperatures or enjoying soft, natural heat. With these systems, customers are not forced to choose one or the other—they can have both.

Further, all saunas—traditional and infrared—have customization capabilities. Today, tailor-made saunas are becoming increasingly popular, making them high in demand for residential and/or commercial installations.

No longer a simple box

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Personalizing saunas, while working within certain space limitations in the home, is a popular request by today’s customers. As this trend continues to escalate, sauna manufacturers are making their products more customizable to accommodate this target market. The ability to provide customers with what they want, including all the bells and whistles, is no longer out of reach. In fact, sauna manufacturers are highly capable of getting customers what they want and will work with their internal design team to provide installers with everything they need for specialized projects.

By working closely with the contractor, dealer, homeowner, or builder, there is a definite solution to meet space, shape, design, and/or budget limitations in new home construction projects, as well as when renovating an existing space. That said, there are typically three main sauna options available from manufacturers to accommodate most installations. They include:

• Pre-built modular units;
• Material kits; and
• Interior pre-built assembly units.

Material kits

Sauna material kits are the most popular choice for new home construction, as they simplify the process of installation for builders. Do-it-yourself sauna kits provide everything the consumer, contractor, builder, or manufacturer needs to install the sauna on-site. Kits are often selected by builders or dealers when faced with fixed spaces, where walls are already set in place. In these cases, the project is turned over to the sauna manufacturer, whereby the builder provides the exact measurements for the tile setter and electrician to follow.

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Pre-built modular units

Modular saunas are built at the manufacturing plant and shipped to the installation site as knocked-down panels ready for assembly. This allows for an easy turnkey installation within a couple of hours. For these saunas, manufacturers use the customers’ design specifications and electrical limitations, and in turn, deliver a prefabricated unit for installation.

Interior pre-built assembly units

These types of sauna systems are case specific and are increasing in demand. This option is often provided for homeowners who want the sauna to appear as though it was built on-site, but still want the expertise of the sauna manufacturer. It is typically used when a three-sided cubby space is present. In these cases, the sauna is pre-built at the manufacturing plant and then reassembled in the home as a pre-built modular unit; however, it will not look like a stand-alone sauna. The sauna is tailor-made for an exact fit into the space and will look as though it is part of the home or commercial entity.

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Saunas for new home construction

Currently, new home construction is at an all-time high. Depending on the builder and/or homebuyer, many of these new homes are now seeing saunas included in the architectural drawings. With the house at its preliminary stages of construction, it allows for increased flexibility for more options during the sauna installation. Working with the builder, the sauna manufacturer will guide designers and electricians in all aspects of the installation, including drawings to assist with the vision of how the completed sauna should look.

When saunas are requested in new home construction, the contractor, dealer, or homeowner can use any of the three options discussed earlier. Do-it-yourself kits are installed as described; however, pre-built modular or interior pre-built assembly saunas require a few additional steps.

For the latter two options, the purchaser will provide the manufacturer with drawings, which tend to be flexible. This means during the early stages of design, walls can be removed or eliminated in the drawings to accommodate a pre-built unit. A quote is then provided by the sauna manufacturer based on the plans for the layout, size, and design configurations. Once the job is approved, a detailed drawing is provided by the manufacturer that illustrates the sauna’s layout, including door allocation, bench configuration, and electrical requirements. There is no need for an on-site visit for modular saunas unless one is requested.

Saunas for home renovations

Sauna renovations or retrofitting, if given to the right sauna manufacturer, can be a stress-free, turnkey project allowing any space to be transformed into a sauna. Spaces such as cellars, bedrooms, bathrooms, and basements, for example, tend to be the most popular for sauna retrofit installations.

When saunas are requested to be installed in pre-existing spaces, the contractor, dealer, or homeowner will often obtain a do-it-yourself kit. This will then require the purchaser to provide drawings of the space where it is being installed. Once submitted, the manufacturer will produce a quote for the project basing it on the sauna’s layout, size, and design. After the quote is approved and the project has been awarded to a particular sauna manufacturer, an on-site service call will be performed to take detailed measurements of the space. A meeting with a licensed electrician and other trades will also take place so everything will be ready for the sauna installation.

Electrical requirements

Depending on size and the options selected, saunas will vary in electrical specifications. Traditional saunas are typically 240-volt hardwired, where infrared saunas tend to be 120 volt. When it comes to custom sauna designs, the electrical requirements can vary. No matter what type of sauna is being installed, a licensed electrician is required to connect the unit.

Questions regarding safety

It is imperative saunas are safety approved and certified. When it comes to safety, sauna buyers need to be careful as misleading information can sometimes be supplied; therefore, before installing a sauna, confirm the source of all safety certifications. Buyers should also determine what is covered under the safety certification—components only (i.e. heater, infrared emitters, controls, wiring, etc.) or the entire unit?

Further, make sure all safety approved components are certified for use in the specific type of installation being performed (e.g. material kits, pre-built modular units, or interior pre-built assembly units). Even though certain components may be safety certified, it does not mean the finished product (e.g. a completed infrared sauna room) is. All saunas must be properly and safely installed to Canadian Standards Association (CSA) safety standards.

[7]Anna Vetta is the sales administrator for Saunacore, a manufacturer of custom sauna products in Bolton, Ont. She has more than 15 years’ 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-kits-are-more-accommodating-than-ever-before/

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