saunas

A big part of staying healthy in both mind and body is finding the time to relax and leave your stress behind. There are several different ways to do so, but it can be argued that spending some time in a sauna is very high on that list. In most cases, people need to go to a spa to gain access to a sauna, but it is possible to put together a DIY sauna in your own home without too much difficulty. There are even sauna kits available to get you started, but let’s look at a DIY sauna built from scratch.

You will need to start with a space that is framed but stripped down to the bare bones, which means that no drywall has been hung. The wiring is the first thing that needs to be taken care of, which is usually something that should be left in the hands of a professional electrician. If you are going the gas route for your DIY sauna, the same rules apply, as a pro should be used to ensure that everything is safely connected before moving to the next step.

Operating a sauna in your home is not necessarily cheap, but you can save a good deal of money by using the correct insulation, which would be R-11 insulation on interior walls. Since you want the heat to stay in as much as possible, your DIY sauna should include a foil vapor barrier that serves as insulation. If you skip this step, humidity may be come an issue in other parts of your home.

Once you have all of that done, the next step in building your DIY sauna is to add cedar paneling. The wood panels should be placed perpendicular to the joists, with tongue and groove panels being the easiest to work with. Don’t just rely on the tongue and groove holding things in place, though, which means nailing the panels to the joists.

Once the cedar paneling is in place, you can the center and mount the sauna heater on the wall, making sure to leave a space of at least 6 inches between the bottom of the heater and the floor. When the heater has been mounted, you can then think about adding the rocks, although it is always a good idea to thoroughly clean the heater before you take that step. Keep the rocks loosely packed around the heating element, as jamming them in may make the heater think that things are hotter than they really are.

Finally, you will want to add benches and a door to your DIY sauna. These can be as simple as you like, as long as they get the job done. In the case of the benches, some people like to add some lighting to create a little bit of ambience, but that is a feature that is totally optional. Once that is done, you will be ready to reap all the benefits of your DIY sauna.

The “sauna” was developed in the 1960s, and has been around for a very long time. Typically, a traditional sauna, also known as a Finnish sauna, uses a constant heat source, such as fire and coal to maintain the high temperatures.

This heat source heats the sauna to around 180 - 198 degrees Fahrenheit making it unbearably hot and causing you to only sweat at the surface of the tissue. In a traditional sauna session, it is said that a person loses only about 3% of toxins and 97% of water.

Saunas have some really amazing health benefits, both physical and mental. The cycle of sweating and perspiring and cooling reduces muscle strains, improves your blood circulation, and can even decrease nervous tension.

A home sauna is a good option if you are looking to relax within the comfort of your home, rather than go to a gym or a spa.

If you’re having a hard time choosing the best sauna for your home, make sure you keep some of these tips in mind.

1. Sauna Size

If you want to enjoy your sauna session with some good company, you have to choose a sauna that is big enough. A sauna that is big enough will easily accommodate three people, without any body contact.

If you are looking for something like this, choose the model that works the best for you. To make sure the heat is not lost, a typical sauna will have a ceiling height of about 7 feet, and the room dimensions would normally be 4 by 4 feet and/or 8 by 12 feet.

Within, the sauna will have two benches at two different heights. An upper bench and a lower bench, with a difference of about 18 inches between both.

The functionality of the lower bench is mostly to provide a step to the upper bench as well as a footrest and has significantly lower temperatures for when the upper-bench area feels too hot.

2. The Location

If the sauna is inbuilt in the house, look for a space that is a little isolated from the rest of the house, so you can have a relaxed time in there. Space and location will also determine the size of your sauna.

Based on the layout of your home and where you would like to spend most of your time unwinding, your sauna can be placed anywhere from your basement to your attic, or even better, in the backyard.

3. Types of Wood for Saunas

The best interiors for a sauna are made  of softwoods that remain cool and absorb all the steam, making the room more comfortable.

 Cedar wood is widely used in North America, since it has a good finish, is sturdy and has a natural resistance to decay and it weathers extremely well in harsh environments.

Also, it is aromatic, which is never a bad thing. Other options of wood include clear aspen, vertical grain hemlock and redwood. Although redwood is barely used because it is priced very high and tends to darken very quickly.

 4 . Sauna Heaters & Controls

The heart of a sauna comes from its heater. Wood-burning sauna stoves are traditional, but only if you live where electricity is not available. Otherwise, go for an electric heater for the sauna.

Small electric sauna heaters can be mounted on the wall while the bigger ones are freestanding. The space for your sauna will also determine the kind of heating options you can go ahead with.

There are many types of heaters that are used. The larger the heater, the better, since a larger surface area can operate at a lower temperature and produce a larger infrared wavelength, which is more penetrating.

Other than that, you can also choose a heater that is made of stainless steel, and has been manufactured by a well known manufacturer.

Some heaters have an inbuilt control system, with a silent 60 minute timer that shuts off incase you fall asleep in the sauna, which can otherwise be quite dangerous.

5.. Cost of Buying

Prices for saunas range from $1,000 to $1,500  for a two-person sauna, which is 4 ft by 4 ft. Prefabricated models range from $3,000 to $12,000 or more.

Eventually, the price of a sauna depends on the size, the model and quality of the wood, quality of the equipment and the materials used for the interiors and also, the quality of the entire product with respect to the space and facilities available in your home.

6. Sauna Safety

The human heart has to work extra hard to pump blood to the capillaries, and that is why, the intense heat in a sauna is probably not for everyone: especially those with heart conditions, diabetes, hypertension, thyroid or kidney problems, along with pregnant women.

During a sauna session, your body can release up to a quarter of a gallon of water, and to avoid dehydration you must drink water or fruit juice before and after. You can stop yourself from losing essential vitamins by consuming food that is rich in zinc and iron.

Do not deprive your body of water in an attempt to lose weight. Apart from the health issues, if not used properly, the sauna can be unsafe. The quality of the sauna determines a lot about the safety. The kind of material used on the interiors also determines how safe the sauna is.

Make sure that the wood used is the right one, and ensure it is cleaned thoroughly, so it doesn’t become slippery.

Since precut sauna models have become available to consumers, their sales and demand have shot through the roof.

In today’s day and age, everyone wants some time to unwind and relax without having to spend too much and pre cut saunas offer just that.

So go out there and get your sauna, without the hassle of getting carpenters and woodworkers on board! Although, keep these tips in mind!

Happy sauna to you!

 

Few people take into consideration the type of wood used in the construction of their home sauna. Believe it or not, the wood is an important factor in your decision making and the production process of your infrared sauna's manufacturer. Producers build saunas using hemlock and red cedar the majority of the time because these woods are strong, resilient, and low in toxicity once they have been kiln dried. As you search for a new infrared sauna for your home, you'll have to decide between hemlock and red cedar. So, what's the difference?

 

What's considered during Construction?

When manufacturers are building infrared saunas, there are a number of different characteristics of wood that they take into consideration. Among the most important are the following:

• Wood toxicity: As alluded to above, toxicity of wood is heavily weighed during the selection process. You use an infrared sauna to flush toxins from your body, so wood needs to respond properly to kiln heating to remove natural oils and resins that could reduce the detox benefits of a sauna.

• Wood weight: Heavier wood makes the production process of an infrared sauna more expensive because more hardware needs to be used to secure the construction of the sauna.

• Shrinkage: As your sauna heats up and cools down over time, the wood is bound to crack or splinter. Woods that are more resistant to shrinkage are ideal in providing longer usage life to infrared saunas.

• Crushing strength: While construction strength and durability of wood are taken into consideration, it is also important to ensure that wood won't crack or give under the pressure of human weight while in use.

 

Hemlock Infrared Saunas

Hemlock is one of the most popular types of wood used in the production of infrared saunas. The wood is light in color and comes with a lower cost, making it more affordable from the outset to build saunas using hemlock. On top of that, the heavier weight (compared to red cedar) and greater crushing strength make it less expensive to produce as heavy-duty fixtures aren't required to secure the end product.

Additionally, hemlock is more resistant to shrinkage, giving it a longer usage life compared to others as it resists cracking and splitting. Finally, hemlock is non-allergenic, non-toxic, and has little to no wood aroma, making it beneficial to your body and creating an enjoyable atmosphere for any users.

 

Red Cedar Infrared Saunas

Red cedar is an increasingly popular choice as a construction material for infrared saunas. Red cedar is more expensive to procure, but it is lighter in weight than hemlock and extremely strong in its own right. This means it's less expensive to construct than other wood models because, again, heavy-duty fixtures and hardware aren't often required to build a secure product. Like hemlock, red cedar is non-toxic, though a small percentage of users may experience an allergic reaction to the natural oils and resins in red cedar. Many people find that the intense aroma of red cedar adds a little something extra to the sauna experience.

 

Whether the Hemlock or Red Cedar Infrared Sauna is right for you, Saunas and Stuff, CA has what you’re looking for. With free shipping to most major Canadian metropolitan areas, Saunas and Stuff makes it easy to purchase a Sauna for your home!

 

There are many health benefits one can experience from regular sauna use and some would say there are even more health benefits to be had from regular infrared sauna use. Either way, reaping the benefits from regular sauna use can be enhanced with certain activities, and we’ve got one in mind that anyone can do!

One word: STRETCH. Stretching is one of the best things that you can do for your body, and it can be even better for you when done during a sauna session. Your stretching doesn’t have to be too extreme, even light stretching to loosen and extend your muscles is beneficial. When you combine the heat from your sauna with the effects of stretching your muscles, you’re increasing the health benefits for your body.

Heat from your sauna helps to flush out lactic acid in your body, which helps release tension from your muscles. By stretching and sweating from the heat of the sauna, you are loosening up your muscles, increasing your flexibility, as well as flushing out this lactic acid. Whether you’re stretching in a traditional sauna or an infrared sauna, you are bound to reap similar benefits.

Stretching can be a relaxing form of exercise that works to improve your body as you burn calories. Although it is not an aggressive form of exercise, when you are in the presence of the heat from the sauna, your body has to work harder when stretching, increasing how much you are sweating and the toxins that are released from your body. Although this may seem like it has a relatively low-impact on your body, you’re likely to increase weight loss just by increasing the amount of time you take to stretch during your sauna sessions.

With weight loss and the release of toxins, you are bound to improve the health of the systems within your body. Stretching is meant to be a relaxing form of exercise and it is often accompanied with meditation. As you stretch and feel better physically, you are more likely to let loose mentally and emotionally too, and give your mind a chance to relax along with your body!

You’re less likely to put extra wear or tear on your muscles when you stretch in your sauna because your muscles are warmed up by the heat. This helps you avoid pulling muscles by over-extending them before they are warm enough. Your heart is also pumping well, as your blood vessels are dilated from the heat, bringing more oxygen to the muscles and in turn, helping them stretch better.

From your insides to your outsides, stretching daily through your sauna session can lead to a lot of health improvements and benefits for your body. Your body is your instrument and it is extremely important to take care of it. Carefully try stretching in your sauna to see the difference it can make!

If you are interested in experiencing the benefits of owning your own home infrared sauna, check out our selection, here! We even ship free to most major Canadian metropolitan areas!

 

 

The greatest part about using your sauna is that each sauna session is an opportunity to detoxify and regenerate, so that you feel refreshed and healthy. Whether you’re using it after a workout, a long day at work, or before you get your day started, you want to be able to maximize your sauna session and enjoy full relaxation. Owning your own home-sauna is a welcomed luxury, but it’s important that you pick one that is right for you and your family. Our six-person carbon fiber sauna with TV is perfect for large families, or those who entertain often!

This sauna is the largest one available on the Saunas & Stuff Canada website and will provide you, your family and friends with the space you need to truly feel refreshed and renewed after your sauna session. With this sauna, you’ll be relaxing with lots of space to lounge, have friends over, and watch TV – all while you are detoxifying!

You always want to make sure that your sauna is kept clean so that it is a healthy environment for you and others to be in. Six people is not a small amount for a sauna to have inside at one time, but this infrared sauna offers a battery powered air ionizer, removing all bacteria and odors from the air. Your sauna will stay pure and fresh, and be ready to use at all times!

This sauna consists of Canadian Hemlock wood and tongue and groove construction with non-toxic glues on the interior and non-toxic finishes on the exterior. The product comes with a limited lifetime warranty, with a seven-year warranty on the heaters, cabinet and electrical and a one-year warranty on the stereo and TV.

Measuring at 73 inches X 67 inches X 78.5 inches, the size of this sauna provides you and your family with space to comfortably enjoy a sauna session with several other people. You have enough room in this sauna to bring in extra towels, and it has cup holders for your beverages. Don’t forget - hydration is key to enjoying your sauna session, as you will be detoxifying and can become easily dehydrated through this process. Be sure to drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated during this process. In the case of beverages in your sauna, always be careful and remember to take them with you when you leave for safety purposes.

This sauna offers some special features, to increase your relaxation and enjoyment of your sauna session. You can easily take advantage of the feature of a moveable backrest where you can place the backrest against any wall or back of the bench in the sauna that you would like, to help give you some support and keep you relaxed. There are two different leveled benches in this sauna, as opposed to the typical standard bench. This gives people the opportunity to spread out a bit and sit at different levels.

So grab the kids or the neighbors… or maybe just the remote and some water, and lay back and enjoy all the space and features that the six-person carbon fiber sauna has to offer!

 

 

Rumor has it that regular sauna use has its benefits and can help you live longer. Well, rumor no more --- it is, in fact, true! Regular sauna use has proven to have multiple health benefits for individuals, specifically men,ultimately leading them to a healthier and longer life.

In Eastern Finland, a study was completed tracking men’s health in relation to regular sauna use. The study, beginning in 1984, assessed over 2,000 middle-aged, Finnish males, who used saunas anywhere from once a week to everyday.

The study found that the risk of death caused by a sudden heart attack was 22 percent lower for males who used the sauna two or three times a week and 66 percent lower than the average male, for those individuals using the sauna anywhere between four and seven times per week. Risks of all heart conditions were reduced most by men who spent more than 20 minutes in their sauna sessions, nearly everyday.

With very warm temperatures, it is thought to be the high temperatures and humidity that cause advantageous physiological changes in the cardiovascular system. Earlier research showed that the heat from saunas helps to improve the function of blood vessels and even lowers blood pressure in individuals who experience hypertension.

The more time that spent in the sauna, the better the health results. New studies continue to find more health benefits, including benefits of hot sauna baths. Along with fewer deaths from heart attacks, fewer deaths and issues with strokes were linked to extended and frequent sauna time.

Although the study was only conducted on middle-aged men, Rita Redberg, a San Francisco cardiologist says, “it should apply equally to both sexes. There’s no physiological reason why it wouldn’t.” So not only is this study great news for men, but women can enjoy the health benefits of regular sauna use as well!

For some time now, it has also been known for saunas to be great de-stressors for all individuals. Now, as it turns out, this 20-minute period of frequent relaxation is beneficial for both the mind and the body.

The next time you’re at the gym, give the sauna a try! If you’re someone who would like to have easier access to a sauna and would like to start using it on a regular basis, a home sauna might be a good investment for you. Our selection of home saunas are perfect for your home, no matter how much (or little) space you have.

 

 

Many people wonder what the differences are between traditional saunas and infrared saunas and, furthermore, what infrared technology is and the history behind it. It’s slowly becoming common knowledge that infrared saunas have many health benefits, but what’s not so commonly known is the history behind infrared technology. Below, is a brief look into the history of this now commonly-used technology.

Infrared light has a longer wavelength than red light, which is the color with the longest wavelength of visible light. This longer wavelength indicates a lower frequency; infrared light has an extremely low frequency. Over 75 percent of the sun’s rays are considered ‘infrared,’ and we take this heat from the sun and radiate it through our bodies.

Sir William Herschel studied the temperatures of colors and came to the understanding that the temperatures rose from violet to red. With further research, Herschel was able to measure the temperature beyond the red portion of the spectrum, to see that the area beyond this part had the highest temperature and was a form of light beyond the red light. The energy given off from infrared light is not visible to the human eye, but can be seen with the use of specific cameras.

The use of infrared in technology and appliances began in the twentieth century and has since been used in various products that we use in our everyday life. Infrared is a form of radiant heat and is increasingly found in more and more appliances. It has also been used in therapy, as the heat helps to heal and assists individuals in recovery from injuries, relieving stress, and loosening tense muscles. Through time, infrared has evolved to be a key ingredient in the creation of many appliances. Today, you can find infrared in appliances ranging from toaster ovens, to heaters, to grills, and now even to saunas. Saunas and stuff has a large variety of infrared saunas that have been known to have many health benefits for their consumers.

As time continues, the world is bound to see more appliances take advantage of infrared technology. Infrared saunas are widely used and like many appliances that use infrared technology, have been known to be beneficial for the mind and body. These saunas are also known to have lower energy costs, as they typically heat up to anywhere between 120 degrees to 150 degrees, whereas regular saunas heat up to anywhere from 185 degrees to 195 degrees. However, the fact that infrared saunas do not heat to the same temperature as regular saunas does not mean that they are not as effective or lack health benefits. The infrared heating panels inside of these infrared saunas create even more heat in the sauna, so while you are still saving energy, you’re also heating your sauna just as much.

Infrared technology continues to use light to create heat instead of a common heating unit. The development of this technology has helped to create appliances that individuals across the world can use to better their health, all while saving energy!

 

 

 
Infrared Saunas can be very beneficial to one’s mind and body, and are effective at improving overall health. Infrared Saunas are commonly used after workouts to help detoxify the body, relax tense muscles and increase blood flow. Below are a few tips on how to best use an infrared sauna to enhance your workout, and why it is beneficial.

 

How Long To Use The Sauna After A Workout

Detoxifying your body is a healthy process to experience, as it allows you to naturally eliminate toxins through sweating. Although it is highly recommended to spend time in an infrared sauna after working out, it is recommended that you start out with short sessions, approximately four-minutes long, in the sauna, if you are new to using infrared saunas. As your body adjusts, you can begin to increase your time in the sauna from anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes; whatever you find most comfortable!

 

Why It Helps After A Workout

 Consistent time spent in the sauna after exercise stimulates blood flow, helping to improve muscle recovery after exercise. Infrared saunas cause the body temperature to rise, leading the blood vessels to dilate increasing blood flow and moving oxygen throughout the body.

This increase in blood flow combined with the heat of the infrared sauna is great for relaxing tense muscles as well. Muscles are relaxed by the heat of the sauna allowing circulation to increase and pain or inflammation of the joints and muscles to decrease. This is also a great time to take advantage of your relaxed muscles and stretch them out after your long workout.

 

 Why It Helps With Health Overall

As mentioned before, the detoxification process is a major health benefit of a sauna. In releasing toxins, the body rinses out bacteria, replaces dead skin cells, and purifies the skin, helping to keep pores open, which can help clear up acne and other skin conditions.

Medically, infrared saunas have, in some cases, shown to lower blood pressure and help with type-2 diabetes. They have also helped individuals with hypertension and congestive heart failure. However, if you are suffering from one of these or an additional health  issue, be sure to consult your doctor before using a sauna on a regular basis.

Infrared Sauna Therapy is known to have mental benefits as well as physical benefits. Spending time in the infrared sauna helps balance your cortisol level, which is a stress hormone in the body. The high temperatures of the sauna allow your mind to release certain endorphins that help you feel good. With a relaxed mind and muscles, you are able to experience less stress and relax.

 

Next time you work out, take some extra time and treat yourself to a relaxing sauna session. With all the potential health benefits, you might be glad you did!

Do you use the sauna regularly after a workout? If so, have you seen any health benefits? We’d love to hear from you in the comments section!

 
 

 
Buying a sauna to install in your home is an exciting experience. A new sauna means you no longer have to mingle with strangers at the gym to enjoy the relaxation and health benefits of a sauna. Now, whenever you want to sit in a sauna and break a good sweat, you need only walk down the hall in your own home or head out to your back yard. As you go shopping for a new sauna online, you'll come across a lot of different models and options.

The most common heaters you might come across are ceramic and carbon fiber heaters. If you feel confused by those options, you’re not alone. Few people know how a sauna works, they're just glad it does. In this post, you'll learn the crucial differences between ceramic heaters and carbon fiber heaters.

 

Even Heat Distribution
The heating surface area of a carbon fiber heater makes it easier for this type of heater to provide even heat distribution compared to ceramic models. The surface area of a carbon fiber heater is much larger and composed of thin carbon plates. This allows these models to provide even heat distribution that lacks hot and cold spots which are typical of ceramic heaters. As a result, you will enjoy heat that is well dispersed throughout your sauna.

 

Use of Infrared Rays
Carbon fiber heaters emit warm rays that are closer to far infrared than a ceramic heater is capable of producing. The result is a heat that is beneficial for your health and healing inside your sauna. Heat emitted from carbon fiber heaters has a slightly lower temperature, which allows you to stay in the sauna longer and allow for deep tissue penetration. When the sauna heats you from the inside out, it provides better relief of stress, sore muscles, and aching joints.

 

Lower Energy Costs
Because a carbon fiber heater produces heat at a lower temperature, and provides more even heat distribution, you'll enjoy a much lower hit to your monthly utility bills. The engineering of carbon fiber heaters is already energy-efficient in nature compared to ceramic heaters, but the improved performance of carbon fiber models means you'll waste less money heating your sauna and maintaining temperature levels.

 

Better Life Span
The last thing you want to do is buy a new sauna now, and be forced to potentially replace your heater in the next decade. The average ceramic heater has a lifetime expectancy of just 5,000 hours, compared to a minimum of 20,000 hours for a carbon fiber model.

 

As you consider the purchase of a new sauna, take a few moments to consider the type of heater powering your model. While it might not be the first thing to cross your mind, the heater in the model you purchase will impact the performance, efficiency, effectiveness, and maintenance cost of the saunas you are considering.

 

 

 
Whether you've just purchased your first home and it has an old sauna in it, or you're looking to remodel your home and add a sauna, there are mistakes you must avoid. Any purchase for your home, from a washer and dryer to paint colors, is worthy of serious consideration to ensure you make the best possible choice. It is important that you don't get caught up in the excitement of installing a new sauna in your home.

Instead, take your time and carefully consider the sauna models you've viewed online. The following points are some of the critical mistakes you need to avoid when looking for that perfect sauna to install in your home.

 

Type of Heater

Infrared heaters have largely replaced the old wood burning saunas used throughout much of human history in heat rooms. However, not all infrared heaters are made the same. As you compare models, you need to avoid inefficient, poor quality heaters that leave you spending more money on utility bills and waste time as you wait for the sauna to get up to proper temperatures.

 

Assembly Systems

You need to pay attention to the assembly systems that hold your sauna together. If you've purchased from a suspect vendor, you could have a poorly assembled unit in your home that doesn't hold heat (at best) or fails to stand the test of time (at worst). Factors to keep an eye on include:

• Exterior buckles
• Magnets
• Slide clasps

 

Types of Wood

The type of wood used to construct your sauna plays a big role in the joy you'll get from your investment. Woods such as Aspen, Basswood, and Fir are not suitable types for use in a sauna if you plan on using it frequently over the years to come. These are soft, light woods with low tensile strength. The result is a sauna that has poor decay and shock resistance, and could warp, dent, or scratch easily.

Instead, look for saunas produced using Hemlock and Canadian/Western Red Cedar. These woods have natural beauty that helps create a welcoming environment, but also have functional strength and durability. Hemlock is very stable and not likely to cup, check, or twist over time. Red Cedar has a low shrinkage factor and is highly unlikely to warp, twist, or check while you own your sauna.

If you're going to install an outdoor sauna, Canadian/Western Red Cedar is a must. Not only does it boast the benefits mentioned above, it has also has the best heat retention among woods commonly used in sauna construction.

 

Glass Panels

When you buy a sauna with glass panels, it enhances the beauty and appeal of your sauna. With that said, be aware that too many glass panels used in the construction of your sauna means less heat inside. Not only does the glass not hold heat in as well, more space dedicated to glass doors means less space for infrared heating panels to provide warmth.

Keep these elements in mind as you shop online for a new sauna, and you'll be sure to pick the best sauna possible to help you kick back and relax in style for years to come.

 

If you have any questions, or need some advice during your search for the perfect sauna, feel free to contact us anytime!