Saunek

Who doesn’t enjoy a long session inside a steaming hot sauna?

Not only does it provide a thoroughly relaxing environment, but there are many health benefits that come from spending some time inside a sauna. It can help reduce pain, improve your mood, and assist in getting you a better night’s sleep.

However, there are many different types of home saunas available that provide various experiences and health benefits. So how do you know which sauna is the right one for you?

If you’re looking for an education on home saunas before you purchase one, then here’s everything you need to know about the different options available to you.

History of Saunas

Details on the very first sauna are unknown. Historians believe that saunas originated in northern Europe in approximately 2000 BC. The oldest ones that still exist today can be found in Finland and were created from pits dug into the ground underneath a slope.

It features a fireplace with stones heated to a high temperature so that when water is thrown over it, steam fills the air and gives anyone inside the sauna a unique heat sensation.

Types of Saunas Around the World

Many cultures around the world have taken the sauna experience and made it their own. The traditional Finnish dry sauna features heated rocks that don’t require any water. It doesn’t have the same humidity as other steam options, but it’s just as relaxing.

Russian banya saunas heat the air and water to generate steam. It can also feature dried branches to fan the moisture so that it’s closer to your body. Salt steam rooms were initially used by the Romans and are known to provide health benefits to the skin and respiratory system.

Turkish baths are also a popular sauna experience in many European countries, including Iraq, Morocco, Syria, and Lebanon. It’s common for many people to be inside the room at once, enjoying the steam resonating from the stones and water.

What is a Wood-Fired Hot Tub Barrel?

If you prefer taking a dip instead of sitting in a steam room, then a wood-fired hot tub barrel can also provide some well-earned rest and relaxation. It features a stove built into the tub for heating water. Depending on what the weather is like, it can heat up within two to four hours.

What is a Sauna House?

Generally, a sauna house is three to four feet wide and stands eight to ten feet high. It can take up a lot of space within your home, but it does increase its value. Saunas also don’t require a lot of maintenance, and it means you never have to leave the house to reap the rewards of the health benefits.

What is a Barrel Sauna?

Despite the name, a barrel sauna is a full-size room. The barrel lays on its side and can be designed to feature as many as two to eight people inside of it. A barrel sauna will generally sit outside of the house due to its unique design. It doesn’t require a lot of effort to assemble, and, provided the correct materials are used, it can withstand any type of weather condition.

What is a Sauna Lavatory?

If you’re short on rooms but have more than one bathroom, you may be able to convert it into a home sauna. It does require purchasing a few materials and a bit of cleaning to achieve an authentic sauna experience. But for many, this is the best way to install a home sauna and receive the body benefits from the soothing steam.

What is a Sauna Heater?

A sauna heater is what helps get the room to the required temperatures to be able to enjoy the experience. Most sauna heaters tend to be either electric, gas, or wood-burning. It also needs a place for the sauna stones. The sauna stones are generally placed on the heater so that they can get nice and hot. Once ready, you can sprinkle water on them to create steam within the sauna.

What are Good Materials for a Sauna?

Any type of softwood that is flexible and doesn’t get damaged easily by moisture or heat is perfect for home saunas. Many saunas are made of cedar due to the look, the smell, and the ability to remain cool so that you can sit on them. Basswood and hemlock are also popular choices for home saunas. You also need to choose a sauna heater type. There are gas, electric, and wood options available. You can also use infrared lights to help heat the room and get the sauna experience you desire.

What Sauna Ventilation Do You Need?

Quality ventilation is essential if you want to get the most enjoyment out of your home sauna. Two of the most common are natural convection and mechanical ventilation. Natural convection is ideal for saunas outside of the house. It lets air out through the vent underneath the sauna heater or by opting for a gap under the door. Mechanical ventilation is necessary for inside saunas. It allows for fresh air from the outside to enter the sauna as well as exhausts out steam and humidity from inside the room.

Where Can Your Questions Be Answered?

Unless you live in Finland, where there are more saunas than cars, if you want a sauna, then you’re going to have to install it yourself. This can be no easy task as there are many different sauna options available to you. From saunas that fill the room with smoke to ones shaped like giant wood wine barrels, it can be confusing and stressful.

But it can all be worth it due to the many benefits that come from owning a sauna. It’s known to improve your health and wellbeing as well as increase the value of your home. Plus, it means you can enjoy a sauna any time you want.

There’s no need to worry yourself about all the questions you have about saunas. We have all the answers to your questions and can help guide you in the right direction to find the right sauna that will provide you with an experience like no other.