Common Questions
What is a sauna?
A sauna is a room constructed of softwood with a single heater, either electric or wood-burning, that is capable of reaching temperatures up to 200° Fahrenheit. The high temperatures produce a very dry environment with extremely low humidity. You can tolerate the heat because of the low humidity, and since the soft lumber does not absorb significant heat, you can sit in comfort.
What is the difference between a wet sauna and a dry sauna?
They are one and the same. When you enter the hot sauna, and before any water is sprinkled on the rocks, it is considered a dry sauna due to the dry heat and absence of humidity in the hot environment. The minute you generate steam by sprinkling water on the rocks, it is considered a wet sauna due to the humidity that quickly engulfs the room. Essentially it is a sauna room, and the wet or dry terminology relates to the level of humidity in the room.
How is a wet/dry sauna different than an infrared sauna?
By definition, a sauna is a room where water is used to generate steam, so technically the infrared experience is not a sauna at all even though the term “sauna” is applied by most throughout the industry. Infrared does not warm the room but instead penetrates the body with infrared rays. It does so at a low temperature and is helpful in relieving sore joints and muscles. The proper definition for the infrared experience is to refer to it as an “infrared therapy room.” The wet/dry sauna is a total body experience, providing joint and muscle relief as well as a host of other health benefits.
What are the operational costs?
The costs of operating a wet/dry sauna are minimal for a couple of reasons. First, the unit operates on efficient 220 volt electric and draws less than 30 amps of power. Second, unlike a spa or other household appliance, it only runs when you want to use it. You heat up the sauna no more than an hour or so before you want to use it and then shut it off when you’re finished, usually twenty to thirty minutes later. The costs of operation are negligible under normal use.
How difficult is assembly?
Because of the precision dado cuts and high-grade lumber, Almost Heaven Saunas are very easy to assemble and can typically be put together by two people in only a few hours. The saunas come partially assembled and the sections simply need to be fitted in place. The Barrel Sauna comes with a pre-assembled front and back and requires the staves to be placed around the ends and then tightened with the stainless bands. The Silo and Modern Saunas come with pre-assembled floors and ceilings as well as pre-made wall sections. These are fitted together and then held in place with the stainless bands on the top and bottom. Bench sections are precut and simply need to be installed after the room is assembled. Easy to follow instruction manuals can be viewed in the manuals section of our web site and are included with each sauna kit.
Can an Almost Heaven Sauna go outdoors?
Absolutely, and unlike most saunas, all Almost Heaven Saunas are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Red Cedar is naturally resistant to decay, and the ball and socket design of the staves makes for a robust seal and solid structure for outdoor use. We offer sauna roof kits for the Modern and Silo models which divert the rain and snow from the roof of the sauna, and our installation manual gives specific details on how to properly position and set the sauna in any setting.
What is included with an Almost Heaven Sauna?
Each Almost Heaven Sauna includes the sauna room, heater, stones, light, bucket, ladle, and thermometer/hydrometer. Optional items include back rest, leg rests, sauna roof kit, wood door, magazine rack, and windows for certain models. All of our options and accessories can be viewed on the Accessories page of our web site, and all are available for purchase at any time.
How is using a wood-burning heater different than using electric heat?
The overall sauna experience including heat time and temperature range are similar whether heating with electric or wood. The wood heater is generally favored by those who want to experience the ancient art of sauna and those who do not have easy access to 220v power. The wood heater will require that you vent the heater out the top or back of the sauna as well as provide applicable fire walls around the heater in accordance with your local building codes. Venting materials are not included with the heater, and installation should be done in compliance with the heater manufacturers’ instructions as well as applicable building codes.
What is the warranty on an Almost Heaven Sauna?
Each Almost Heaven Sauna room comes with a twenty-five year limited warranty against manufacturing defects on all components of the sauna room. We will replace any component of the sauna room that fails due to manufacturing defect at no charge to you in accordance with our Limited Warranty. Heaters carry warranties from their respective manufacturers.
Why is Red Cedar such a good wood for sauna construction?
Red Cedar is the preferred lumber for saunas for several reasons. First, it is one of the few woods naturally resistant to rot, decay and mildew, and as such can readily be used for indoor or outdoor construction. Also, because it is a very soft wood, Red Cedar allows your body to be in comfortable contact with the wood even though the air in the sauna room is very hot. Since Almost Heaven Saunas only selects high-grade, clear Red Cedar, you will not have knots in your sauna room. Some manufacturers use low-grade cedar or knotty pine, and these are not ideal sauna woods as the knots will get very hot to the touch during a sauna session. Also, knots will often “pop out” over time, leaving an unsightly hole in the wood where the knot used to be. Unlike some cedar wood, Western Canadian Red Cedar carries no harmful toxins or respiratory discomfort. Finally, nothing compares to the sweet, fresh scent of Western Canadian Red Cedar. By the way, all of our high-grade lumber comes from managed forests, so you can be sure that there is not a negative affect on the environment!
Can you build a custom sauna for me?
At Almost Heaven Saunas, we recognize that our standard sauna styles and sizes may not suit your particular needs. That is why we can custom-build a sauna to your particular needs. Using our standard ball and socket red cedar staves, we can build a variety of sauna sizes and shapes for specific applications. Custom saunas must be quoted on an individual basis, and added lead times and extra charges will apply.