Los Angeles Custom Saunas

Purchasing a sauna is not just about choosing the room structure and design; it also involves considering room construction, insulation, heat distribution, wood types, and more.

More Popular Than Ever

Saunas have been a popular wellness feature for centuries, but their popularity has surged in recent years. More individuals are recognizing the health benefits of regular use, leading to increased installations in homes, gyms, hotels, and wellness centers. With advancements in technology, homeowners now have a variety of options, including traditional dry heaters, wet steam rooms, and infrared solutions. As the demand for saunas continues to grow, investing in a high-quality solution has become a sought-after wellness upgrade.

Building One at Home

A home sauna can be customized to fit the available space and the client’s specific needs. Ordering a design from our company guarantees high-quality facilities, excellent supply and repair services, and a full 5-year warranty. Whether for private homes or public wellness centers, choosing us ensures you receive both practicality and luxury in your spa experience.

The Benefits

It promotes detoxification by encouraging the body to sweat out impurities while providing stress relief and deep relaxation to help you unwind. Regular sessions can strengthen the immune system, supporting overall health, and assist with weight loss by boosting metabolism. Additionally, saunas reduce pressure on joints and muscles, offering relief from soreness and tension. Beyond the physical benefits, saunas create a perfect environment for personal leisure or quality time with a partner, enhancing both wellness and connection in a calming space.

Top Brands

We work with the top brands in the industry, ensuring premium quality and innovative design. By using the finest raw materials and maintaining strict quality standards, we deliver perfect products. Additionally, we offer a selection of accessories, heaters, and steam generators from leading manufacturers to complement custom-built saunas.

Choosing the Right Location

A sauna should be installed in an enclosed room. It can also be placed outdoors (like a garden jacuzzi), but the structure differs—outdoor designs are made of log-style wood panels, similar to wooden cabins. The room should be well-ventilated and protected from direct sunlight, rain, or extreme weather.

Preparations for Installation

Installing a sauna requires expertise. Key requirements include: A leveled and protected space (indoor or outdoor, with appropriate weatherproofing for outdoor setups).A three-phase electrical connection (3x20A) with a direct supply from the electrical panel, including a circuit breaker and water-resistant switch near the sauna and more.

Types of Wood

The type of wood used in a sauna is crucial, affecting aesthetics, durability, and resistance to heat and moisture.

- Finnish Pine

Commonly used for exterior walls of the sauna. If used inside, it's recommended to use knot-free white Finnish pine. Pros: Affordable, moderately durable, authentic appearance. Cons: Absorbs heat, prone to warping in humidity, shorter lifespan.

- Abachi (Obeche) Wood

A popular choice for benches, frames, and doors due to its low heat absorption and resistance to warping. Pros: Stays cool to the touch, does not absorb moisture, smooth texture with no knots. Cons: Susceptible to wood-boring insects if not used frequently; more expensive than Finnish pine.

- Cedar (Western Red Cedar)

High-quality and widely used in North American. Pros: Durable, maintains structural integrity. Cons: Large knots, visually less refined, absorbs heat.

- Hemlock

The highest-quality wood for saunas—smooth, knot-free, and resistant to heat and moisture. Pros: Extremely durable, does not absorb heat, remains structurally stable, insect-resistant. Cons: Expensive.

Custom vs. Standard-Size

A custom sauna is ideal for maximizing your specific space. The price is generally based on size and complexity, and the cost difference between custom and standard saunas is usually small. Therefore, it's recommended to choose a design that perfectly fits your space.

Electricity Consumption

Electricity consumption for saunas varies depending on their size, type, and frequency of use. For example, a standard 2m x 2m x 2m (8 cubic meters) sauna typically requires a 9 kW heater connected to a three-phase power supply (3x20A). Usage time also impacts energy consumption, making it essential to calculate operating costs based on daily or weekly use. Proper insulation and maintenance can reduce energy waste, ensuring efficient performance while lowering expenses. With the right setup, saunas provide a relaxing experience without compromising on energy efficiency. Always consult professionals for accurate power requirements and installation guidance.

Dry vs. Wet vs. Infrared Heaters

Choosing the right heating method for your space depends on your preferences and wellness goals. Each type offers unique benefits, ranging from traditional dry heat and soothing steam to the modern efficiency of infrared technology. Here's an overview of dry, wet, and infrared heaters to help you decide which suits your needs best.

Dry Heater:

Typically constructed with wooden elements, these heaters use hot stones to produce intense heat with 0% humidity. Ideal for detoxification, boosting circulation, and burning calories, dry saunas are a popular choice for wellness seekers.

Wet Heater (Steam Room):

Crafted from durable materials like ceramic, marble, or mosaic tiles, wet heaters use steam generators to fill the space with hot, humid mist, creating 100% humidity. Often likened to Turkish hammams, they provide a soothing, spa-like experience that hydrates the skin and relaxes the mind.

Infrared Heater:

Infrared heaters directly warm the body rather than the surrounding air, offering a gentler heat at lower temperatures. They provide deep tissue heating, making them energy-efficient and especially effective for muscle recovery, relaxation, and circulation improvement.

Globally, Finnish saunas remain the most common type, celebrated for their high temperatures and low humidity, delivering a classic sauna experience rooted in tradition.

Where To Place It?

The placement depends on your preference, but the sauna must be designed to withstand the environment:

Outdoor:

An outdoor option offers a natural, serene environment and is ideal for gardens or backyards. It requires weatherproofing with durable materials, such as log-style wood panels and a pitched roof with shingles, to withstand sun, rain, and extreme weather conditions. Proper placement ensures long-lasting functionality and an immersive relaxation experience.

Indoor:

Indoor options are versatile and can be installed in various spaces like a spare room, home gym, or relaxation area. They don’t need weatherproofing and can be customized to blend seamlessly with your interior decor. Ensure proper ventilation and access to a suitable electrical connection for safe and efficient operation.

Basement:

The basement is perfect for homeowners looking to maximize unused space. This location offers privacy and a controlled environment, eliminating the need for weatherproofing. A well-prepared area with proper insulation, ventilation, and electrical access ensures an effective and safe setup in your basement.

Bathroom:

The bathroom is ideal for convenience, as it pairs naturally with water-based relaxation amenities. A compact design fits well in smaller spaces, but it’s crucial to ensure the area is properly ventilated to handle additional heat and humidity without compromising the rest of the bathroom.

No matter where you choose to place your sauna, thoughtful planning and professional installation ensure it enhances your space while offering long-term benefits.

Recommended Time in the Sauna

The recommended time in a sauna depends on individual tolerance and experience. For beginners, starting with 5–10 minutes per session is ideal, gradually increasing to 15–20 minutes as comfort builds. Experienced users may enjoy sessions up to 30 minutes, but it’s essential to prioritize safety by staying hydrated and taking breaks as needed. Listening to your body is key to ensuring a relaxing and beneficial sauna experience. Always consult a professional if you have specific health concerns.

Painting Your Sauna

Painting a sauna requires careful consideration to ensure safety and functionality. The interior of a sauna should never be painted, as the high heat can release harmful toxins from the paint and compromise air quality. Exterior painting is generally not recommended, as fluctuating temperatures may cause the paint to emit fumes or deteriorate over time. Instead, focus on using natural, untreated wood for the interior and durable finishes for the exterior that can withstand the unique environment of a sauna. Always consult with a professional for advice on maintaining your sauna's quality and appearance.

Sauna Door Options

The most common option is tempered, transparent safety glass, which allows light into the sauna while withstanding high temperatures. These doors are durable, heat-resistant, and visually appealing, enhancing the sauna's aesthetic. For safety, the door must open outward to prevent users from being trapped inside due to heat exhaustion. Additionally, some designs incorporate wooden frames for a classic look or modern frameless glass for a sleek, contemporary style. Choosing the right sauna door ensures both practicality and elegance in your space.

How To Chose Your Sauna

Need help selecting the ideal sauna for your space? At L.A Custom Saunas, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. From choosing the perfect design and materials to ensuring proper installation, our team provides expert advice tailored to your needs. Whether you’re seeking a sleek, modern retreat or a cozy, traditional setup, we collaborate with you to create a solution that enhances your lifestyle and elevates your home’s value. Let us help turn your vision into a reality with a custom sauna that prioritizes both luxury and wellness.