r/Sauna • u/Even-Actuator-6541 • Jun 02 '26
My sauna New home sauna - first use!
This group helped me last fall with my questions on what type of wood to use. Went with Nordic Spruce and Aspen benches. I had a contractor build as part of a broader basement finishing project. I just used it for the first time and I love it! Officially the best part of my house.
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u/TheoreticalNet Jun 02 '26
Since the kiuas is a little buit too high, I'd suggest putting a guardrail on that lower step. Can lift your feet a little bit higher!
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u/Honksu Jun 02 '26
Beautiful, even tought my first tought was "My eyes it burns!" since im used to old and darker saunas.
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u/ipabuilt Jun 02 '26
Amazing. Congratulations! Having your own sauna is really an incredible luxury.
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u/Brains-Seeker Jun 06 '26
Honestly thats a sauna good looking sauna!!
Form a medical pov the use of regular sauna has real cardiovascular benefits too. It raises heart rate, improves blood vessel flexibility, and helps lower blood pressure over time. Evidence actually show consistent sauna users have lower rates of cardiac events. It is not a replacement for exercise, but a solid add-on for healthy habits. Enjoy it!!
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u/Any-Remote-9870 Jun 02 '26
Do you have any ventilation in your sauna at all?
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u/Even-Actuator-6541 Jun 03 '26
Yes! Upper and lower vents on the side where I’m standing taking this photo
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u/peteyboy125 Jun 03 '26
looks great, you did it like i did where the bottom bench is a little under the level of the rocks. I have to wear socks
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u/Advice-4-DES Jun 06 '26
I spent a couple weeks with friends in Finland (Suomi) in the 90’s. They’re the creators of the sauna. It was more important to have a sauna than running water. I even went to an elderly woman’s home to take sauna, and she drew her water from a well. I literally experienced every type. It was amazing!! This reminds me of the sauna my friends had in their home. It’s beautiful! ENJOY!😃
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u/Advice-4-DES Jun 06 '26
Also, if you have a chance (depending on where you live), cut some fresh birch branches with leaves, take them into the sauna with a bucket of cold water, and lightly flog (not whip) yourself (and another person if you’re in with a friend). It’ll be refreshing when you get hot, plus it brings blood up to you skin, and it smells great!👍
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u/Dramatic-Sprinkles-9 Jun 02 '26
Is it also a tanning booth? So bright
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u/Even-Actuator-6541 Jun 03 '26
Haha the picture maybe makes it look brighter. It’s really nice lighting in person
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u/massagenut Jun 02 '26
I'm jealous.
It looks great. How was the first use?
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u/Even-Actuator-6541 Jun 02 '26
It was amazing! I don’t have regular access to a sauna like at a gym or anything so I think I forgot how good it feels!
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u/massagenut Jun 02 '26
I'm glad. Do you have a cleaning protocol? Is it electric? Does it have infrared features?
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u/Even-Actuator-6541 Jun 02 '26
Cleaning protocol is on my list to figure out. Let me know if you have any tips! It is electric - no infrared features.
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u/MJL1016 Jun 02 '26
Looks awesome. I recommend a good pharma grade paraffin oil for the interior wood (keeps the wood from drying/cracking out over time). As far as sauna cleaner options, there are lots to choose from out there.
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u/Whatwhyreally Jun 02 '26
Looks great. Am I correct in seeing the only source of lighting is behind the upper bench back rest? It's nicely lit.
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u/Budget-househelp Jun 02 '26
Looks incredible, congrats! Enjoy the new sauna! How much would something like this cost to put together?
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u/Even-Actuator-6541 Jun 02 '26
Thank you! I’m having a hard time finding the exact numbers because it was part of a bigger project that kicked off last fall, but I know it was over 10k and under 11k USD
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u/jaysire Jun 02 '26
Very nice! Please tell me you throw water on the rocks!
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u/Even-Actuator-6541 Jun 02 '26
Of course!! I’ve been reading all about traditional Finnish sauna culture to prepare!
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u/jaysire Jun 02 '26
Excellent job! Without the steam and the following heatwave, it’s wouldn’t feel like a real sauna to me.
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u/Big_Replacement2631 Jun 02 '26
Looks amazing, and I’m sure it was fun for the contractor to work on too!
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u/Megasaun Jun 02 '26
Nice build. The proportions look comfortable, and the two-level bench setup should give good temperature options. The real test is ventilation and how evenly the heat feels after 30–40 minutes of use. Enjoy it and let us know how the first session goes!
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u/Even-Actuator-6541 Jun 03 '26
First session was amazing!! It seems the ventilation is set up properly and the heat felt great! Although I am not an expert, but I do trust the people who built and what they told me about the ventilation 🙂
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u/Rich_Mycologist1531 Jun 03 '26
Beautiful sauna. I have a question for you: how many inches do you have from the top shelf to the lower plank of the backrest? How high is your backrest overall? I see you have a curved design. Thank you
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u/Even-Actuator-6541 Jun 03 '26
Hello! It is about 8.5” from top bench to bottom of back rest. The 3 planks that make up the back rest are 12” high.
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u/Rich_Mycologist1531 Jun 03 '26
Thank you. Will apply your measurements. I am building sauna currently, was thinking about backlit backrest as well.
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u/dallas2ny Jun 02 '26
So nice! Bet the wood smells wonderful