Finnish saunas

The stone heater is what defines a Finnish sauna

Everything else can resemble another kind of cabin: the stone heater cannot. It is the element that takes the air up to 90 degrees at low humidity and makes possible the central act of the ritual, pouring water onto the hot stones. The 7 Finnish saunas in the range run from € 2.973 to € 7.186, with footprints from 150 × 100 to 200 × 200 cm.

Löyly, and why it cannot be imitated

The steam rising from the wetted stones is called löyly. It raises humidity for a few minutes and makes the heat feel far more intense without the air temperature actually changing. It is the one thing an infrared cabin cannot reproduce, for a physical reason: there is no thermal mass there to wet. Lava stones store the heat from the element and release it, and through repeated cycles they crack: they should be checked once a year and replaced when they crumble. It is the only routine maintenance required.

Sizes, and the height that blocks installations

The range starts with the Finnish sauna BL-181 at 150 × 100 cm for 2 seats, passes through the most requested band at 150 × 150 cm for three, and reaches the four square metres of the Finnish sauna BL-148 for 5. Height across the range is around 200 cm, and it is the first figure to check: in a loft or basement, measure the usable height before ordering, allowing for the screed. To the cabin dimensions add room for the door and the safety clearance from the heater, given in the technical sheet.

Installation and power supply

The cabin arrives as a kit of pre-assembled panels and slots together on the existing floor: no building work, no base. You need a level dry surface, ventilation in the room and a dedicated electrical circuit for the heater, sized to the model's output. On four-seat sizes upwards ventilation becomes important: an air inlet low down near the heater and an outlet high on the opposite side, following the assembly manual. We also build bespoke Finnish saunas where the space matches no standard size.

Frequently asked questions about Finnish saunas

What temperature does it reach? Up to 90 degrees at low humidity, typically under 20%. Temperature is set from the control panel.

How long does it take to heat up? More than forty minutes, and from a cold room up to an hour, depending on heater output and cabin volume.

How often do the stones need replacing? An annual check, replacement when they appear cracked or crumbling. With heavy use it may be needed sooner.

Is a dedicated circuit needed? For a Finnish heater, generally yes. Exact output is in the technical sheet; the connection should be made by a qualified electrician, who issues the certificate of conformity.

How much does a Finnish sauna cost? From € 2.973 to € 7.186 depending on size and finishes. Bespoke builds are quoted against the project.