Why We Don’t Like Cheap Saunas

So you're thinking about adding a sauna to your home. You've heard about the amazing health benefits and relaxation a sauna can provide. But as you start researching your options, you see some surprisingly cheap sauna kits available. Don't be tempted by the low price tag! There are several crucial reasons why you shouldn't go with a bargain-priced sauna.

Problems with Cheap Saunas

The main issues with cheap saunas come down to poor design and low quality materials. Many inexpensive saunas, like barrel saunas and cheap infrared saunas, suffer from uneven heat distribution. You end up with hot and cold spots, an uncomfortable experience, and less effective sauna bathing.

Another key problem is lack of proper ventilation. Good air flow is essential for creating the right sauna atmosphere and avoiding stale, stuffy air. But many low-end saunas have inadequate or nonexistent ventilation systems. Without fresh air circulating, you won't get an authentic or pleasant sauna experience.

Cheap saunas also tend to use inferior, lower-grade materials. The wood may be rough, knotty, and prone to cracking or warping over time. Cheap saunas often have exposed nails or staples and flimsy benches that aren't comfortable or durable. Worse, they may contain glues, sealants or veneers that off-gas toxic chemicals when heated.

Perhaps most importantly, cheaply made saunas simply can't provide the full health benefits of sauna bathing. With uneven heat, poor ventilation, and low-grade materials, you'll get only a fraction of the therapeutic effects and may even risk your health with toxic fumes or fire hazards. It's just not worth it.

What to Look For in a Quality Sauna

So what should you look for in a well-designed, high-quality sauna instead? First, even heat distribution is key. A good sauna should envelop you in steady, all-encompassing heat without any significant hot or cold zones. This often requires a professionally designed layout with a heat source sized properly for the space.

Proper ventilation is another must-have. Look for a sauna with vents to bring in fresh air and release stale air. A good ventilation system will keep the air feeling clean and light, not stifling and thick. An adjustable fresh air vent gives you more control.

When it comes to materials, choose a sauna made with high-grade, non-toxic wood, ideally a locally-sourced rot-resistant species like western red cedar. Avoid materials that may contain glues, adhesives, or chemical sealants. The sauna should have tightly fitted joints, a finely finished interior, and sturdy, comfortable benches.

Finally, stick with sauna designs that have been proven over centuries to deliver health benefits - like traditional Finnish saunas. Far-infrared or other "infrared" saunas just don't heat the body as effectively or provide the same therapeutic effects as saunas using steam or hot air.

The Benefits of Investing in a Quality Sauna

It's true that a high-quality, custom-built sauna is an investment. But it's one that will pay off for years to come. With durable materials and construction, a well-made sauna can last for decades with minimal maintenance. More importantly, it will provide greater health benefits and a much more enjoyable sauna experience.

A quality sauna can offer significant therapeutic effects like reduced inflammation, improved cardiovascular health, relief from arthritis and chronic pain, and better sleep. It can soothe sore muscles after workouts and provide a relaxing refuge from stress and anxiety. The value of those health benefits alone makes a good sauna worth the cost.

Don't settle for a cheaply made sauna that will underdeliver on the sauna experience and potentially jeopardize your health. Instead, invest in a quality sauna with even heat, proper ventilation, premium materials, and thoughtful design. With a well-built traditional sauna, you can enjoy a relaxing escape and reap the full health benefits of authentic sauna bathing for many years to come. Your body will thank you!