Saunas
With long, cold Saskatchewan winters, there’s no better time to enjoy the many perks of a sauna. Beyond the instant warmth, saunas offer real health benefits and a great place to connect with others during our hibernation season. Even on rest days, a sauna session can raise your heart rate and help you break a sweat.
Sauna Design
At J-Man Carpentry, we build saunas that support relaxation, recovery, and everyday well-being. We offer thoughtfully crafted saunas, each designed to create a space where you can unwind, warm up, and recharge.
1) Barrel Sauna
This classic rounded design creates a naturally calming atmosphere. You can choose from different lengths, diameters, and overhangs, but the barrel shape remains the same. Built from cedar or other outdoor friendly woods, the curved staves lock together without the need for added insulation. The result is a simple, authentic sauna experience.
2) “Shed” Style Sauna
For a more personalized wellness space, the shed-style sauna offers endless possibilities. While it often resembles a small retreat or outbuilding, it can be shaped and laid out to match your ideal ritual—from quiet solo sessions to social gatherings. This style can be fully insulated for better heat retention; making it a cozy, restorative space even on the coldest winter days.
3) Indoor Sauna
If you have the space in your home to build, it’s possible! With proper venting and insulation, you don’t even need to step outside on those extra cold days.
Sauna Heat
Choosing the right heat source is one of the most important decisions in creating a comfortable, enjoyable sauna experience. While some sauna enthusiasts swear by wood heat, electric heaters offer convenience and practicality and both can deliver excellent results when paired with proper sauna stones designed to hold and radiate heat.
Wood-Burning Heater
A wood-fired sauna has an unmistakable charm: the warm glow, the gentle crackle, and the deep, radiant heat that many consider the gold standard. These stoves must be designed specifically for saunas to safely hold rocks, though we’ve also seen some effective homemade versions. A wood-burning heater creates a beautiful atmosphere, but it does come with considerations: adequate clearances from buildings and trees, and of course, the ongoing work of chopping and storing wood. For some, that extra effort feels grounding and rewarding; for others, it’s not the most practical fit for busy schedules or city living.
Electric Heater
Electric heaters offer a clean, simple, and reliable option. They’re typically more compact and extremely easy to use. There are even options to include app-based controls so your sauna is warm and ready when you are. While you won’t get the crackling fire or campfire aroma, the convenience often outweighs the trade off. With smaller clearance requirements and enhanced safety, electric heaters work well in tighter yard spaces and can even be installed indoors with proper venting.
Löyly (Steam)
Regardless of the heater you choose, we think pouring a small amount of water over the rocks is essential. This creates löyly, the invigorating burst of steam that elevates the heat and enhances the overall sauna experience. It’s the key to achieving that full-body warmth and therapeutic feel.
Other Questions to Consider
As you start planning your sauna, a few personal preferences can help guide the overall design:
How many people will be using your sauna regularly?
This will determine the ideal size, bench layout, and heater capacity.What kind of seating arrangement do you prefer? Do you enjoy sitting higher for more intense heat?
Straight benches, L-shaped benches, or a mix of upper and lower seating can all change the experience. Upper benches are only possible in the “shed” style sauna, and they offer a noticeably hotter experience.Do you want the exterior to match your home or feature a specific siding style?
Your sauna can blend in seamlessly or stand out as its own retreat.Would you like a change room or an attached shower space (indoor or outdoor)?
These additions make your sauna routine more comfortable year-round.
Where on your property will the sauna sit?
Consider privacy, wind exposure, snow drifts, proximity to your home, and required clearances for wood-burning heaters.Do you plan to use your sauna year-round or primarily in winter?
This can influence insulation, entry layout, and material choices.What type of door do you prefer?
Glass doors add light and openness, while solid doors keep things warmer and more private.Do you want any windows for natural light?
Windows create an airy, relaxing feel but slightly reduce heat retention.How important is storage?
Hooks, shelves, towel areas, or a small bench outside the sauna can make routines smoother.Do you want built-in lighting or mood lighting?
Soft LED strips, backlit headrests, or simple overhead lights each create a different atmosphere. Himalayan salt block tiles can be added for an increased wellness benefit and cozy glow when backlit.Do you want sound or aromatherapy options?
Speakers, essential oil diffusers, or simple ventilation choices can enhance the wellness experience.Will you need electricity beyond the heater?
This matters for lighting, outlets, or future upgrades.Do you prefer a fast heat-up time or a slower, more traditional warm-up?
This can affect the heater size and style you choose.