SAUNA KITS and SAUNA ASSEMBLY

There are two kinds of sauna kits, Sauna kit assembly both of which can be purchased online using the internet by going to the manufacturers' or suppliers' websites.

These sauna kits can be classified as sauna material kits, commonly called sauna kits, and pre-fab saunas (or pre-fabricated sauna kits), which are also often referred to as pre-fab saunas.

In buying a home sauna kit it is important that you understand and appreciate the difference between these two systems. In particular, the different levels of skill and assembly times required for each kit, along with what is and what is not included within them.

Be aware that - It may not always be obvious which type of sauna system a manufacturer is selling, so it will often be necessary to scan the sauna's specification to determine whether the kit is a pre-fab, or material only kit.

Material sauna kits

Most indoor sauna kits are of the "sauna material kit" variety and they are manufactured and sold by a number of different companies all over the world. Most of these kits are sold online and delivered to the householder whose job it is to assemble the sauna, or employ someone else to do so. The kit will arrive boxed and in pieces as a series of parts with an instruction manual.

Outdoor saunas may use a sauna material kit within a separate cabin, or a pre-fab sauna kit that includes the cabin structure as well.

The sauna kit itself comprises of all aspects of the sauna's internal skin, furniture and finishes. Typically, this includes such items as the sauna lining (usually cedar), the benches (normally on two levels), the vapour barrier, the door, and all of mouldings and internal finishes. The kit will also include the heater and any other components connected with it, e.g. a heater guard.

A sauna (material) kit does not include any components of the sauna's external structure, i.e. the walls, the roof, or the insulation etc.

In simple terms, a sauna material kit provides an internal sauna environment and a heater that can be fitted into an existing room or space or, alternatively, assembled into a purpose built external sauna cabin.

Sauna material kit - What you will be expected to do

All the necessary parts of the sauna will be supplied inclusive of the kit however, it will be necessary to customise these factory components to the specific dimensions of the sauna enclosure.

This means that you will normally order a sauna kit that is the next size immediately above the length, width and height dimensions of your sauna room (or cabin). You will then be required to -

Cut and trim all the lining boards and fix them to the walls and ceiling. Normally galvanized nails (supplied with the kit) are used for this purpose.

Fit any mouldings and finishes.

Assemble, position and fit the benches.

Locate and fit the heater. This may include establishing a power connection or source (which may be electricity, gas, oil or propane) and this may require the services of a contractor or tradesman.

Hang the door.

Most sauna kits of the "material" variety take two to three days to assemble and require both reasonable DIY skills and some pre-installation preparation, i.e. a prepared space in which to fit the kit. A good tool kit will also prove useful.

The sauna kit is assembled in situ (i.e. its finished location) and sits on the existing (or pre-prepared) floor finish of the room or cabin. This may be tiles, timber, vinyl cement (concrete) or another hard wearing and durable material. (The "floor" link above will tell you more.)

Pre-fab sauna kits

Pre-fab sauna kits are, as their name suggest, kits that arrive with most of the fabrication completed.

These kits are designed for quick assembly by someone with very little DIY skill and there is no need for any specialist tool kits or levels of skill.

Most pre-fab sauna kits see the walls and ceiling as complete stand-alone units that are structurally intact and self supporting. This means that the sauna can be assembled quickly and easily and often within two to four hours. The heater will be included within the kit.

Because pre-fab sauna kits firstly, have most of the work already completed and secondly, include the structure and the internal surfaces of the sauna, they are considerably more expensive than their "material kit" counterparts.

Pre-fab sauna kits also have one major advantage over material kits in that they can be easily dismantled and then re-assembled in a different location.

Which sauna kit system is the best is largely down to personal preference as both have different appeals to different budgets, different levels of DIY skill, and the space in which the sauna will ultimately be fitted.