Frequently asked questions

Preparations

Will the sauna arrive to my site completely ready-to-use?
Yes. The Hetki sauna is transported to your plot completely ready on a truck, from where it is lifted by a crane to your desired location. You just have to reserve a suitable flat and load-bearing place for the sauna, arrange to connect the sauna to the electricity network and finally put the sauna stones in the heater. In the case of a wood burning stove, the flue and pipe must be reassembled by a professional.

A sauna with a wood-burning stove comes to your yard completely ready, except that the stove’s flue and pipe have been dismantled during transport. The stove with its flue and pipe are installed in place at the factory, but they have been disassembled during transport so that their joints are not damaged during transport and possibly cause a fire hazard later. This is a much easier procedure than installing a new one, because all the roof penetrations are already made. The exact location of the stove is marked on the floor and the fire protections are already installed. After the flue and pipe are installed, you just add the stones to the stove and the wood to the hearth of the stove. The stove is preheated at the factory, so you can start enjoying your new wood burning stove right away.

Such a small building often does not require a building permission, but it depends on the municipality/city, so you should check with your local authorities.
A Hetki sauna needs a flat and solid surface. A sauna should be off the ground so the wooden parts do not come into contact with the moisture from the ground. There is no need for a separate foundation because the sauna is supported by its own fixed bases. In the case of a wood-burning stove, you need a professional to reassemble the flue and chimney. You will need an electrician on site to connect the sauna to the mains.

Customizability

Can I choose any heater for the sauna?

We have chosen several excellent Finnish electric heaters and wood burning stoves as alternatives. 

No, they do not. Hetki saunas are traditional Finnish saunas in which water can be thrown onto the hot stones in the heater. The steam is an integral part of the sauna experience and a health benefit of the sauna.

You can use the design tool on our website to explore the different options and then send us a request for a quote. Alternatively, you can contact one of our resellers directly. They will be happy to advise you so you can have a sauna that suits your needs and preferences perfectly.

Yes, in principle. Standard colours are included in the price for a standard product content. Other colours cost a little more. We will do our best to ensure that the colour of your sauna matches the colour of your house, for example, but please keep in mind that we cannot guarantee a perfect match for reasons such as that colours look different on different surfaces.
The dimensions of the building, the window and the door cannot be changed, but you are free to choose the colour, bench model and accessories for your sauna, and the number of options is large.
No, it is not. Hetki saunas are always delivered turnkey. This way we can guarantee you the best sauna experience. You will also save yourself the hassle and problems of DYI kits.

Properties

How many bathers does a Hetki sauna seat?
A Hetki sauna can seat up to 4-6 people at a time. The benches are 60 cm wide, so you can also comfortably lie down.
The Hetki sauna’s heating time is about 45-60 minutes, depending on the temperature you want, the heater model you choose and the outside temperature.
Yes, they are. Stove stones are included in the price but are not placed in the stove, so as to prevent their weight damaging the stove during transport.
Yes, some resin may run, and it is also possible that the wooden surfaces show slight discolouration over time as it is a natural material.

Yes, it has. In a sauna, the heat rises from the bottom up. This is why the ceiling of Hetki saunas is suitably low, which speeds up heating and saves energy. The ceiling also has moisture-proof 50 mm thermal insulation that prevents heat loss. The thick log walls insulate heat and do not need separate thermal insulation. The windows are double-glazed and there is an insulating air space between the surfaces. Wood panel and glass panel doors are also insulated.

Breathability is often, mistakenly, thought to be the wall’s ability to transfer moisture from indoors out and vice versa. What is important, however, is the structure’s ability to balance humidity. The rising humidity in the sauna must get inside the logs and come back out to humidify the air. The logs, thus, even out the variation in humidity and prevent moisture from staying in the structure.
The heat rises up and the temperature is higher nearer the ceiling, while it is cooler at floor level. With benches at different levels, you can choose a temperature that is comfortable for you.
The frame is made of sturdy, 88-mm thick laminated logs. Wood is a natural material and therefore shrinks and swells a little bit. Thus the log frame of your Hetki sauna can settle a little, but this is normal. The settling of the log frame is so slight, that it does not affect the usability of the sauna.

Hetki saunas are hand-made by people whose skills are based on ancient Finnish sauna building methods. The materials and accessories have passed strict screening and quality control processes. Hetki saunas are designed and built to last for decades.

A Hetki sauna requires relatively little maintenance. Regular care and cleaning will keep your sauna beautiful and fresh and help it stay in good condition. Ventilate the sauna after use to remove any moisture. Thoroughly clean the surfaces once or twice a year, depending on how often you use your sauna. Instructions for use and maintenance are delivered with the sauna, and you can also find them here.
Safety has been taken into account in the design and all stages of manufacture of the sauna. The log structure of the sauna is firesafe, for example. The glue used in the laminated timber does not contain any solvents and has been proven not to release any harmful emissions to the indoor air. The same applies to all wooden surface treatments, which are all specifically made for saunas.

Delivery, price, warranty

How long is the delivery time for the Hetki sauna?
A typical delivery time is two to three months. Your sauna will be hand-built on the basis of your order, exactly to your specifications.
The total price (excluding tax) of a Hetki sauna, hand-made according to your wishes, when delivered turnkey to Ontario ranges from approximately C$32,000-C$52,000. The total price is affected by the features you choose for the sauna, your own location, as well as local taxes, transport and installation costs. You can get a detailed offer by planning your sauna here and sending us your wishes.

Hetki saunas are designed and built to last for decades. You can read more about our warranty terms here.

Sauna bathing in general

What is a sauna?
The basic idea of the sauna has remained the same for centuries. A sauna is usually a room or building made of timber that is heated to the bathers’ preferred temperature using a wood-fired or electric stove. A sauna is primarily intended for relaxation. The word ‘sauna’ is the most widely used Finnish loanword in languages around the world.
The ideal temperature and humidity are matters of taste. Most people prefer to bathe in a sauna that is 60–90oC. Choose the temperature you find most comfortable. You can find the temperature and humidity you like by adjusting the temperature and throwing water onto the stove.
You can have a sauna as often as you like and that it feels good to do so. Finnish people usually have a sauna 1–3 times a week, but some have one every day.
You can enjoy the steam for as long as it feels comfortable. Normally people stay in the sauna for 5–20 minutes at a time, then they go out to cool down and return to enjoy the warmth of the sauna.
There are no absolute rules for sauna bathing. Just sit back and relax and enjoy the feeling of wellbeing that the sauna provides. If the sauna does not feel comfortable, it is not the right way to be in the sauna.
Bathing in a sauna speeds up the blood flow and heart rate, so people with heart conditions should observe their bodies while in the sauna and consult a doctor if necessary. The sauna is not recommended for people who have a temperature.