Will the Heartwood Saunas team be on hand to help with delivery and installation? ⌄

Yes, absolutely. From the initial site visit, to the planning and design stages, to the delivery and installation, we work closely with you at each step of the process so that we can ensure everything is done correctly.

What groundworks are needed for the sauna installation? ⌄

The foundation specification depends on the size of the sauna and the ground conditions on-site.

We send through a detailed ground preparation and services plan outlining the foundation specification and any services needed (electric feed etc.) in good time for delivery for your local contractor to follow step-by-step when carrying out any site preparation.

Each sauna is built with a galvanised steel base. For the majority of installations we would specify either a reinforced concrete base, alternatively pillar foundations in each corner for extra support. The sauna is also raised up by 50-60mm to allow air to ventilate underneath.

How is the sauna delivered? ⌄

In most cases we construct the entire sauna in our workshop in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, Wales, then secure it onto a flatbed trailer or lorry and deliver it to you fully-built. Once we arrive on site, the sauna is lifted into position using a large telehandler, HIAB or crane. If your chosen site isn’t accessible to deliver a fully-built sauna, in some cases we can set up a mobile workshop build the sauna in-situ.

What access is needed to install the sauna? ⌄

It's helpful if there is vehicle access close-by your chosen sauna location but it’s not essential. The sauna is usually delivered on a flatbed trailer or lorry and then lifted into position using a large telehandler, HIAB or crane. The sauna can be lifted over fences, walls, outbuildings and even houses with the right lifting equipment. We always advise sending through some details, photos or videos of the site access and sauna location before ordering so we can suggest the best methods for installation and inform you if there may be any extra costs involved.

I have no vehicle access near the sauna location, can I still get a Heartwood Sauna? ⌄

Yes, if it isn’t possible to lift the sauna into the desired location fully built, we do offer an on-site build service. This normally involves us setting up a mobile workshop on-site to build the entire sauna from scratch. This option can add to the costs quite significantly, so we would suggest getting in touch with our team to finalise a detailed quotation.

Do Heartwood Saunas ship overseas? ⌄

Yes, we can usually ship our saunas to overseas locations. We have experience delivering saunas to Portugal, Switzerland, Italy and the US.

Our saunas are usually built in a modular form at our workshop in Wales, UK. They are transported fully built, then lifted into position using a crane or similar - hired locally to you, to keep costs to a minimum. As our saunas are transported fully built, they don't fit inside a standard shipping container, and have to be transported in an open crate. Please note this method of shipping can work out quite costly compared to a standard shipping container. Our team can travel to the location to help with installation and ensure your sauna is set up correctly.

What’s the difference between wood-fired and electric-heated sauna heat up times? ⌄

Specific heat-up times depend on the size of the sauna, but electric heated saunas do generally heat quicker as wood fires take a bit of time to build up. For example, heated by an electric stove, one of our Arbor V saunas would take about 45-55 minutes to reach 80°C on a cold winter’s day. The wood-fired stove equivalent would take about 60-70 minutes to reach the same temperature.

What are the running costs for wood-fired and electric stoves? ⌄

Our saunas are very well insulated to minimise the heat-up times and running costs. Running costs for electric and wood-fired stove saunas depend on the size of the sauna as well as the type of stove. To work out the cost of running an electric sauna, the unit costs for electricity multipied by the kW output of the stove would give an idea of the cost per kW hour. It's worth noting however, that once up to temperature, running costs are much lower as it runs on a thermostat and only needs maintain a temperature. The running costs of a wood-fired stove will depend on the price you pay for firewood. For example, to run a wood-fired Arbor V sauna at 80°C for 12 hours straight, it would take up to 3 apple crates of dry, seasoned firewood.

Can I alter the size or design of a set model sauna, and what are the limitations? ⌄

Yes, absolutely. As we make each sauna from scratch, we can alter anything, be it the size or shape of the sauna, a glazing feature or the materials used. There are no limitations, and we can work together to devise a practical sauna that reflects your vision.

Can I work with Heartwood Saunas to design a sauna from scratch, or do I need to base it on one of the existing models? ⌄

Yes, we can design a sauna together from scratch. Our bespoke service gives you the freedom to create your ideal sauna while offering guidance and inspiration from our expert team.

How long should I expect my Heartwood Sauna to last? ⌄

The materials we select to build our saunas are extremely durable and rot-resistant. Aside from the materials used, longevity will depend on the sauna's location, maintenence and useage, but we expect all our saunas to last well in excess of fifteen years. Our first saunas were built over ten years ago, and are still going strong.

Do you offer any warranty for a Heartwood sauna? ⌄

We pass on the manufacturer’s 2 year warranty for every wood-burning stove, 4 year warranty for every electric stove, and 2 year warranty for UKU sauna control systems. We offer a manufacturer's warranty of 1 year on all electrical fittings and fixtures.

Why are Heartwood Saunas more expensive than kit or barrel saunas? ⌄

Our saunas are handbuilt with the highest quality materials by skilled local craftspeople. They are also carefully engineered to work efficiently in a variety of climates, whereas barrel saunas can struggle in areas that experience less snowfall (snow is highly insulating). Our saunas feature specially designed robust glazing elements which offer a view into nature that barrel and kit saunas cannot, and each detail of the design is carefully considered to ensure an exceptional sauna experience.

You can read more about the differences between Heartwood Saunas and barrel or kit saunas here.

Is all the timber you use sustainably sourced? ⌄

All the timber we use is FSC certified. The majority of the timber we use is grown in our local area in West Wales, including the 700 acre organic and sustainably managed forest that surrounds our workshop. You can read more about the trees we use here.

I live on the coast, will a Heartwood sauna hold up to extremely high winds and corrosive salty air? ⌄

Yes, our saunas are built to withstand the harshest environments. Every sauna is built around a rigid galvanised steel base, thoroughly insulated and made using stainless steel fixings and fixtures to prevent corrosion.

What is the payment plan once I place an order? ⌄

When you order, we ask for a 10% payment of our estimate to book the build of your sauna into our workshop schedule and to cover any design work we undertake before building; then, 6-8 weeks prior to starting the build, we will finalise your order, making sure every detail is designed as you'd like it, and ask for a further 50% payment. The remainder of the build costs we ask for on completion of the build once our team are happy everything is complete. Delivery and installation costs are due after the sauna is installed. For more information about payment, get in touch or check out our terms and conditions.

How long is the lead time for delivery? ⌄

Our lead time changes all the time depending on our schedule. Please get in touch to check how soon your sauna could be made and delivered.

How do I clean my Heartwood Sauna? ⌄

The benches, floor and backrests of the sauna are all oiled with osmo oil wood wax which makes them easy to clean, and helps them to stay clean for longer. From time to time, we recommend using a mild hand soap diluted in a bucket of warm water to sponge down the back rests, benches, floor and door handles, working from top to bottom. The glass can also be cleaned with warm soapy water, then use a squeegee or newspaper to dry. There is no need to rinse after cleaning, and the sauna will naturally drain and dry out due to the one-way ventilation system. We strongly advise against using stronger soaps or harsh chemicals that could be inhaled when the sauna is next heated.

Do I need to treat the wood? ⌄

The external timber on our saunas is coated in an osmo oil which acts as a breathable weather and UV protector. If you wish to maintain the warm natural colour of the external cladding and/or roof, we recommend reapplying osmo oil every 6-12 months depending on UV exposure, however, if you like the natural silvering effect of ageing timber, you can simply leave it be; it is still very durable without treatment.

Internally, the benches, floor and backrests of your sauna are all oiled with osmo oil wood wax which makes them easy to clean, and helps them to stay clean for longer. If your sauna is used very frequently (for example, if it is used commercially), you may wish to reapply this finish occasionally to keep the interior in top condition.

How much does a Heartwood Sauna cost? ⌄

We make all our saunas to the same quality of build, so the cost of a Heartwood sauna mainly varies depending on the size and design. Set designs range in price from £28k to £85k (+VAT), and bespoke projects start from 30k (+VAT).

Can I take the sauna with me if I move house? ⌄

Yes, all of our saunas are designed to be lifted or moved as many times as you need and we would be more than happy to assist with the relocation.

Is the wood used in your saunas treated with any preservatives? ⌄

No, the timber we use to build our saunas is not treated with any toxic chemicals and we don't use any solvents when building our saunas.