Sauna FAQ
Choosing Your Sauna
1. What is the difference between a traditional Finnish sauna and an infrared sauna?
A traditional sauna uses a stove and heated stones to warm the air inside the cabin to roughly 70–90°C. You can ladle water onto the hot stones to create a burst of steam (known as löyly). An infrared sauna uses built-in emitters to warm your body directly at a lower air temperature, which makes it quicker to heat up and gentler on the lungs.
A traditional sauna uses a stove and heated stones to warm the air inside the cabin to roughly 70–90°C. You can ladle water onto the hot stones to create a burst of steam (known as löyly). An infrared sauna uses built-in emitters to warm your body directly at a lower air temperature, which makes it quicker to heat up and gentler on the lungs.
2. Which Hekla sauna models are available for indoor vs. outdoor use?
- Outdoor models: The Hekla Cube (models 160, 210, and 250) and Hekla Barrel (models 210 and 250) are weather-resistant garden saunas built for year-round outdoor use as are the Cabin Saunas.
3. What materials are Hekla saunas made from?
Outdoor models are constructed from thermally modified Nordic spruce (Thermowood), which is heat-treated without chemicals to resist moisture, warping, and decay. Interior benches and walls are crafted from soft, low-resin timbers like Thermo Aspen so they stay comfortable against your skin at high temperatures.
Outdoor models are constructed from thermally modified Nordic spruce (Thermowood), which is heat-treated without chemicals to resist moisture, warping, and decay. Interior benches and walls are crafted from soft, low-resin timbers like Thermo Aspen so they stay comfortable against your skin at high temperatures.
4. What heating options can I choose?
- Infrared cabins: Heated by integrated low-EMF infrared panels.
- Traditional & Outdoor saunas: Heated by industry-leading Harvia heaters. Depending on the model, you can choose between electric stoves (such as the Harvia The Wall or Cilindro, with optional Wi-Fi control) or a wood-burning stove (such as the Harvia Linear 18) for compatible outdoor Cube and Barrel models.
Site Preparation & Installation
5. What base do I need for my sauna?
Every sauna requires a solid, completely level base capable of supporting the combined weight of the cabin, heater, stones, and users. For outdoor Cube and Barrel saunas, a concrete slab, reinforced paving slabs, or heavy-duty composite decking is recommended.
Every sauna requires a solid, completely level base capable of supporting the combined weight of the cabin, heater, stones, and users. For outdoor Cube and Barrel saunas, a concrete slab, reinforced paving slabs, or heavy-duty composite decking is recommended.
6. What are the electrical requirements?
- Infrared saunas: Current UK indoor infrared models plug directly into a standard 13A household socket.
- Electric traditional & outdoor saunas: Higher-output electric heaters (typically 6.8kW to 9kW) require a dedicated hardwired electrical supply. All hardwired electrical connections must be completed and certified by a qualified electrician.
7. Do I need planning permission for an outdoor garden sauna?
In the UK, most garden saunas fall under Permitted Development and do not require planning permission, provided they meet height and boundary rules. You are responsible for checking local building regulations, especially if you live in a conservation area or plan to install a wood-burning stove with a flue.
In the UK, most garden saunas fall under Permitted Development and do not require planning permission, provided they meet height and boundary rules. You are responsible for checking local building regulations, especially if you live in a conservation area or plan to install a wood-burning stove with a flue.
8. How long does delivery and assembly take?
Saunas are delivered either as flat-pack kits for self-assembly or with an optional two-person professional build service. Please note that even when you book a professional cabin build, a qualified electrician is still required separately to wire the heater, lighting, and control panel
Saunas are delivered either as flat-pack kits for self-assembly or with an optional two-person professional build service. Please note that even when you book a professional cabin build, a qualified electrician is still required separately to wire the heater, lighting, and control panel
Safety, Maintenance & Warranty
9. Are Hekla saunas safety certified?
Yes. All Hekla saunas are independently tested and certified to CE and ETL safety standards.
Yes. All Hekla saunas are independently tested and certified to CE and ETL safety standards.
10. How do I maintain and clean my sauna?
- After each session: Leave the door slightly open to let moisture escape and wipe down the benches with a damp cloth. Always sit on a clean towel to protect the wood from sweat.
- Outdoor care: Periodically treat the exterior Thermowood with a suitable UV-protective wood oil or stain to maintain its finish against the weather.
- Sauna stones: Wash your Harvia stones before first use to remove dust, and restack them once a year to replace any cracked stones.
11. What warranty is included?
Hekla saunas come with a 2-year manufacturer warranty covering the sauna structure and a 2-year warranty on the Harvia heater. To validate your cover, you must register your sauna on the Hekla Owner Hub within 7 days of delivery
Hekla saunas come with a 2-year manufacturer warranty covering the sauna structure and a 2-year warranty on the Harvia heater. To validate your cover, you must register your sauna on the Hekla Owner Hub within 7 days of delivery