Question 1

Why are Wildhut saunas pricier than some others on the market ?

Accepted Answer

We use only the highest quality materials in the construction of our saunas, the best grade of timber on the market. Cheaper saunas use cheaper timber which is more likely to warp and twist out of shape. Wildhut saunas have been designed, engineered and built to withstand the harshest of climatic conditions and to stand the test of time using the latest CLT construction techniques.

Our saunas have been specially architect designed here in the UK,  and are then manufactured by specialist sauna craftsmen in Estonia, ensuring a quality build every time.

Our saunas are a world apart from the cheap kit, uninsulated barrel saunas that are offered by non-premium sauna companies.

We use a vapour seal barrier to protect from the heat and humidity and to ensure quick heat up time and energy efficiency. We use thermo treated spruce battens behind our benches which are dimensionally stable, durable and moisture resistant.

We use high spec lighting specifically designed for saunas behind our benches which give off a beautiful warm glow and creates a gorgeous ambience in the sauna.

We use specialist high grade marine stainless steel taps and shower units, which last.

We use contemporary well built sauna heaters with remote control via an app, with specialist sauna stones.

All our saunas are fully ventilated in accordance with HETAS regulations (in the case of woodburners) to ensure a relaxing, healthy sauna experience.

We use very high quality finishes to seal the exterior cladding of our Wildhut saunas to provide durability and longevity.

Question 2

How sustainable are Wildhut saunas ?

Accepted Answer

Designed in the UK and built in Estonia to be durable by using only the finest quality natural materials

We use top quality Western Red Cedar inside our top of the range saunas. Not only does it have a divine aroma but it is by far the most stable and best quality wood to use in a sauna .

Coming from a cold climate, Western red cedar is a very slow growing wood so it has a very tight grain which means it doesn’t react to moisture / heat. Home grown cedar, whilst cheaper wood tends to grow faster and get lots of twigs and branches which when cut produce the knots you see in wood .

No plastic, no toxic glues /only food safe adhesives.

Ventilation – vents installed for air flow to stop moisture build up .

Only heat and moisture resistant materials are used throughout.

Question 3

How safe are Wildhut saunas ?

Accepted Answer

Our saunas have been constructed with the utmost care and attention to health and safety standards. Our heaters carry CE approval / EN15821 .

All heater and stove safety clearances have been met in accordance with manufacturers guidelines.

Our structural engineer has ensured that they are built to robust standards to cope with all climatic conditions in the UK.

Question 4

Do you only build one size ?

Accepted Answer

No! We have 4 sizes of sauna,  with the option to have a porch and shower on all but the OHK, which is specially designed for small spaces. We can also make bespoke and larger saunas on request so get in touch and we can start talking about your project.

Question 5

What wood do you use in your saunas ?

Accepted Answer

We use a choice of top quality Western Red Cedar or Alder inside our Wildhut saunas.

We use PFEC certified wood cladding in our saunas all sourced from a well-respected timber merchants.

Question 6

Do you give a guarantee ?

Accepted Answer

The heaters we use in our saunas are guaranteed by the manufacturer for 5 years.

All the other quality materials used in the construction of our saunas will ensure durability for many years to come.  We pride ourselves on our aftercare and will support you into the future, as our saunas are our best ambassadors.

Question 7

How much does it cost to run a sauna ?

Accepted Answer

For an electric 8-10 seater sauna

As a rough calculation, a 1000W sauna will use around 1 kWh (1 kilowatt per hour) of electricity. Based on 1000 WATTS = 1 KW , a 10.5 KW sauna will use  10.5 KW per hour x an average of 33.63 pence per kw. So on average £3.53 per hour.

This equates to roughly £11 for a 3 hours session .

For a wood burning 8-10 seater sauna

As a rough calculation, a wood burning stove will use roughly £2 per hour worth of logs (depending of course on your log suppliers costings etc)

Question 8

What preparation / groundworks are needed ?

Accepted Answer

Wildhut saunas have to be placed on a level and pre-prepared concrete surface. We provide detailed groundwork plans for your builder, plumber and electrician to work from. These will give the exact depth and size for the concrete slab, and the locations for any water or electrical feeds to prepare in advance of your sauna arriving

Question 9

Wood fired or electric heater ?

Accepted Answer

The choice really depends on your lifestyle, the location and how often the sauna will be used. We outline the main pros and cons of the two different heaters below.

WOOD: If it’s an off grid location (i.e. without access to electrical mains) we would always recommend a wood fired heater which gives greater flexibility on location .They are as close as you come to the pure authentic sauna experience. From collecting the firewood to building the fire in the stove the sauna experience has begun before the stones are heated. They do however take longer to heat up from a cold start (just over an hour), it’s more difficult to control the temperature and there is likely to be more clear up post sauna. You will also need to have a wood store and regular delivery of suitable logs. The wood fired heater is more of an initial outlay but potentially cheaper to run than an electric heater over the long term depending on your source of wood.

ELECTRIC: For those that do not have the space to build a wood burning sauna or who prefer a more hands-free approach, electric sauna heaters provide a wonderful sauna bathing experience and are brilliantly convenient and quicker to heat up (generally 30-50 minutes, depending on outside temperature).

Electric sauna heaters can be linked to your home WiFi and turned on from an app on your phone to start at your chosen time and to give you total control over the level of heat required.

You do not need to have a wood log store and you can still get the lovely löyly (steam).

With an electric heater, a fully qualified electrician is needed to wire the sauna space.

Question 10

Will I have to pay a deposit ?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We require a 50% upfront deposit, then the remainder is due a few days in advance of delivery. We accept all major credit cards and financing is available for commercial customers.

Question 11

How long is delivery time from the point of order ?

Accepted Answer

We typically allow 8-12 weeks from go ahead of order to delivery (depending on size / location etc). However due to current demand there is a longer waiting list on new orders. Once an order is placed and the deposit paid, your sauna will be placed onto the manufacturing and delivery schedule. It’s best to get in touch with us to check out the latest lead times we’re working against at any given time.

Question 12

How much are Wildhut Saunas ?

Accepted Answer

Our saunas start from £23,900 + VAT depending on size and specification but it’s best to get in touch to discuss your particular needs.

Question 13

What about ventilation ?

Accepted Answer

Ventilation is a critical consideration for all saunas as you need a flow of fresh air in and exhaust air out to ensure a relaxing, healthy sauna experience, and prevent a stuffy uncomfortable sauna. Our design gives this very careful consideration.

Question 14

What is the process of deciding to choose a Wildhut sauna ?

Accepted Answer

After you have discussed your needs with us and decided what size sauna you need, and what type of heater, we will assess your access situation. We can deliver the sauna fully assembled, or in modular form for assembly by our experts if your access is challenging (more common in urban settings).  When we know what your access situation is, we can finalise a price.

We will then assess your access in detail, and decide the best way to get your sauna into position. This can be with forklift, hi-ab or crane. (If installation as a whole unit is not possible by these methods we can discuss a modular). We will organise a site visit with a recommended local lifting company who will set up a contract hire with yourselves. We will co-ordinate with them and yourselves regarding delivery dates. You will receive a kerb-side delivery from ourselves, and the local lifting company will take care of everything thereafter. The craning company will have their own comprehensive insurance.

Where access is limited the sauna is delivered in separate pieces and then assembled on site by our experts, over a few days, with the final build being indistinguishable from the fully assembled unit.

The whole process is overseen by ourselves to minimise stress and prevent unnecessary additional costs. We will liaise with you every step of the way.

We provide detailed groundwork plans for your builder, plumber and electrician to work from. These will give the exact depth and size for the concrete slab, and the locations for any water or electrical feeds to prepare in advance of your sauna arriving.

Once your sauna is in place you will be responsible for connecting the water and electrics.

Question 15

What access will I need for the sauna ?

Accepted Answer

It is very useful to have vehicle access close by to the sauna location as the sauna is usually delivered fully built on a flatbed trailer of a lorry and then lifted into position with professional lifting equipment such as a HIAB or crane. There is an additional cost for installation, and this will quoted on an individual basis on application.

It is also possible to have your new home sauna delivered in modular form if access is an issue. In such circumstances the sauna will be assembled onsite for you.

Question 16

Can I take the sauna with me if I move ?

Accepted Answer

You can indeed.

But also remember, that a high quality Wildhut sauna is also a wise financial investment and can increase the resale price of your home.

Question 17

What optional design elements are there ?

Accepted Answer

Colour of exterior cladding

The choice is yours! You can choose to leave the exterior wood to fade naturally to a gorgeous grey colour over time or we can stain it in a colour to suit your preferred design aesthetic and outdoor environment.

Wood fired or electric heater

We can supply our saunas with either a wood fired or electric heater. Not only do they look contemporary and stylish but they come from one of the world's best known suppliers of high end sauna stoves, with beautiful sauna stones to pour your water over.

Window sizes

The choice is a slotted window which offers a view from inside but a feeling of being in a cosy sacred space, it is also very private. Or you can opt for a picture window which is amazing depending on the position and your view!

Should you require a bespoke window orientation just get in touch and we can come up with a custom design suitable for your needs

Porch
A multipurpose area to hang robes, store jewellery and phones, install a shower, and provide a buffer between the outside and inside, keeping it clean.

Shower

We can add an outdoor shower onto your outdoor garden sauna. All shower elements come in marine grade stainless steel for longevity and durability. You can have an invigorating cold shower (ideal for contrast therapy) by hooking up to a hose or hot and cold if you hook up to the mains.

Off grid use

Wildhut saunas with wood fired heaters are perfect for ‘off grid’ use, with any power requirements for lighting etc. being facilitated by a powerful battery.

Transportability

Wildhut saunas can be built on a flatbed trailer to facilitate easy transportation if this is your need. Modular assembly is also available.

Integrated Bluetooth Speakers

Available on all models for enhancing your sauna experience.

Question 18

Do you make indoor saunas ?

Accepted Answer

On request. We currently specialise in luxury outdoor saunas but have installed much loved indoor ones as well. Speak to us about your requirements.

Question 19

Will I need planning permission ?

Accepted Answer

No – Wildhut saunas fall within an ‘outbuilding’ category and are generally considered to be ‘permitted development’ subject to certain height restrictions.

Question 20

Are saunas good for you ?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is yes. There’s a long list of benefits of sauna bathing and new evidence based research is regularly being conducted and released publicly. Read more about our favourite sauna bathing health benefits here.