Frequently Asked Questions
Where are LDB Saunas built?
Our saunas are prepared with love and care at our shop in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin.
What are LDB Saunas made out of?
We take care to utilize the highest quality materials for our saunas, and the cedar is the star of the show. We use top-quality small knot western red cedar for our saunas, which provides excellent resistance to the elements as well as an unmatched aroma.
What site preparation is required for my sauna?
We recommend that the sauna is placed on some sort of level base (roughly 6′ wide by 8′ – 12′ long) that prevents excessive splashback. This could be as basic as a couple inches of 3/4″ drain rock or compacted gravel, a patio, a concrete pad, or a deck. If you’d like our help in preparing some sort of base, just let us know.
How is my Sauna Delivered?
For customers who opt to have their order shipped, the order will arrive packed in a wood shipping crate and delivered to the location requested.
For customers who opt for our regional deliver & assembly service, we use a large enclosed trailer to bring all of the components to the location. Because we build our saunas on site, we’re able to install them in hard to access places (such as an elevated deck or patio). We generally request that the customer provide us a photo and/or explanation of the build site prior to installation.
Can You Deliver and offer Assembly Year-round?
We are able to deliver saunas year-round. For customers opting for our assembly service, there may be special considerations depending on location, but we can typically install during winter as long as the site and walking paths are properly prepared and cleared of snow.
Please note that for electric saunas, you may need to discuss how any necessary electrical connections can be laid during winter with your electrician.
How Easy is the Assembly Process?
If you are in an area where we offer on-site assembly, we recommend using our in-house assembly service! Our qualified carpenters typically complete the build in less than a day.
For customers assembling their own saunas, the time varies from customer to customer. While our sauna assembly process is designed to be intuitive, we recommend setting aside a two or three days to put your sauna together at a comfortable pace. Having two people assemble the sauna makes it faster, safer, and more enjoyable than doing it on your own. Enlist a partner and pick out a weekend to take your time and build your sauna!
Do I need to Stain or Seal My Sauna?
Our saunas are made of natural western red cedar which is unmatched in aroma and resistance to the elements. While the cedar will retain its integrity over many years, the natural color of the cedar will fade over time. To keep your sauna’s exterior looking new and to avoid greying from exposure to sun and rain, we recommend using a cedar sealant such as OSMO 410 UV Protection Oil on the exterior of the sauna once per year. This will prevent the sauna from greying over time. Be sure to seal all exposed cedar, including the end grains of the stave, following the manufacturer’s directions. A Clear Sauna Wood Wax may be applied to the interior of the sauna to protect the interior surfaces as well
Why are the Saunas shaped like barrels?
We started making barrel saunas because we love the aesthetic of the barrel, and that it makes such a practical outdoor amenity. Barrel saunas are great for air convection, and the barrel shape is incredibly sturdy and resistant to the elements.
Do Barrel Saunas Work Well in Cold Climates?
Yes! Barrel saunas are popular amenities all over the northern hemisphere including harsh northern and mountainous climates. Here in Wisconsin our winters can be nasty, but they are no match for our saunas.
What Size Sauna Should I Order?
You should choose your sauna size based on your intended use. You may also need to consider the space you intend to place the sauna.
All of our barrel saunas have a 7 foot diameter. We offer three lengths of barrel saunas:
8 feet: Seats 2-4 People
10 feet: Seats 4-6 People
12 feet: Seats 6-8 People
Should I Get an Electric or Wood-burning Sauna?
We offer both options, and both are great. A wood-fired sauna offers a more traditional ambiance, and is an excellent choice for cottages and remote locations where electrical connections may not be an option. Electric heaters warm up more quickly and are extremely simple to operate. They are a great choice for someone who intends to use their sauna frequently.
Please note that the Electric heater takes up about 12″ of interior space in the sauna, while the Wood Burning heater takes up about 24″.
or give us a call at (608) 218-4188