Site prep 101: what your sauna needs before it arrives

The most common delivery-day problem has nothing to do with the sauna. It's the site: a base that isn't level, an outlet that isn't there, a gate the crate won't fit through. All three are easy to solve — two weeks before delivery. Here's the checklist we go through with every customer.

1. A level, load-bearing base

A sauna doesn't need a bunker, it needs a surface that is flat, level and drained. The three bases that work, in rough order of effort:

• Concrete pad or existing patio — ideal if it's level and drains away from the sauna.
• Compacted gravel pad — 4–6 inches of crushed gravel over landscape fabric, framed with timber edging. The most popular choice: it drains perfectly and you can build it in an afternoon.
• Deck — fine for most models if the structure can carry the load; a barrel sauna with two people and water-filled heater stones is heavier than patio furniture. When in doubt, have someone verify the joists.

Flat, level, drained — the whole job description of a sauna base.

2. The power plan

Electric heaters in our lineup typically need a dedicated 240V circuit (breaker size depends on the heater — a KIP or DROP is commonly on a 30–40A breaker; the exact spec is on each heater's product page). That means a licensed electrician, a run of appropriately-sized cable from your panel, and ideally a small outdoor-rated sub-panel or disconnect near the sauna. Book the electrician before the sauna ships — they're the longest lead time in the whole project. Going wood-fired instead? Skip the electrician, but plan the chimney clearances.

The heater drives the electrical spec — check the amperage on your model's page and hand it to your electrician.

3. The path from the truck

Saunas ship freight, on a pallet, to the curb. From there, the panels and staves move by hand — which is good news: no crane, and individual pieces fit through a standard gate. Walk the route once: gate widths, steps, soft lawn after rain. If access is genuinely tight (townhouse, rooftop), call us before ordering and we'll talk through what fits.

The two-week version

• Two weeks out: choose the spot, order gravel or check the pad, book the electrician.
• One week out: build the base, run the electrical rough-in.
• Delivery day: clear the path, have a second pair of hands, enjoy the build.

Every sauna order from us includes a site-prep run-through by phone — call +1 (307) 309-8328 or see our FAQ for the details on your specific model.