Relaxing Retreats

As life grows louder, SaunaFin is bringing the restorative ritual of the Finnish sauna into Canadian homes.

By Julie Gedeon

In a frenzied world, escape is a rare luxury. That’s why more homeowners are seeking the solace of a home sauna. “It’s one of the few places we can unplug from our devices,” says Alan Blundell, co-owner of SaunaFin Saunas & Steambaths.

SaunaFin derives its name from the steam saunas long popular in Finland. UNESCO recognizes its sauna culture as a deeply ingrained tradition central to Finnish life. Many regard it as a key reason Finland is the world’s happiest nation, according to the UN-sponsored World Happiness Report. 

While Finland still holds the title of most saunas per capita, Canada is catching up. “When we bought SaunaFin in August 2022, our suppliers compared the increasing popularity of saunas to the trajectory of hot tubs in the 1980s,” co-owner Alex Faltas notes. “That strong trend continues with more housing developers integrating saunas into new homes.”

SaunaFin has been in business for almost 65 years. Blundell and Faltas acquired it when Mike Wynn decided to take a step back after 35 years in the company started by his father, though he’s still involved with the company today. 

Blundell and Faltas love providing a product that makes people as excited as booking a vacation. “We encourage customers to take various factors into consideration, so their investment is priced right, integrates well into their home, and provides the desired use,” Blundell says.

The first thing to consider is size. “Most people imagine they’ll need a larger sauna than they actually do,” Faltas says. “A 5’ x 7’ sauna is big enough to lie down or fit several people sitting.” In larger houses, a sauna often forms part of a gym area or bedroom ensuite. Within smaller homes, it usually fits best in the basement. “It’s important to find a space where it looks as if it’s always been there,” Blundell says. “We’ve even added a 4’x 4’ to condo units—with necessary permissions—using closet or storage area.”

 Another key question: What type of sauna would you most enjoy? “Traditional saunas remain most popular but there’s lots of buzz about infrared saunas right now,” Faltas says. “It’s essential to understand the differences to make the right choice.”

   In an infrared sauna, your body warms as you sit near wall panels that heat up to 130-140º Fahrenheit (54-60º Celsius). A traditional sauna has a heater that reaches 190ºF (87.7º C) to warm the entire room with that splash of water on rocks for bursts of steam. “We offer a hybrid option for those on the fence or households with different preferences,” Blundell says. 

SaunaFin invites customers to step inside each type at its Concord showroom. “We also recommend they visit a spa or gym to experience both if they’re uncertain,” Blundell says.

The company deals exclusively with a coastal B.C. mill. Western red cedar is the number-one choice for saunas. “Kiln-dried to 6 per cent moisture, it lasts for years, doesn’t become hot to the touch, and emits that woodsy aroma we all love,” Blundell says. “We also offer hemlock for customers who want consistent panel shading.”

When it comes to heaters, SaunaFin sells the all-Canadian SaunaCraft brand, as well as options from Finland and Sweden. An indoor sauna requires a certified electrician to install a 240-volt line on a separate breaker for the heater and 110-volt line for a light. 

No matter what type, size or finish you opt for, adding a sauna has undeniable benefits—both physical and mental. “Your body immediately relaxes,” Blundell says. “I always sleep better afterwards.”