The easiest and least expensive option to create a private haven is to build a sauna in your basement. Due to the many health advantages of frequent sauna usage, saunas are becoming more and more popular with Toronto homeowners. They also significantly increase the value of homes, making them a desirable investment for anybody wishing to improve the marketability and general appeal of their house.

One of the most aesthetically pleasing and useful additions to a home is a basement sauna, but if installed improperly, it may cause several issues. If precautionary precautions are not taken right once, the sauna’s high heat output and surplus moisture can do a great deal of harm. Mold development and wall discoloration are a couple of the issues it may cause. However, by using waterproof materials, constructing a strong ventilation system, and properly closing off the room, these issues may be avoided.

Mammadov will finish your remodeling project to the greatest standards since he is knowledgeable about all the nuances involved in building a sauna in your basement.

Types of Basement Saunas

You have come to the perfect spot if you are seeking for ideas for a home sauna! There are several ways to construct a sauna in your basement. Wood-burning saunas, infrared sauna rooms, electrically heated saunas, and steam rooms are popular choices.

Sauna with Steam

The coldest of the sauna kinds, a steam sauna, often called a steam room, employs moist heat at a temperature of 38° to 46° C (100° to 114° F). 100% humidity is maintained. The steam sauna is the most aesthetically pleasing of the three because of this mix, which hydrates your skin and hair.

Because specialized construction is frequently needed to manage the high moisture levels, this is the most costly choice for installation. A steam generator, piping, and appropriate waterproofing are necessary for a steam sauna.

Conventional Sauna

While dry heat is used in traditional saunas, water poured over heated stones can momentarily change the humidity. The traditional sauna has a temperature between 65° and 90° C (120° and 140° F), making it the hottest of the three. It falls in between the steam and infrared saunas in terms of cost. A traditional sauna will often require more complex construction or renovation than an infrared sauna, especially electrical work.

Most are heated electrically, however, if you live in a rural area where firewood is plentiful, then the very traditional wood-burning sauna may be right for you.

Sauna using Infrared Technology

Infrared saunas are the least expensive choice and usually do not require any extra plumbing or electrical installation. They frequently arrive as prefabricated modules, which save money and are simpler to install. The most crucial consideration when deciding which sauna type is best for you is likely how each one feels when in use.

Whichever choice you decide on, MAmmdov has a lot of expertise setting them up. Permitting can be accelerated, and we will ensure that the work is done correctly to avoid problems later.

Considerations for Installing a Basement Sauna

Before you construct a sauna in your basement, there are a few crucial things to think about. Once a sauna is completed, it can be challenging to correct these issues, but they are simple to get right during the planning phase. As they say, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Building Regulations and Safety Standards

The installation of home saunas is subject to local, provincial, and federal regulations. They address a variety of topics, such as energy efficiency, plumbing, accessibility, structural standards, permits, electrical safety, ventilation, and fire safety. The GTA’s MAmmdov installers are skilled at negotiating these systems. We’ll get you through the permitting process as quickly as possible, and ensure that your basement sauna is safe and enjoyable for a long time, saving you both time and money.

The Appropriate Site

The greatest place to install a sauna to a house is the basement, in our opinion. Although they will produce some heat and are typically colder, they are also far more likely to have the space needed for a sauna. Do you have any suggestions for a full-service spa in the basement? Building a sauna might be the initial stage of a spa’s entire plan.

Ceiling Height For a traditional sauna, 7′-0″ is usually regarded as the minimum ceiling height. A person sitting on the top bench should have at least 4″ between their head and the sauna ceiling to avoid burns or other head injuries. The sauna ceiling will usually be 4–6 inches lower than the room ceiling. Insulation, ventilation, ceiling panels, and the support framework will all occupy this area. Additionally, a higher floor will result in a lower ceiling.

Size of Sauna
Generally, a 4′ x 5′ (.12m x 1.5m) sauna floor plan is considered the smallest practical size for 2-3 people.A medium-sized sauna generally measures 6’x 8’ (1.8 m x 2.4m ) and can hold 2-3 people.A sauna considered large for private use will hold 6 people or more, with a sauna floor plan measuring 8′ x 10′ to 10′ x 12′ (2.4m x 3m to 3m x 3.7m).For the The interior ceiling height should be at least 7′-0″ (2.1m) above the sizes mentioned. A ceiling height of 7′-6″ to 8′-0″ (2.3 to 2.4 m) is ideal.To provide you with the best option, we will visit your house and assess what your site has to offer as well as what you desire.

Options for Materials
For your sauna’s inside, resinous woods like pine and cedar work best since they can withstand both moisture and heat. The most economical kind of cedar is red cedar. You will also need: insulation, plumbing, wiring, heat-proof light fixture, venting duct and grilles, exterior cladding, heater. The amount of each will depend upon the size of the sauna you choose.

Options for Waterproofing
Given Toronto’s environment, extra caution while waterproofing is necessary. Your sauna’s floor construction requires waterproof materials like cedar, plywood, or duckboard. Heat conductivity is an important consideration for your waterproof sauna floor. A substance will transfer heat less when it is less dense. Thus, red cedar is likewise our top pick. After the heat has been on for a long, it may become difficult or impossible to walk barefoot on vinyl flooring and some types of tile. For usage in saunas, laminate flooring is too susceptible to moisture.

Framing and Insulation
Constructing a sauna is like building a new house. Everything else will be supported by a hardwood frame, with framing members 16″ on center (OC). In a sauna, however, the frame is kiln-dried red cedar, which has more dimensional stability and moisture resistance, not to mention its wonderful scent. Benches and support for the heating unit will be tied directly to this frame to ensure they’re adequately supported.
We then apply insulation, R-13 for the walls and R-26 for the ceiling, leaving a tiny space for air to circulate. We may make use of mineral wool or foil-faced polyisocyanurate, both of which are made to withstand high temperatures. Unless your basement floor is already heated, we will additionally insulate your sauna floor.

Appropriate Airflow
We install ventilation from your sauna that leads straight outside, as well as the appropriate number of fans for the length of the duct. We thoroughly seal everything from start to finish, and it must remain sealed to avoid damage and potential mold development from humidity.

Doors and Floors of Saunas
To keep mold and mildew out of your basement, doors need to seal securely. Traditional sauna doors are made of wood that is firmly fitting, but as weatherstripping, we may use fiberglass rope gaskets, high-temperature rubber, or heat-resistant silicone. Since foam-based weatherstripping and adhesives might break down under extreme temperatures, we avoid using them.
We build appropriate vapour barriers and waterproofing for your sauna floor, which are difficult to install after construction. The floor will have expansion joints for variations in humidity and temperature, as well as a little slope toward the drain.

Mammadov Plumbing and Electrical exclusively employs expert plumbers and electricians who are certified and licensed. Depending on your area and the sauna type you select, plumbing modifications could be necessary. These might include: a drinking water supply, water to the sauna interior for steam generation, floor drain and/or a steam generator drain to allow water to escape, trap primer to keep sewer gas out, sump pump, heat-resistant piping, piping insulation. In accordance with the Ontario Building Code (OBC), we will ensure that every component in your system is connected correctly with ground fault interrupter (GFCI) protection whenever moisture is present. We will analyse your space, then recommend and quote a price that includes what your space requires for the sauna of your choice.

Sauna Heaters and Control Systems
Although wood or gas can be used to provide sauna heat, most urban saunas are electric since they are the simplest to construct and are mandated by municipal codes in the majority of the GTA. Your sauna’s size determines the size of your heater. High-quality heaters with a timer, temperature control, and perhaps humidity control are what we like to install. Smart heaters with wi-fi-enabled controls are gaining popularity, as many like to turn on the sauna and get it warming up before they arrive at its door.

Features for Safety
We take everyone’s safety extremely seriously and adhere to industry best practices to avoid hurting ourselves or our clients while we are at work. If your sauna passes inspections and conforms with current legislation, the majority of safety problems will be addressed while in operation. Before we go, we make sure that everything is safely functioning, that all required inspections are completed and passed, and that all required permissions are provided on schedule. For safety and longevity, we install auto-shut-off heaters and position all switches, plugs, and controls on the outside of your sauna. We utilize lighting and heaters that have CSA approval. on prevent your gadgets from scorching while you sauna, we can add an extra outlet on the exterior of your sauna so you may charge your phone or tablet.

Upkeep and Attention
Unfortunately, the heat in a sauna is not quite high enough to sterilize. Regular cleaning of the interior and outside of your sauna is necessary. Avoiding excessive moisture and the associated mold and mildew danger requires a waterproof sauna floor assembly, a well-designed sauna door, and an adequate ventilation system.

Bills for water and electricity
It goes without saying that running a sauna in your basement would increase your power and possibly water bills, but how much? The average monthly cost of water should be between $0.40 and $0.85. The monthly cost of hydroelectric electricity is estimated to be between $6.50 and $12.00. Given water and power costs as of late 2023–early 2024, these numbers are for an average sauna used by two to three people.As you can see, there are many things we can do to help you if you have been wondering how to create a sauna at home.
Saunas are fantastic for reducing stress, and so is MAmmdov!

Why Pick Us to Remodel Your Basement Sauna?

According to Mammadov, every sauna should be constructed as follows:

Functionality is our top priority when renovating a basement sauna. To make sure you make the most of the area, we add visual appeal to the performance.
Effective: Our staff will make sure your sauna meets and even exceeds your expectations. For a very long period, we will ensure that it fulfills its intended function.
Personalized: We would be pleased to go over your options for any additions that might improve the sauna’s enjoyment. We include all the fittings and custom touches in every project because we want you to be able to proudly display your sauna.

When a sauna is installed poorly in your basement, it can lead to a host of issues that are too expensive to resolve. Although building a sauna might be expensive, the best way to avoid future issues and more costly repairs is to deal with skilled builders. For this reason, you ought to use Mammdov. We will guide you through each stage of the procedure and assist you in selecting the appropriate materials that will not be harmed by heat or moisture.

Benefits of Saunas in Basements
In addition to raising the home’s value, having a sauna in the basement provides several benefits. Other than being the perfect place to relax after a long day, the sauna is also believed to have a lot of other health benefits, most of which have been proven by experts.

Having a sauna in your basement allows you to unwind and feel your best. Invest in both your home’s worth and your well-being! For a thorough and individualized consultation, get in touch with MAmmdov right now.

Employ MAmmdov to Remodel the Basement Sauna
As Toronto’s nine-time award-winning basement renovation company, we are well-versed in the requirements for adding a sauna room to your basement. Sauna construction is another area in which we specialize in basement improvements. We give our clients a wide range of renovation options to ensure they get the sauna design that works for their needs and stands out from others.

Contact us a call today, and we will be happy to discuss your future projects!