A handcrafted Hetki Sauna carries countless fingerprints – every piece carefully placed, every detail considered. Our saunas are built-to-order, designed with functionality, quality, and durability at their core, with every element contributing to the experience. You might not immediately see all the differences – but you will notice and feel them.
Something as seemingly simple as a sauna floor holds essential details that matter when choosing an outdoor sauna. Here are a few things for you to consider:
First: design, structure, and craftsmanship. Poorly built saunas can suffer from trapped moisture, mold, and structural damage over time. We won’t claim that sauna construction – or even more complex log saunas such as Hetki’s – is rocket science, but building a long-lasting, high-quality sauna requires deep expertise. It takes heritage knowledge, respect for centuries-old Finnish sauna-building traditions, and a combination of modern techniques. Many companies possess this knowledge, but as a buyer, it’s worth asking questions and challenging assumptions, because, unfortunately, cost-cutting shortcuts are too often taken.
Second: materials and their treatment. Almost everything in a Hetki Sauna is made of wood – including its floor – and unfortunately the wonderful scent and feel of the wood can’t be captured here. Crafted from robust pine, sustainably harvested from the northern forests of Finland, the floor plays a crucial role in the sauna experience. Some customers prefer a darker, more mystical look with black-stained surfaces, but most choose natural wood, a choice we also recommend. Every piece of wood has its own unique character, and to protect and enhance its beauty, we treat each floor twice with a safe, bio-based natural oil.
Third: drainage. This isn’t just about easy maintenance – it’s about an authentic sauna experience. A true Finnish sauna is never a dry sauna, as it is often mistakenly called. Water thrown onto the stones creates löyly, the rich, enveloping steam that defines a real sauna. If someone tells you that a Finnish sauna doesn’t require water on the stove, they’re wrong – and you’ll be missing out on something truly special. Hetki Saunas are designed and built with a slightly sloping floor and proper drainage to ensure excess water flows safely away while maintaining a clean and durable sauna space. Inside the sauna, the only visible detail is a neat gap in the floor, hidden under the benches – but underneath, a drainage gutter and outlet do their job.
Fourth: ventilation. A good sauna isn’t a place to rush. One sign of a well-built sauna is that you can relax inside for a long time without feeling suffocated. Proper ventilation is crucial, and fresh air intake is ensured through the floor in Hetki Saunas. Apart from discomfort, poor ventilation can lead to trapped moisture, which can cause long-term damage. That’s why we ensure air circulation and effective moisture control so you can simply enjoy your time in the sauna.
Hetki Saunas are delivered plug-and-play, built with skill and attention to detail. Junnu, one of our skilled sauna masters, is shown in the picture crafting a Hetki Sauna floor – so that all that’s left for you to do is enjoy.