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Sauna Talk is a show about the authentic sauna experience. Recorded (often) on the sauna bench, we talk with interesting guests about sauna including such aspects as building sauna, enjoying sauna, and health and wellness benefits to sauna. The rising sauna tide is lifting many boats and we look forward to some left turns that we hope to keep listeners on and off the more enjoyable and less trampled authentic sauna trail.

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  2. How to Build a Sauna: Benches, Stoves & Design | Live from West Coast Sauna Summit | Sauna Talk #106

How to Build a Sauna: Benches, Stoves & Design | Live from West Coast Sauna Summit | Sauna Talk #106

Feb 13, 2025

Thinking about building your own sauna? This episode of Sauna Talk brings you inside a live panel discussion on sauna design, construction, and best practices—recorded at the West Coast Sauna Summit near Vancouver, BC.

On the bench with Glenn are two experienced Canadian sauna builders—Andrew (Saunabuilder) and Josh (Theraluxe)—sharing real-world insights on everything from bench heights and wall cladding to wood stoves vs electric heaters, mobile saunas vs backyard builds, and what truly makes a great sauna.

This conversation is part of a hands-on sauna building seminar, where we dig into the practical decisions every builder faces—whether you're just getting started or refining your craft.

We cover:

  • Sauna bench height and layout

  • Wood-burning vs electric sauna stoves

  • Mobile saunas vs permanent backyard builds

  • Materials, wall systems, and interior finishes

  • The philosophy behind good sauna design

What makes this episode special is the collaborative spirit—three builders sharing ideas openly, grounded in experience, not theory.

Recorded at Loon Lake Lodge during the West Coast Sauna Summit, this session captures the energy of builders and enthusiasts coming together to talk shop, share knowledge, and push sauna culture forward.

So whether you're sketching your first build or fine-tuning your tenth, grab a towel, throw some water on the rocks, and join us on the bench.