Most people already have a specific space in mind for their personal wellness oasis. To help determine the size, the positioning of the infrared heaters, and the door placement, we provide a few practical guidelines.

On paper, planning often seems very simple—everything appears to fit more easily than it actually does in reality. In execution, however, factors such as the door swing radius, walking space, and other clearances must also be taken into account. We will show you how to define these requirements in a straightforward way.

Place one chair per seating position, or a lounger or mat on the floor for each lying area. You need to maintain sufficient distance from the infrared heaters, ensure the door can be opened properly, and be able to stand up comfortably from the lounger.

You will find more detailed information for each type of infrared cabin in the respective category.

Depending on the type of infrared cabin, the arrangement of the infrared heaters also differs. In seated cabins, back and front heaters are used, while in reclined cabins, back and ceiling heaters are used. Retrofitting a sauna with full-spectrum heaters usually differs completely from a standard heat cabin setup. The footprint of a sauna is generally much larger, so the arrangement is often chosen differently.

You can find more information in the respective categories.

In contrast to a sauna, a pure infrared cabin offers a wider range of material options, as the temperature is significantly lower and humidity does not play a role. Only around the infrared heaters must a certain level of fire protection be observed.

Nevertheless, wood remains the first choice for infrared cabins. It is relatively easy to work with, has a very warm appearance, and emits a pleasant natural scent.

To begin with, most wood types are suitable for building an infrared cabin.

For the walls, three-layer panels are also very well suited; a thickness of 19 mm is already sufficient. Spruce is the most cost-effective option and is a standard product at many suppliers. Modern furniture-grade materials are very easy to process and completely dimensionally stable. In most cases, panels can be ordered pre-cut.

When using solid wood, it is important that it is well dried; otherwise, the wood may warp or crack later.

For benches, aspen wood is widely used in sauna construction. It is a very fine wood that does not splinter.

Which wood is particularly suitable?

When choosing the type of wood, several considerations play an important role:

Scent

Wood usually has a very pleasant smell. However, a few wood types may develop an unpleasant odor when heated. Swiss pine has a very intense fragrance, while spruce, maple, and ash are rather neutral and have little inherent smell. If you plan to use aromatic oils in your infrared cabin, it is better to choose a neutral wood so that scents do not overlap.

Brightness

A small infrared cabin made of light wood appears visually larger, while one made of dark wood appears smaller. Light wood reflects light better, whereas dark wood absorbs it. If you plan to use color light therapy, a lighter interior wood is recommended.

Dark wood, however, can also create a very cozy atmosphere. If you feel comfortable in darker environments, there is no reason against it.

Color tone

If your infrared cabin should match the floor or furniture, you can choose the same type of wood. However, a contrast—especially to the floor—often looks very appealing. If possible, obtain wood samples to compare options. Depending on the wood type, you may achieve a warm tone (e.g., cherry, walnut) or a cooler tone (e.g., oak).

Seating bench

Aspen is a very fine wood that does not splinter, making it ideal for benches and backrests.

Surface treatment

Natural wood surfaces can be more or less rough depending on the type of wood. The fibers may raise slightly, making cleaning more difficult and allowing dust to accumulate more easily.

A surface treatment is therefore highly recommended. Solvent-free wood oil is very suitable. Once the oil scent has faded, the natural wood smell remains and the surface is protected.

You can also varnish your infrared cabin. However, varnish seals the wood pores completely, meaning the natural scent is almost entirely lost. Above the infrared heaters, discoloration of the varnish may occur due to higher heat exposure. On the outside, however, any RAL color finish is possible.

The walls do not necessarily have to be made of wood. You can also use other materials or combine them with wood.

Glass

(Note: only use ESG tempered safety glass.) Whether clear, printed, or colored glass—your glass supplier will determine the optimal thickness. Depending on the size of the panel, different thicknesses may be required.

Walls and floors can also be finished with plaster, paint, tiles, or natural stone. Let your imagination run free!