What sauna should i buy? comparing luxury sauna brands
What Sauna Should I Buy?
A Friendly Comparison of Woods & Water, Almost Heaven, and Cedar & Stone
Investing in a luxury sauna isn’t just about heat—it’s about crafting a true wellness oasis that endures. Many search for “best sauna,” “handcrafted sauna,” or “American‑made saunas”—and choosing the right one takes clarity. Let’s break it down so you can confidently answer: what sauna should I buy?
You’ll see three standout brands here—Woods & Water Sauna Co. (our home base), Almost Heaven, and Cedar & Stone—all promising premium materials and custom designs. But one truly stands apart.
What Makes a Sauna "Luxury"?
When people look for luxury in a sauna, here’s what they expect—and what our competitors emphasize:
- Premium materials like Western Red Cedar, Nordic spruce, hemlock, and sustainably selected lumber
- Handcrafted, American‑made craftsmanship rooted in decades (or lifetimes) of tradition
- Custom or quick‑ship options—"quick delivery," "fast shipping," or "built to your specifications"
- Beautiful aesthetics and design details—glass panels, modern Nordic forms, barrel shapes
- Proven durability and wellness impact—built to last and to transform your daily rituals
Side-by-Side Snapshot
Materials
- Woods & Water: Structural steel shipping container shell with Western Red Cedar interior
- Almost Heaven: Hemlock, cedar, Nordic spruce (hand‑selected) Almost Heaven Saunas+1Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna+4Instagram+4Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna+4almostheaven.net+3Almost Heaven Saunas+3Almost Heaven Saunas+3Almost Heaven Saunas
- Cedar & Stone: Cedar, pine, mass timber, glass‑front modern Nordic design Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna+1
Build & Delivery
- Woods & Water: Lifetime‑lasting steel container construction; lead time 8–12 weeks
- Almost Heaven: American‑made, handcrafted since 1977; “Quick Ship” saunas available; many models ship in 2–4 weeks almostheaven.net+12Almost Heaven Saunas+12almostheaven.net+12
- Cedar & Stone: Modern custom builds built to order; often longer lead times for bespoke builds Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna+6Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna+6Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna+6
Customization
- Woods & Water: Fully custom to your size, design, materials
- Almost Heaven: Custom‑cut, pre‑built, barrel, cube, indoor/outdoor options Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna+12almostheaven.net+12almostheaven.net+12
- Cedar & Stone: Bespoke Nordic-inspired architectural designs; modern flair Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna+6Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna+6Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna+6
Woods & Water Sauna Co.
Why you’ll love it:
- Lifetime durability thanks to steel shipping container construction—virtually indestructible and built to last a lifetime
- Made in America, with premium Western Red Cedar interiors and top-tier hardware
- Handcrafted design by skilled artisans, customized for your space and style
- 8–12 week lead time for a fully built, custom container sauna—fast for a bespoke, rugged build
- Heating options: WiFi-enabled electric stove or traditional wood-burning
Consider if: You want a sauna that not only embodies luxury—premium craftsmanship, American-made, custom design—but also offers unmatched durability and a surprisingly fast build timeline for something built to last decades.
Almost Heaven Saunas
Pros:
- American-made, handcrafted since 1977—rich heritage of Finnish meets U.S. craftsmanship Almost Heaven Saunas+2Almost Heaven Saunas+2
- Quick-ship models deliver in 2–4 weeks—great for fast setup
- Wide selection: barrel, cube, indoor, hybrid, custom-cut, and best sellers
Cons:
- Less rugged—typical wood construction, not steel container
- More “standardized” feel; fewer fully custom architectural options
Cedar & Stone Saunas
Pros:
- Beautiful modern Nordic-inspired designs with glass walls and architectural elegance Almost Heaven Saunas+3Almost Heaven Saunas+3Almost Heaven Saunas+3
- Crafted carefully for upscale aesthetic and wellness experience
Cons:
- Longer build timelines for bespoke designs
- Premium investment; pricing and process more protracted
Which One Is Right for You?
- Lifetime structural strength & fast custom build? Woods & Water—your steel-built, handcrafted, American-made choice.
- Fast shipping and well-established heritage? Almost Heaven—quick delivery and variety.
- Architectural design statement? Cedar & Stone—beauty-forward, though slower to deliver.
Your Sauna, Your Sanctuary
Ultimately, your sauna should reflect your life—your design values, endurance expectations, and wellness needs. At Woods & Water, we build steel-built, handcrafted, American-made saunas in 8–12 weeks that stand the test of time. Let’s create your sanctuary—built to last, styled for you.