Sauna Stories: Upgrading IR into a Hot Rock Retreat

For many years now, we’ve been quietly doing something most people never consider: saving older infrared saunas from being discarded and transforming them into authentic, hand-crafted traditional Finnish hot-rock saunas that fit into any space.

This isn’t just a side project—it’s a true passion, rooted in three generations of sauna and spa craftsmanship that define our family business.

How it Starts

It all starts the same way—an infrared sauna sits idle, no longer functioning. The panels have failed, and replacement parts are either impossible to find or prohibitively expensive. The proprietary electronics are outdated or entirely obsolete, making repairs unfeasible. But where others see a discarded relic, we see a golden opportunity—the chance to create a stunning wellness sanctuary. That’s why we seek out these units before they’re tossed aside, breathing new life into them with our experience and innovation.

The Transformation

Every rescue begins the same way: we strip the interior of the sauna back to its wooden bones. Then, using the same techniques we do in our high-end custom saunas  — we rebuild the interior from the ground up:

- Spaworxs Signature Benches – Expertly designed to deliver exceptional comfort while embracing Scandinavian style. Extra-wide benches, crafted from hand-selected clear cedar, feature a naturally aromatic essence and are sanded to a luxuriously smooth, buttery finish that invites relaxation.

- Himalayan Salt Feature – This stunning backlit feature not only enhances the visual appeal of your space but also releases millions of negative ions and trace minerals into the air with every breath. The gentle glow creates a soothing ambiance, while the salt’s natural properties help purify the air, promote relaxation, and support overall wellness.

- SpaWorxs Signature Lighting – Subtle amber glow that enhances the salt and calms the nervous system Elevate your custom sauna experience with innovative lighting solutions that blend functionality and ambiance. Discreet warm LED lights tucked beneath the benches and along the backrests, casting a soft, inviting glow that enhances deep relaxation without overwhelming the senses.

- Traditional Finnish Hot-Rock Heater – Expertly positioned and calibrated in the classic Finnish style to deliver intense, radiant dry heat or the perfect löyly experience. Our craftsmanship ensures that when water meets the hot stones, you’ll hear that distinctive, satisfying sizzle—an authentic sound that fills the sauna with warmth and relaxation. With years of experience, we know precisely how the stones should sing when the water touches them.

The Results

The result is a truly one-of-a-kind Finnish hot-rock sauna—beautifully crafted to enhance any environment, whether it’s a home, cottage, or wellness retreat. Its elegant design and compact footprint allow it to fit seamlessly into a variety of spaces, while thoughtful construction ensures quick and hassle-free installation in under two hours. Every detail, from the premium materials to the authentic hot-rock heater, is carefully chosen to deliver an exceptional sauna experience that blends visual appeal, convenience, and lasting health benefits—all at a fraction of the price of custom builds or brand-new pre-fab saunas.

Health Benefits You’ll Feel From the First Session

When it’s finished, you own a sauna that delivers:

Radiant stone heat—enhances circulation, soothes joint pain, and delivers that legendary post-sauna glow. Enjoy it as either a wet or dry experience.

-Authentic löyly—deep, enveloping steam that opens airways, flushes toxins, and melts away tension

-Deep, radiant dry heat—the option to enjoy pure, meditative heat without steam

- Himalayan salt ionization — proven to ease respiratory issues, improve sleep, and leave skin noticeably softer 

- Pure cedar and stone aromatherapy — a natural mood-lifter and immune supporter with every breath

Limited Availability

Word travels quickly among sauna enthusiasts, especially when it comes to finding unique, handcrafted saunas that are both high-quality and affordable. Our commitment to accessible wellness means you don’t have to compromise on craftsmanship or generational experience to enjoy a truly exceptional sauna. We typically have just one or two projects underway at a time, and they’re often reserved before the final stones are set.

If you’ve been hoping for a one-of-a-kind hot-rock sauna that can go virtually anywhere—complete with glowing salt walls, perfect benches, and that irresistible cedar-and-steam aroma—now is the perfect time to reach out and see what one-of-a-kind pieces we’re crafting next

Next Steps

If you’re curious about elevating your wellness with a traditional sauna, we’d love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out and learn more—these unique saunas tend to find new homes quickly.

Warmly

The Spaworxs Family