For Contractors & Builders

Site Preparation Checklist

What needs to be ready before your ECS materials arrive. Review this list during framing and rough-in to ensure a smooth installation with no delays.

To ensure a smooth installation and avoid delays, the items below must be completed before your ECS materials package is delivered. Your contractor should review this list during framing and rough-in. If you have any questions at any stage, contact us — guiding you through every step is part of what we do.

Framing

The sauna room is fully framed with all studs exposed on the interior — no drywall, plywood, cement board, or any wall covering installed on the inside faces of the sauna walls or ceiling. ECS cladding installs directly onto furring strips over the vapor barrier.

Base plates (the bottom framing member) are pressure-treated lumber. This is required to resist moisture at floor level.

All wall framing and ceiling framing uses standard SPF lumber only. Do not use pressure-treated lumber above the base plate — pressure-treated wood can off-gas chemicals at sauna temperatures.

Wall and ceiling framing is 2×4, 16" on-center.

A stud is present in each corner of the room — required for furring strip attachment at all corners.

Blocking is in place for bench attachment: upper bench blocking at 38" off finished floor, lower bench blocking at 18" off finished floor.

ECS will confirm exact blocking positions in your design spec sheet.

Floor & Waterproofing

Think of the sauna floor exactly like a shower pan. The substrate must be fully waterproofed, and tile must extend up all four walls. This is your moisture barrier — it keeps water inside the tiled zone and away from the wood framing and subfloor.

The sauna floor is fully tiled. Substrate is waterproofed before tile is set.

Tile runs up all four walls to a minimum height of 4". This tile skirting is the moisture barrier — it functions like the lip of a shower pan.

Tile and waterproofing work is complete and fully cured before materials arrive.

Drain (Recommended, Not Required)

If drain installation is possible, a center floor drain is ideal — easiest for cleaning and the best option for moisture management.

A drain positioned at the heater wall is also acceptable if a center drain is not feasible.

Note: A drain is not required, but it simplifies long-term cleaning and maintenance significantly. If you are in new construction, strongly consider adding one now.

Ventilation Rough-In

Every ECS sauna requires exactly two vent openings in the framing. These positions are fixed — they do not change regardless of whether you add a mechanical fan. ECS will confirm final vent wall assignments in your design spec.

Intake Vent — Fresh Air Supply

Location: directly next to the heater location, 4" off the finished floor

Rough opening: 4" tall × 6" wide

This vent is always open and is never covered, blocked, or connected to a fan. It is the permanent fresh air supply for the sauna.

Exhaust Vent — Air Hatch

Location: the wall diagonally opposite the heater wall

Bottom of opening at 24" off finished floor, top of opening at 28" off finished floor

Rough opening: 4" tall × 6" wide

Optional Upgrade: Inline Mechanical Exhaust Fan

An adjustable-speed inline fan can be added to the exhaust vent — recommended for indoor saunas where natural convection alone may be slower.

The fan connects to the exhaust vent from outside the sauna wall — never inside the hot room. ECS recommends a variable-speed inline fan (such as the AC Infinity series) so you can control airflow during sessions and accelerate drying after use.

The vent rough-in positions do not change. The intake side is always passive — never install a mechanical fan on the intake.

Electrical Rough-In

Your electrician only needs to complete one task before materials arrive: run the main 240V line from the panel to the location of the heater power box. Everything else — the contactor/power box, temperature sensor, controller, and wiring — arrives with your ECS materials package and can be roughed in at that time.

A dedicated 240V circuit has been run from the electrical panel to the planned location of the heater power box (contactor box). The power box should be positioned outside the sauna room in a nearby adjacent space — it does not need to be mounted directly on the sauna wall, but should be reasonably close. The wires supplied with the Harvia unit are a fixed length, and if the power box is located too far away, extended wiring will be required.

The wire gauge matches the amperage requirement for your specified heater model. ECS will confirm the exact model and amperage in your design spec — your electrician sizes wire accordingly.

The 240V wire terminates at the planned power box location outside the sauna room. The wire should not enter the sauna interior.

A neutral wire is included in the panel-to-power box run. Required for LED light control through the contactor box.

Review the Harvia installation manual for specific guidance on breaker type and GFCI/RCD requirements before wiring the heater circuit.

GFCI Note: Please reference the Harvia heater installation manual for specific guidance on GFCI/RCD protection and nuisance tripping. Your electrician should review the manual before wiring the heater circuit.

What your ECS package includes for electrical:

When your materials arrive, the following will be included and can be roughed in at that time: Harvia heater power box (contactor/control box), temperature sensor and sensor cable, Xenio or Fenix WiFi controller and controller cable, LED lighting strips and low-voltage dimmer components. The only electrical work needed before materials arrive is the 240V main line from your panel to the power box location.

Harvia Installation Manuals

Your electrician should review the applicable heater manual before wiring. Download the official Harvia installation manuals below:

Harvia Cilindro Manual (PDF) Harvia KIP Manual (PDF)

Optional door sensor: A door sensor is not automatically included — confirm with ECS if you'd like one added to your package.

Quick Reference

Ready to Receive Materials?

Confirm every item below before scheduling your materials delivery.

Framing complete — all studs exposed, no interior wall covering

Base plate is pressure-treated; all other framing is standard lumber

Bench blocking installed — upper at 38", lower at 18" off finished floor

Floor fully tiled with 4" tile skirting running up all four walls

Tile and waterproofing fully cured

Intake vent hole cut: directly next to heater location, 4" off floor, 4"T × 6"W rough opening

Exhaust vent hole cut: opposite diagonal wall, 24"–28" off floor, 4"T × 6"W rough opening

240V dedicated circuit run to power box location — reference Harvia manual for breaker requirements

Neutral wire included in heater circuit run

Questions?

Need Help With Your Rough-In?

Every ECS project includes a custom design spec sheet with exact placement for your specific room. If you have questions at any stage, we're here to guide you through it — that's part of what we do.

(516) 234-5202 · support@eastcoastsaunas.com

Let customers speak for us

from 9 reviews

We had an excellent experience with East Coast Saunas from start to finish. The entire process was seamless — from initial consultation to final installation. Nick and his team were professional, responsive, and clearly take pride in their work. If you’re considering adding a sauna, I highly recommend them.

Brett Silverberg

04/25/2026

East Coast Saunas

Best experience, Nick was extremely helpful! Best custom sauna builders on Long Island hands down.

Jonathan Khayumov

01/02/2026

I recently had a custom-made sauna installed in my home, and I couldn’t be more impressed with the entire experience. Nick, James, and Freddie did an absolutely outstanding job from start to finish. Their craftsmanship, attention to detail, and professionalism were truly first class.

They took the time to understand exactly what I wanted, offered expert recommendations, and executed the project perfectly. The quality of their work exceeded every expectation — the sauna looks incredible, functions flawlessly, and feels like a true luxury addition to my home.

On top of the exceptional workmanship, their communication, punctuality, and cleanliness throughout the project were top-notch. It’s rare to find a team that delivers this level of service.

I highly recommend Nick and his operation. A five-star experience all around.

Justin Schwartz

11/23/2025

I was researching saunas for over a year!! When I met Nick from East Coast Saunas I knew I finally found the right person and company.

He helped me design, build and coordinate all the things that you need to build the perfect Sauna.

I have to rave about him because it’s hard to find someone who is passionate and meticulous about what they do.

My Sauna is beautiful and better than I thought it would be. From the choice of wood, layout and his carpenter, electrician and Glass door installation everything is PERFECT!!!!!

Highly recommend!!!!

David Costa

david costa

10/16/2025

Nick from East Coast Saunas was fantastic to work with! They came right to my house, showed me several options that fit my needs, and made the entire process simple and stress-free. Setup was quick and easy, and the sauna looks and works great. Highly recommend them to anyone looking to add a sauna to their home!

Yuriy Moshes

10/10/2025

I highly recommend East Coast Sauna. They walked me through every step of the process and answered all my questions including helping me pick out the right sauna, understanding the electrical requirements, and helping me find the right place for it in my yard. They explained everything about the wood, the heater, WiFi, and every detail that would affect my experience, and they were spot on. When I decided to use them I felt they had earned my business. The delivery and installation was more than professional right down to helping me set everything up, and making it look perfect. I’ve been using it several times a week and everything works as advertised. East Coast Sauna was a pleasure to deal with.

Adam Kalter

10/09/2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I had an absolutely fantastic experience with East Coast Sauna, and I can’t recommend them enough! Nick, the owner, is a true professional who goes above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. From the moment I reached out, Nick was incredibly knowledgeable, patiently answering all my questions and guiding me through the process of choosing the perfect sauna for my home. His passion for wellness and commitment to quality really shine through.

The sauna itself is top-notch—beautifully crafted, easy to use, and has become the highlight of my daily routine. The installation process was seamless, with Nick’s team being prompt, courteous, and meticulous. It’s clear they take pride in their work. Since using the sauna, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my relaxation and overall well-being.

If you’re looking for a high-quality sauna and exceptional service, East Coast Sauna is the place to go. Nick’s dedication to his customers and expertise make all the difference. Thank you for an amazing experience! I’ll be spreading the word!

Marc Schwab

08/19/2025

It’s a big purchase so make sure you have support! Nick was awesome from design, concept and ordering. Really appreciate the expertise. I highly recommend ECS.

Brady Buckley

07/26/2025

Had one installed in my backyard a few weeks ago, it’s been awesome. Whole process was surprisingly quick and easy. Thanks guys.

Christopher DeSousa

06/25/2025