The Art of Building a Canadian Nordic Freya Sauna

At Freya Saunas, we believe that a sauna should be more than just a place to sweat—it should be a sanctuary of warmth, craftsmanship, and connection to nature. That’s why every Freya Sauna is proudly made in Canada, handcrafted in the heart of Wakefield, Quebec, using premium white cedar logs and locally sourced building materials.

Our commitment to local craftsmanship and sustainability starts with our materials. We use only high-quality cedar logs harvested from nearby forests, ensuring not only minimal environmental impact but also support for other local businesses in the region. White cedar is naturally resistant to rot and decay, making it the ideal material for a sauna that is meant to last generations.

The journey of each Freya Sauna begins with raw cedar logs—beautiful, natural, and full of character. We honor traditional Nordic building techniques and take pride in every step of the process:

1. Peeling the Bark with a Spud Tool: We begin by using a traditional spud tool to remove the outer bark from the cedar logs. This first layer protects the tree but is not needed in the final build. The process is done by hand, with care and precision, preserving the integrity of the wood.

2. Revealing the Grain with a Draw Knife: Next, we use a draw knife to peel off the secondary layer of bark, revealing the raw beauty of the cedar beneath. This step is where the personality of each log comes to life—we keep the knots and unique characteristics of the wood, celebrating its natural form and strength.

3. Aligning Each Log with Scribing Tools: Once peeled, each log is carefully scribed using traditional tools. This method ensures a precise fit between logs, following the contours of the log below. We then notch each one using the Scandinavian saddle-notch technique—a time-tested method used for centuries in Nordic cultures to create tight, insulated, and durable structures.

The result is a solid log sauna that locks together naturally, providing superior insulation and structural integrity without the need for synthetic materials or adhesives.

Why Choose Cedar Logs?

The benefits of building with cedar logs go beyond aesthetics:

• Longevity – Solid cedar logs are known for their strength and resistance to moisture and decay, ensuring your sauna will stand the test of time.

• Heat Retention – Thick cedar logs absorb heat slowly and release it evenly, creating a gentle, consistent warmth that enhances the sauna experience.

• Natural Aroma & Beauty – Cedar’s calming scent and warm tone create a deeply soothing and inviting atmosphere—each sauna session becomes a ritual of the senses.

At Freya Saunas, we blend Nordic tradition with Canadian craftsmanship to bring you a sauna that’s both timeless and deeply rooted in nature. Whether placed beside a forest, lake, or home, a Freya Sauna invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and reconnect.

Ready to bring home your own handcrafted wellness retreat? Visit our website to learn more and reserve your Freya Sauna today!