What if doing nothing could change everything?
wu wei
noun • Chinese | the ancient concept and art of conscious non-action.
Sauna is transformative—not just physically, but mentally. The heat, the quiet, the space to do nothing—wu wei—is a revelation. We believe this experience should be accessible to everyone, no matter their budget. It’s not just about sweating; it’s about creating a personal, intimate space where you can truly let go. A mass-produced “kit” doesn’t capture that. Sauna should reflect you—your needs, your rituals. Our goal is to make that possible for more people, in a way that feels right for them.
What we do
Zen Sauna is a full-service design-build studio specializing in bespoke saunas, cold plunges, and outdoor showers, with an emphasis on affordability and personal wellness.
Our Services
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Tailored designs to fit your space and vision.
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Full-service build and seamless install.
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Thoughtful sourcing selection in partnership with local repurposed material vendors.
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Efficient, functional setups. We connect you with our recommended electrician and specialists.
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From concept to completion, we handle every detail.
The Process
Step 1:
Consultation
Discuss your vision, needs and budget.
Step 2:
Site Visit
On-site assessment to evaluate space, layout, and site specifics.
Step 3:
Design & Quote
Custom 3D design, along with a detailed quote. Secure your project with a deposit and we source materials.
Step 4:
Installation
Full construction and assembly.
FAQ
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If you’re living in Multnomah County and the structure is under 200 square feet, then no, you do not need a permit. However the electrical needed to run the sauna heater will need an over-the-counter permit, pulled by my electrician.
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Yes and no. Ultimately, a sauna is an insulated box, protected from the elements, lined with wood and heated to a desirable temperature, but part of the fun is working together to create something that reflects you, your design aesthetics, and the environment we’re working within.
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All my installations are bespoke, built onsite. Pricing varies depending on a number of factors, including size, add-ons like outdoor shower, cold plunge, etc, but my aim to make saunas accessible and we can be creative to meet people’s budgets.
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I have a licensed electrician I work with who has installed numerous sauna heaters. My pricing does not include electrical work, and my electrician can get you a quote separately.
Most sauna heaters run on a 40amp circuit, so depending on available space on the breaker, the needs are often adding a new 40amp circuit and then running wiring from the breaker to the sauna.
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It depends on sauna size and usage, but using the sauna for 1.5 hours every day would add cost around $15-25 per month.
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Minimal! I recommend cleaning your sauna with any number of environmentally friendly sauna cleaning solution quarterly, depending on use. Sauna stones do have a lifespan and should generally be replaced every couple of years.
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This obviously depends on how many people you want to fit in your sauna, but at a minimum I would suggest 7x7’ so that the quality of the heat and löyly is radiant and indirect. Increasing sauna size does not dramatically alter the price of the sauna, within reason.
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Yes, and I strongly suggest having at least one, and sauna heater size will ultimately depend on sauna size plus the amount of “cold surfaces” like windows, installed.
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Typical installations take around 50 hours.
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The foundation of my saunas is built on pier blocks, so sloped terrain is not an issue and can actually enhance the look of a sauna. Privacy is a consideration, so I we can talk through different privacy screen options and window placement. Something to keep in mind, distance from the circuit breaker to the sauna will affect electrical materials pricing.
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I do not install indoor or infrared saunas. There are a number of highly qualified indoor, custom sauna installers in the PNW with years of experience behind them.
My focus leans into the traditional practice of a hot, steamy, outdoor sauna.
Our Approach
Hi! I’m Kyle, founder of Zen Sauna.
For 11 years, I worked as the COO of a design-build firm specializing in adventure parks, commercial zip line tours, climbing walls, and treehouses across the U.S. At the same time, as a devoted single parent, I had little—if any—time for myself.
Five years ago, I built my first sauna for personal use, following the foundational principles of Finnish sauna construction. I had read about the many health benefits of regular sauna use and welcomed the challenge of a new home project. What I didn’t anticipate was how truly transformational having my own sauna would be for my mental well-being. It gave me the space—and the reason—to set everything aside. Even if only for 15 minutes, I could close my eyes and simply be still.
My sauna ritual began with quiet evenings after my kids were asleep, sitting in the dim light, followed by a cold plunge in a refurbished clawfoot tub. That time became so important that I started waking up early for a morning sweat before beginning my day. It was a monumental shift in my life—one I naturally wanted to share. Before long, I was hosting regular communal schvitzes for friends.
A few of them asked if I could build saunas for them, and so this humble journey began. I left my position and started Zen Sauna, bringing with me over a decade of experience in construction, project management, and—most importantly—building meaningful, lasting client relationships. Every project is a collaboration, and I take the time to understand my clients’ needs, lifestyles, and aspirations so that each sauna is a true reflection of them.
While many pre-fab sauna companies and kits exist, I found very few builders creating bespoke, custom saunas onsite—tailored to both people’s specific needs and their budgets. I saw an opportunity to do things differently. I source many of my materials, such as doors and windows, from the ReBuilding Center in North Portland. For outdoor showers, I plumb garden hoses to propane hot water heaters. Cold plunges are framed in cedar to match the structure, with repurposed bathtubs plumbed to garden hoses. The result is a custom backyard retreat—offering a high-end experience for a fraction of the traditional cost.
My goal is to make sauna culture more accessible. But beyond the craftsmanship, what brings me the most fulfillment is the relationships I build along the way. I love working with people, hearing their stories, and creating something truly special for them—a dedicated space to slow down, focus on what really matters, enjoy the löyly, and—perhaps most importantly—embrace the art of wu wei, or conscious non-action.
Let’s Do This!
Ready to create your own sauna retreat? Fill out the form below to get started—we’ll be in touch to discuss your vision and next steps.