Jake Morrison
Jake is a licensed contractor who has built and installed over 150 saunas across the Pacific Northwest. He specializes in outdoor installations, electrical work, and custom modifications. His practical, hands-on knowledge means he catches things other reviewers miss, like poor drainage design, weak barrel band tension, or subpar stave joinery. He runs his own sauna installation business in Portland, Oregon.
Guides by Jake
Electric vs Wood-Burning Barrel Saunas - The Complete Comparison
The heater debate settled with data. We compare electric and wood-burning barrel saunas on every metric that actually matters to owners.
Read GuideHow to Install a Barrel Sauna - Foundation to First Heat
Licensed contractor Jake Morrison walks you through barrel sauna installation from site prep to your first session. No experience needed.
Read GuideDIY Barrel Sauna Kit Build - A Contractor's Guide
Thinking about building your own barrel sauna? Jake Morrison has assembled over 150 sauna kits. Here is everything he has learned.
Read GuideHow to Maintain a Barrel Sauna - Owner's Maintenance Guide
A well-maintained barrel sauna lasts 20+ years. Here is every task you need and when to do it.
Read GuideHow to Clean an Infrared Sauna - Safe Cleaning Guide
Wrong cleaner will ruin the wood or short the electronics. Here is exactly how to clean your infrared cabin.
Read GuideSauna Installation Guide - Complete Setup Process
Installation mistakes cost thousands. This guide walks through every step I use for customer installations.
Read GuideOutdoor Sauna Installation - Foundation and Setup Guide
Outdoor installation has one big enemy - water. Get foundation and drainage right or pay for it later.
Read GuideInfrared Sauna Installation - Wiring and Setup Guide
Most 1-person infrared saunas plug into a standard outlet. Larger units need real electrical work. Here is everything.
Read GuideDIY Barrel Sauna Build - From Kit to First Burn
Kits save $2,000-$4,000 vs pre-built. They also take a full weekend and specific tools. Here is the full play-by-play.
Read GuideWood-Burning vs Electric Sauna Heater - Complete Comparison
Wood is traditional. Electric is convenient. Here is when each one is actually the right choice.
Read GuideCost to Run a Sauna - Real Electricity Data by Type
Annual running cost for a home sauna is cheaper than most people think - but varies 5x by type. Here are the numbers.
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