Choosing the Right Heater for Your Sauna: Wood-Burning vs Electric

When it comes to creating the perfect sauna experience, selecting your heater can sometimes be a challenging decision. Typically, your two options are wood-burning and electric heaters, each offering its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Here's a breakdown to help you decide which fits your sauna dreams best.

Wood-Burning Heaters

Pros:

• Authentic Experience: Wood-burning heaters offer a traditional sauna experience. The crackling fire and the scent of burning wood enhance the ambiance, making it feel more natural and rustic. Plus, all our wood-burning heaters come with a window in the door, providing the perfect lighting and a mesmerizing view of the fire.

• Off-Grid Capability: These heaters are ideal for locations without reliable electricity or where running a cable might be challenging.

• Cost-Effective Fuel: If you already burn firewood or have access to wood on your property, wood-burning heaters can be more economical compared to the ongoing costs of electricity.

• Faster Heat-Up Time: With a well-built fire using dry firewood, a wood-burning heater can heat up quicker than electric heaters. For smaller saunas, this can be as quick as around 30 minutes, and they can often get hotter, although electric heaters usually reach a temperature that's comfortable for most people.

• Less to Go Wrong: Electric heaters occasionally have a heating element fail and need replacement. In contrast, there's very little that can go wrong with a wood-burning heater.

Cons:

• Maintenance and Cleaning: Regular cleaning is required to remove ash and soot, and they also need an occasional chimney sweep. This maintenance is essential to ensure safety and efficiency.

• More Effort: Building a fire is necessary before use, which might not be ideal for everyone. For smaller saunas, a good fire usually doesn't need restoking before reaching the desired temperature, but larger saunas might require at least one restoking.

Electric Heaters

Pros:

• Convenience: Electric heaters are incredibly user-friendly. With the flip of a switch or the push of a button, your sauna starts heating up, no fire-starting skills required. Some heaters even offer Wi-Fi control options, so you can turn on your sauna from your phone!

• Consistent Temperature Control: They provide more accurate temperature control, allowing you to maintain your desired sauna climate effortlessly.

Cons:

• Dependent on Electricity: Not ideal if you're in an area with unreliable power, your electrical panel is full, or running a wire to the sauna is challenging.

• Higher Operating Costs: While the cost per sauna session is typically only $1-2, depending on your local electricity rates, frequent use can add to your energy bills.

• Less Traditional Feel: Electric heaters might lack the traditional sauna ambiance that comes with a wood-burning heater, such as the natural sounds, scents, and the glow of the fire.

Making Your Choice

When deciding between a wood-burning and an electric heater for your sauna, consider your priorities. Are you seeking that authentic sauna experience and have access to cheap wood, or do you value convenience and consistency more? Reflect on your sauna's location, your budget for the initial setup and ongoing costs, and how much effort you're willing to invest. Some people relish the ritual of making a fire, while others prefer the simplicity of turning it on from their phone.

Whichever option you choose, both wood-burning and electric heaters can provide the warmth and relaxation that make saunas a cherished retreat in homes and cabins alike. Remember, the best choice is the one that aligns with your lifestyle, preferences, and the unique character of your sauna space.

Transforming Your Backyard into Your Ideal Office Space

In recent years, the trend of working from home has notably increased, significantly altering the landscape of our professional lives. In the midst of this transition, the concept of backyard offices has emerged as both a practical and innovative solution. These spaces are not merely functional; they effectively enhance work efficiency while simultaneously integrating into our personal living spaces, thus providing a harmonious balance.

Moreover, the versatility of these backyard structures is remarkable. They are not confined to serving solely as workspaces. Instead, they can be transformed into a variety of settings: a creative studio for artistic endeavors, a cozy retreat for relaxation, an unconventional dining area for memorable meals, or even a tranquil yoga sanctuary. The potential uses of these spaces are boundless, limited only by one’s creativity and imagination.

Benefits of Backyard Offices

1. Enhanced Productivity and Focus:

A backyard office provides a haven away from the distractions of household life. This separation fosters a professional mindset, enabling deep focus without the usual interruptions of home. It's like having a personal sanctuary of productivity, right in your backyard.

2. Improved Work-Life Balance:

Having a backyard office delineates a clear boundary between your professional and personal life. This physical distinction makes it easier to 'switch off' from work, fostering a healthier work-life balance. It's the best of both worlds, just a few steps away.

3. Health and Wellbeing:

Nestled in nature, these offices offer a peaceful environment that significantly reduces stress and boosts mental health. The influx of natural light and proximity to the outdoors serve as a daily source of calm and wellbeing.

4. Cost-Effectiveness:

Backyard offices are often more economical than home additions. They eliminate office rent expenses while increasing property value, making them a wise long-term investment in both your professional and personal realms.

Building Permits and Legal Considerations

In Ontario, structures under 160 sqft typically don't require a building permit, streamlining the setup. However, it's always advisable to check your local zoning laws and regulations to ensure everything is in order.

Essentials for a Backyard Office

1. Structure and Design:

For a seamless and cost-effective setup, we recommend keeping your backyard office under 160 sqft. This size ensures you avoid the hassle and expense of building permits. When it comes to construction, our focus is on sustainability through proper insulation, long-lasting durability, and effective yet appealing design. We provide buildings that are fully insulated and equipped with steel roofs, complete with overhangs. These overhangs are not just for protection; they play a vital role in maximizing the benefits of passive solar design. This approach boosts energy efficiency and enhances the comfort of the space.

One of the great advantages of these compact structures is their minimal foundation requirements. Unlike additions that need deep, costly foundations to withstand frost, our backyard offices can be efficiently set up on a simpler base. We typically install these units on concrete blocks, laid over a bed of gravel after removing the topsoil. This method is not only effective but also reduces installation time and cost, making it an ideal choice for your backyard workspace.

2. Power and Connectivity:

Reliable electrical wiring and internet connectivity are essential for a fully functional office. Wi-Fi extenders or Ethernet cables can ensure a strong and consistent online presence.

3. Climate Control:

Comfort is paramount in any workspace. Mini heat pumps are an ideal choice, offering eco-friendly heating in winter and cooling in summer, ensuring comfort throughout the year.

As we've explored the myriad benefits and possibilities of backyard offices, from enhancing productivity to offering a versatile space that adapts to your needs, it's clear that these structures represent more than just a trend. They are a lifestyle enhancement, blending seamlessly with both your work and personal life.

If the idea of a backyard office intrigues you, or if you're already envisioning your own creative studio, cozy retreat, or efficient workspace, we're here to help bring that vision to life. With standard options available across Canada and custom solutions in and around Peterborough and the Kawarthas, your perfect backyard transformation is just a conversation away. Reach out to us, and let's start crafting your unique space, tailor-made for your story.

Foundations for Small Buildings: Practical and Efficient Approaches

Introduction: When it comes to constructing small buildings, choosing the right foundation is crucial for both longevity and functionality. This post explores various foundation options for small buildings, balancing cost, practicality, and durability.

Building Code Considerations in Ontario: In Ontario, accessory buildings under 592 sqft (55m²) are not required to have a foundation extending below the frost line. This is because smaller buildings can generally move monolithically, meaning that even if there is slight frost heave, it's typically not a cause for concern. This flexibility in the building code offers several creative foundation solutions.

Simpler Foundations: Cottage Blocks and Patio Stones: For many small structures, like guest cabins or backyard offices, using cottage blocks or patio stones is a practical solution. This method involves removing the topsoil, adding a layer of gravel for drainage, and then placing the blocks or stones. This approach provides enough support for many buildings, is cost effective, and can be easily adjusted if necessary.  In the event of frost heave, the building can be jacked up and re-leveled with relative ease, although this has rarely been necessary for us.

Piers for Uneven Ground: For uneven ground, using piers is an effective solution. These can be concrete piers or helical piers (big metal screws).  When installing piers, it's often best to go below the frost line or down to bedrock to ensure stability and longevity.

Insulating the Floor System: If the building is going to be heated an essential step in this process is insulating the wood-framed floor system. Typically, we will insulate these spaces with Roxul Batts. Additionally, using pressure-treated plywood on the bottom of the floor system can prevent critters from getting into the structure.

Dealing with Critters: One downside of simpler foundation methods is the potential for critters to live under the building. To counteract this, some opt for a concrete slab-on-grade foundation, which, while more costly, offers better protection against wildlife and adds stability. If the building is to be heated, it's advisable to insulate under the slab for energy efficiency.

Special Considerations for Saunas and small sheds: For structures like saunas, which are typically lighter and less permanent, there's flexibility in foundation choices. Many are simply placed on patio stones or pressure-treated 4x4s to keep the floor off the ground and prevent rot. Some owners prefer concrete slabs for a more permanent solution, while others integrate the sauna into an extended deck area, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Conclusion: Choosing the right foundation for a small building is a balance of practicality, cost, and the specific needs of the structure. Whether opting for simple block foundations or more elaborate slab or pier systems, each solution offers its own set of benefits to consider for your next project.  At The Little Building Company, we’ll always try and steer you in the right direction to help you find what makes the most sense for your project.

Red vs. White Cedar: Choosing the Right Wood for Your Sauna Experience

When it comes to building a sauna, the choice of wood is not just a matter of aesthetics but also of performance and sustainability. Two popular choices are red cedar and white cedar, each with its own set of advantages. Here in Ontario, we have the luxury of choosing between locally sourced white cedar and red cedar from out West. Let's delve into the differences between these two types of wood and how they might influence your sauna's construction and experience.

Red Cedar: Aromatic and Resilient

Red cedar, known for its rich, reddish hue, is a staple in sauna construction. It's highly sought after for its distinct aroma, which is not only pleasant but also naturally resistant to mold and bacteria - a significant consideration for a high-moisture environment like a sauna.

Pros:

• Durability: Red cedar's natural oils make it incredibly resistant to decay, ensuring your sauna lasts for years to come.

• Aromatic Experience: The wood releases a soothing scent that enhances the sauna experience.

• Insulation Properties: Its excellent insulation properties keep the heat in, making it energy-efficient.

Cons:

• Cost: Red cedar usually comes with a higher price tag due to its imported status.

• Environmental Impact: Transporting red cedar from the West to Ontario has a larger carbon footprint, which might not align with eco-conscious building practices.

White Cedar: Locally Sourced and Sustainable

White cedar, a native species in Ontario, offers a more muted tone and a subtle aroma. It's a sustainable choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.

Pros:

• Local Sourcing: By choosing white cedar, you're supporting local businesses and reducing transportation emissions.

• Environmental Friendliness: It has a lower embodied carbon footprint, aligning with green building practices.

• Resilience: While slightly less durable than red cedar, white cedar still offers good resistance to decay and insects.

Cons:

• Less Aromatic: The scent of white cedar is not as strong as red cedar, but it’s till aromatic and you’ll still get to enjoy that classic cedar smell.

• Maintenance: While still naturally rot resistant, white cedar may require slightly more maintenance over time to retain its appearance and structural integrity.

Conclusion: Balancing Preferences and Principles

The choice between red and white cedar for your sauna comes down to a balance of sensory preferences, longevity, and environmental values. Red cedar might appeal to the traditionalist seeking that classic sauna scent and ambiance, while white cedar will attract those prioritizing local sustainability and a more understated aesthetic. Over time the exterior of both white cedar and red cedar saunas will silver naturally if left untreated and eventually will look the same.

At The Little Building Company, we understand the importance of making an informed choice that aligns with your values and ensures a stress-free experience. Whether you choose the aromatic allure of red cedar or the local sustainability of white cedar, we are here to craft a canvas for your sauna story with quality, creativity, and an environmentally conscious approach.

"Crafting Canvases, ready for you to paint your story."

Enhancing Homes and Cottages in Peterborough and the Kawarthas: The Little Building Company Difference

As a homeowner or cottager in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, you understand the value of functional, beautiful outdoor living spaces. A custom bunkie, a cozy deck, or a thoughtful addition can transform your property. When it comes to these key projects, you need a trustworthy partner—welcome to The Little Building Company.

Custom Bunkies in Peterborough and the Kawarthas: Our Specialty

A bunkie or guest cabin is more than an extra room—it can be a serene retreat, a dedicated workspace, or a guest haven. At The Little Building Company, we're known for creating custom bunkies that seamlessly fit into your unique property and lifestyle, or choose from one of our standard buildings.

Do you have a specific bunkie design in mind? Looking for custom window placements to capture the best views of the Kawarthas, or an interior layout that maximizes comfort and space? Our team is ready to bring your bunkie dreams to life.

Building Trust and Quality in Every Project

Trust and respect aren’t just words to us—they're integral to how we operate. At The Little Building Company, we promise more than just high-quality materials and exceptional craftsmanship. We commit to upholding the highest standards in every project, no matter how small. We respect your property, your vision, and your investment, ensuring our work always meets—and exceeds—your expectations.

Beyond Bunkies: Decks and Additions in Peterborough and the Kawarthas

While we've made our mark as the go-to bunkie builders in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, our expertise doesn't stop there. Dreaming of a beautiful deck for those perfect summer evenings? Or perhaps a small addition to your cottage for extra space? The Little Building Company is here for you.

Whether it's a deck or an addition, we treat each project with the same level of dedication and care. We guide you through the process, ensuring your involvement every step of the way. The end result is more than just a structure—it's a living space you'll love.

Experience The Little Building Company Difference

When it comes to building bunkies, guest cabins, decks, and additions in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, The Little Building Company is a name you can trust. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, custom solutions, and respectful service. Ready to enhance your outdoor living space? Contact us today and let us bring your vision to life.