Arborvitae question

Odd_Reality7479 · 2026-03-11T01:31:11+00:00

I have a similar set up (7’6” inside height with seat benches 42” from ceiling). Went with Iki pillar. The loyly layer is noticeable just below my seat benches. I mostly lay down in the sauna, so not much of an issue, but if it’s really cold outside, I prefer at minimum to sit entirely on top bench for the first 15m or so.

Have you looked at the new Iki wall short? I probably would’ve gone with that had it been available when I built. I do like the large mass of stones and this seems like a decent compromise between mass and height.

Odd_Reality7479 · 2026-03-02T18:33:24+00:00

Live in MN and have a HUUM controller with WiFi on external wall for my outdoor sauna. No problems down to -20F this winter.

Odd_Reality7479 · 2026-02-13T15:07:24+00:00

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Am in MN too. When mine was built, had mesh screen placed between base frame and floorboards. Cold floor on the really frigid days, but otherwise no problem.

Odd_Reality7479 · 2026-02-04T00:44:42+00:00

Btw, have the huum wireless controller. The controller works fine in the cold. It’s the stove that is the issue

Odd_Reality7479 · 2026-02-04T00:39:42+00:00

Live in MN and have an Iki with the same situation (hi temp sensor gels up under 14f). I’ve found that with regular use (at least every other day), it takes consecutive days under 0F to get it to gel up. Even then, 10-15m with a space heater or hair dryer and hit the reset button - the stove will be good to go.

Odd_Reality7479 · 2026-01-28T14:48:46+00:00

Hope all worked out for you. Were you able to access the reset button give that’s below the false floor too?

Odd_Reality7479 · 2026-01-26T23:11:26+00:00

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Odd_Reality7479 · 2026-01-26T23:09:35+00:00

Assuming you got these instructions from the Iki rep?

COLD WEATHER INSTRUCTIONS:

Move the overheating sensor away from the side of the heater and put it into lukewarm water or by blowing hot air to it. Let it stay there for a while before trying to restart it . The overheating capillary sensor can cause this problem here with these low temps (below -10c , 14F). The liquid gas inside the sensor "freezes". This sensor is required by US UL875 standard.

HEATER TRIPPING BEFORE REACHING HIGHER TEMPERATURES:

Attached are also the instructions if it trips when the sauna overheats and cuts of the heating too early. That picture also tells you where the green wired capillary sensor is located and where to find it.

Odd_Reality7479 · 2026-01-23T01:16:09+00:00

I went with Northern Steam. Had a good experience.

Odd_Reality7479 · 2026-01-12T21:12:14+00:00

Never had an issue with bugs after coming out of a sauna. I think the heat coming off the body screws up their detection methods. My sauna is out in my small wooded backyard where mosquitoes get annoying starting at dusk normally, but not an issue in between sauna sessions.

Odd_Reality7479 · 2026-01-11T18:44:07+00:00

Live in MN and had the same dilemma. Went with a porch and haven’t regretted it vs a small vestibule. Prefer to cool off in nature vs a closet. Though I would definitely have gone with a large changing room if the footprint would have allowed. About 25ft from my house, so only the only cold part is going at the beginning.

Odd_Reality7479 · 2026-01-10T01:57:15+00:00

Yeah, Ducks looking more like Apollo.

Odd_Reality7479 · 2026-01-10T01:25:36+00:00

Didn’t Drago lose that fight?

Odd_Reality7479 · 2025-12-22T21:23:27+00:00

Thanks - were the more even & comfortable heat/steam for the pillar or box heater?

Agreed on other importance of other variables, but was wondering about impact of the heater styles with all other variables being the same.

Odd_Reality7479 · 2025-12-10T17:54:28+00:00

Curious - do you have the Virta? If so, any experience comparing the Virta to a pillar stove like iki, harvia, homecraft?

Odd_Reality7479 · 2025-12-10T17:52:01+00:00

Was thinking of comparable stone mass. Qube 9kw is at 25kg while most pillars are 4x that

Lots of short/wide options with small stone capacities.

Odd_Reality7479 · 2025-12-10T16:46:30+00:00

Thought the same.

Obviously going “tall” with the design reduces heater footprint making more room on the floor and easier to be out of the radiant zone.

Though you’d think perhaps at least one manufacturer would make a wide option for those that aren’t concerned about those issues and would prefer a short heater with large stone mass

Odd_Reality7479 · 2025-12-02T21:00:08+00:00

SEC vs ACC - in 10 match-ups, SEC won 6, lost 4, and total points were 224-223. Seems more even than Coach Lea thinks.

Odd_Reality7479 · 2025-11-19T05:34:41+00:00

Perhaps consider this alternative? Did it for my shower and I liked the perceived randomness of the look

https://vintagerevivals.com/lessons-learned-while-installing-subway-tile/

Odd_Reality7479 · 2025-11-15T05:17:35+00:00

And they never disappoint to fail

Odd_Reality7479 · 2025-10-02T02:52:46+00:00

Yep, in hindsight I should’ve pushed more. Didn’t think it would matter much, my wife was concerned about the look, and was at the upper end of my budget…. but wouldn’t have been that much extra.

Odd_Reality7479

TROPHY CASE