Short-term Rental Mobile Sauna Build

Grand Marais, MN 6.5×10 Mobile Sauna

This build began with a simple challenge: create a sauna that could outperform a traditional barrel sauna, withstand the demands of a short-term rental, and still feel premium and inviting for every guest that steps inside. Located in Grand Marais, MN, the property already had one barrel sauna, but the owner wanted something far more durable and easier to maintain. A mobile unit that could stay in one place like a backyard sauna, yet move whenever needed. The result is a 6.5×10 mobile sauna that blends modern durability with authentic wood-fired heat, built specifically for high turnover and unforgettable guest experiences.

A lasting
relaxation

Handcrafted
for you

Anywhere
you go

To enhance
active health

Improving
wellbeing

Built for Heavy Use and Mobility

A rental-ready sauna created for longevity, and a premium guest experience.

The client wanted a sauna that solved the biggest problems of barrel saunas—maintenance, heat retention, and structural lifespan. By choosing a mobile rectangular build with black metal siding, upgraded windows, a porch entry, and professional-grade materials, the sauna instantly elevated the rental offering. It looks modern, withstands weather, and operates more efficiently than typical rental units, all while giving guests the authentic wood-fired warmth they come for.

• 6.5×10 footprint
• Porch upgrade
• Windows upgrade (5×3, 1.5×5)
• Crank-down trailer
• Black metal exterior
• Lighted backrests
• STK paneling
• Outdoor shower
• LED lighting with solar panel on roof
• IKI wood stove
• Clear cedar benches

Project Gallery

Endless finish options

From the cladding and benches to the shape of the stove, each BW sauna reflects the evolving craftsmanship, standards, and a deep commitment to detail. Part of that detail is bringing a selection of some of the best wood products available. Thermory is our exclusive provider of our wood library, offering natural and chemical-free finishes in a variety of textures and colors.

WE MAKE SAUNAS FOR WHERE YOU ARE

Frequently Asked Questions About Saunas

We are here for you. Let’s chat over a coffee if you’re in the Duluth area. If not, we are always available by phone to explore what an outdoor sauna could look like for your life.

How long should you sit in a sauna?

It depends on what you are searching for! If you want to rest, 15 to 30 minutes is plenty of time. If you want to cleanse and enhance your skin, 15 to 30 minutes is perfect. If you’re an athlete, resting after exercise can help minimize muscular pain and improve circulation.

For more information on this issue, please see “How long to stay in a sauna.“

Does sauna burn calories?

Factors like weight, age, and exposure duration affect calorie burn in a sauna, with a 30-minute session potentially burning 100–300 calories. Harvard Health found that infrared saunas can burn up to 1.5 calories per minute, while the American Council on Exercise estimates 50–150 calories in a hot session.

For more information on this issue, please see

“Does sauna burn calories?“.

How to use a sauna safely?

Listen to Your Body: If you feel uncomfortable, exit the sauna! It is better to prevent than to cure.
Stay Hydrated: Drink water before, during, and after your sauna session to replace lost fluids.
Session Duration: Two to three sessions per week, each lasting 15 to 20 minutes, is a decent start.
Sauna Etiquette: Shower before entering, dress lightly or with a towel for comfort, and keep talking to a minimal for a peaceful atmosphere.

For more information on this issue, please see “How long should you sit in a sauna?“.

Do saunas help you lose weight?

The short answer is yes—with some restrictions. Saunas generally promote weight reduction by sweating, which allows the body to shed water weight momentarily. During a typical 30-minute sauna session, you can lose roughly 0.1 to 0.6 kg (0,22 to 1,32 pounds). However, this is primarily water weight, which will return as you rehydrate.

For more information on this issue, please see “Do saunas help you lose weight.”

What are the health benefits of sauna bathing?

Sauna bathing offers numerous health benefits, including weight control, hormonal balance, cardiovascular health benefits, musculoskeletal pain relief, muscle pain reduction, respiratory system benefits, and relaxation. It promotes a deep state of relaxation, reduces stress, and improves overall well-being.

For more information on this issue, please see “How long you should stay in a sauna.“

Who should avoid or limit sauna sessions?

Sauna baths are safe for most healthy individuals, but precautions are needed for those with specific conditions like acute infections, heart problems, or fever. Heat exposure can affect certain drugs’ pharmacokinetics, so high blood pressure medicines should be taken before use. Also, saunas are safe for children to use under adult supervision.

For more information on this issue, please see “How long you should stay in a sauna.“

A Personal Experience

Finding Resonance

In the world, everything has a resonant frequency. From a board, to the engine in your car. We’ve captured this into instruments such as the marimba. A simple line of wood specifically sized to create notes. That note harmonizing perfectly with each other piece of wood comes together into beautiful music when played skillfully. In sauna design, we feel the same. Bringing together finishes, materials and textures that harmonize together to create a masterpiece. Perfectly tuned to your goals, the end result is a warm inviting space that doesn’t distract, but guides you into the relaxation of sauna.