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How Much Does a Home Sauna Cost?

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Home saunas are beautiful, soothing, and invigorating for the entire family. Home sauna prices depend on kind, size, and location. Installation costs for a residential sauna range from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the criteria above. This article discusses home sauna styles, typical pricing, and key aspects to consider before buying. So how much does a sauna cost? Find out below.

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What is a home sauna?

At home saunas are sweat palaces. It’s a modest space to unwind and feel regal. Like a home spa day. Infrared or electric heaters with wood, stone, or tile will make you feel like you’re in a sauna. It may be prefab or custom-built and placed inside or outdoors. They may be used for weight reduction, relaxation, and physical treatment.

Why Own a Home Sauna?

Here are three reasons why owning an at home sauna can be beneficial:

  • Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Most individuals buy a home sauna for its relaxation and stress relief. After a hard day, a sauna may help relax muscles. Saunas may also alleviate tension and promote tranquility and well-being.
  • Wellness: Regular sauna sessions may enhance cardiovascular health, weight reduction, and skin. Saunas enhance blood flow, stimulate the immune system, and relieve muscular and joint discomfort.
  • Convenience and Flexibility: You can use a home sauna anytime you want. Unlike a gym or spa, you may use a sauna at home on your own time. Customize your sauna’s size, shape, and features.

Owning a home sauna is a terrific method to enhance your health and relax at home.

How Much Does a Home Sauna Cost in Average?

How much does a home sauna cost? is a common inquiry. It depends on the sort of sauna, its size, and whether it’s custom-built or prefabricated. Home saunas typically cost between $3,000 and $10,000. Remember that’s the average cost—you may discover cheaper or more costly ones. Don’t let the price deter you—having your own sweat palace is worth it. Here are some different types of sauna that you can build.

In Home Sauna Types

There are many at home sauna options. Each variety has its own pros and downsides, so choose wisely. These are the most common types of saunas.

Traditional Saunas

Many people associate “sauna.” with a typical sauna. Dry heat and heated pebbles produce a humid atmosphere. Wood-burning stoves or electric heaters provide heat. Wood saunas are rustic and natural. They’re perfect for wood-smoke lovers who desire a classic sauna.

Steam Showers

Steam showers are saunas that soothe and rejuvenate with moist heat and steam. For a more humid experience, a shower-sauna is a good alternative. Steam showers include built-in lights, music, and seats constructed of tile or other waterproof materials.

Infrared Sauna

Newer saunas employ infrared heaters to generate mild, penetrating heat. Infrared saunas consume less energy and are smaller. They are fantastic for soothing and therapeutic infrared heat. Infrared saunas may be portable, prefabricated, or built of wood.

Cost to Build a Home Sauna by Type?

Before buying for a home sauna, consider the cost. Home saunas average $50–200 per square foot. The usual sauna is 8′ x 5′, thus it might cost up to 40 square feet.

Traditional Dry Saunas

Dry saunas employ electric or wood heaters to dry the air. These saunas cost $2,500 to $10,000 or more, depending on features and amenities.

Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas heat efficiently using infrared lights and heat. These saunas cost $1,500 to $7,000, substantially less than regular saunas.

Wood-Fired Saunas

Wood-burning saunas provide a unique and relaxing experience for the adventurous. They cost $3,000–$6,000, which is a drawback.

Home Sauna Cost by Location

The kind and location of a home sauna will affect its price. Saunas need 15–50 square feet, a waterproof floor, insulation, and ventilation.

Location affects sauna prices. Due to the necessity for a stable, level base and weatherproofing, indoor saunas are much cheaper than outdoor saunas. Location-specific cost estimates are below.

Indoor sauna room cost

Installing an indoor sauna costs $2,300 to $11,500. Pre-cut, prefab, and custom-built sauna rooms cost more depending on wood and heat type.

Cost to build an outdoor sauna

Depending on size, wood type, construction style, and heater, an outdoor sauna costs $5,500 to $34,000. In addition to these expenditures, outdoor saunas need a sturdy, level foundation and installation in a weather-protected region to last longer. Barrel saunas are a popular choice for their style and low cost.

Portable Sauna

Portable saunas cost $200–$2,000 depending on kind. Portable personal saunas are foldable, one-person saunas.

What Does a Home Sauna Cost Per Square Foot?

Size and personalization affect home sauna prices. Prefab models cost $50 to $120 per square foot, whereas bespoke models may cost over $200.

2-Person Sauna

An average 8 by 5 foot sauna costs $800–$3,200. It fits two people. This cost doesn’t include installation or extras.

4-Person Sauna

The typical homeowner spends $4,200 for a larger 8-by-5-foot or 40-square-foot sauna. Four people, with foot massage platforms, seats, and built-in music systems, can fit in this size. Larger saunas benefit from more expensive materials.

13 Home Sauna Cost Factors

There are several sauna construction and customization options. Every option affects pricing. To meet your budget, you may need to compromise.

For example, some woods are quite pricey. If you want a bigger sauna, use cheaper wood. If wood is your thing, a smaller sauna with fewer options may be best.

Dimensions

Cost depends on sauna size. Materials and labor are more costly at bigger sizes. Recent studies show that house saunas cost $2,300 to $11,500 with installation.

Sauna Type

Cost depends on sauna type. Wood-burning and electric home saunas exist. Electric saunas are cheaper than wood-fired, costing $2,300 to $7,500 with installation. Infrared saunas cost $1,500–$7,000 to install.

Sauna Location

Location influences sauna cost. Weatherproofing and a stable base make indoor saunas cheaper than outside ones. Installing an indoor sauna costs $2,300 to $11,500. Depending on size, wood type, building style, and heater, outdoor saunas cost $5,500–$34,000. Portable alternatives cost $200–$2,000.

Sauna Brand

Cost depends on sauna brand. High-end materials and features make certain brands more pricey. Before buying, check prices and read reviews. Lower-priced companies may install your sauna for about $5,000, while higher-priced ones may charge twice that.

Prefabricated vs. Custom Sauna

Prefabricated or modular saunas fit existing areas. A prefab sauna costs $50–120 per square foot less than bespoke ones. Due of their complexity and personalization, custom designs might approach $200 per square foot.

Wood

Your sauna’s price depends on the wood you use. Cedar is popular and economical, costing $3 to $7 per square foot. Redwood and teak cost $30–$35 and $35–$55 per square foot, respectively. Pine and spruce cost less.

Heater

Your sauna’s heater also affects cost. Most people use electric heaters, which cost $200 to $2,000 depending on size and features. Wood-burning stoves cost $800–$4,000 and need ventilation systems. Energy-efficient infrared heaters cost $1,500 to $4,000. Be sure to size your heater according to the number of cubic feet in your sauna.

Extras

Custom elements like seats, lighting, and music systems add additional costs. Before adding extras, set a reasonable budget and stick to it. Some features and their prices:

  • Benches: $200–$1,000
  • Lighting—$50–$150
  • Audio systems—$200–$400
  • Custom stonework $500–$2,000

As seen, implementing these features is expensive. If these personalized elements are important to your sauna ideal, picking cheaper solutions may allow for them.

Electrical and Plumbing

If you don’t have plumbing or electricity connections, add these charges. Electrical repair costs $300 to $800 and plumbing $350 to $1,750, depending on intricacy. Before signing anything, inquire whether the installation includes these services.

Labor

Finally, labor expenses impact sauna costs. Depending on intricacy and size, professional installation costs $500–2,000. DIY installation may save you money. Before starting, make sure you’re comfy.

Geographic Location

The unit’s price will likely be the same wherever you reside. Location affects labor costs. Urban regions may have greater labor costs. A 40-square-foot, four-person home sauna costs on average in each state:

  • $3,100 Colorado
  • $3,300 Arizona
  • $3,300 Florida
  • $4,000.
  • $4,000.
  • NY: $4,500
  • $4,700 Illinois

This is an approximate estimate, so verify local prices.

Running Costs

Home saunas are soothing and cost electricity or wood. Depending on heater size and temperature, a 1-2 hour sauna session costs $1.4–$2.6 in power. Don’t worry—a sauna session doesn’t cost much. New sauna heaters are energy-efficient, so following a few easy guidelines may lower your expenditures and increase your enjoyment. To prevent heating the sauna several times, never leave the heater on while you’re not using it and always have the complete family go on the same evening. If you’re feeling cheap, you can even utilize the remaining heat to heat your home! If you’re feeling daring, a wood-fired sauna will cost $150–250 per year, depending on fuel utilization. Enjoy the sauna, but watch the expense.

Warranties

A home sauna warranty is like a life jacket for a swimmer: it may not be the most thrilling buy, but it may save you money in the long term. A warranty costs $300 to $1,200, but many home sauna repairs cost $170 to $600, making it worth it. Before you start worrying, get a warranty and enjoy your sauna sessions.

Home Sauna Installation: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

You may be debating whether to construct a home sauna yourself or hire a professional. Discuss. DIY installation might save money but also make you sweat (and not in the good way). An expert will ensure that the sauna doesn’t collapse or spill steam all over your home. The experts have all the proper gear, so you won’t have to purchase a sauna-specific drill bit set (which is definitely not something you want to add to your Amazon basket).

Can You Install a Sauna in Your Home?

Your house may have a sauna. Your living room, cellar, or garden may have a sauna if you have the space and funds. Ventilation and electrical wiring are crucial. To avoid swaying like a drunken sailor, set the sauna on a level surface. However, if you’re not good with tools or don’t know the electrical requirements, hire an expert.

How Does A Home Sauna Work?

Home saunas heat a small space with heat and steam. Water is poured over sauna rocks that have been heated by an electric or wood-burning heater to produce steam and heat. Sweating opens pores and detoxifies skin as the sauna temperature rises. Heat relaxes muscles, relieving pain and stress. A home sauna is like a spa in your own house. In contrast to a spa, no one will take your towel or shampoo.

Home Sauna Pros and Cons

Before you decide, consider these sauna pros and cons.

Simple Relaxation

Home saunas provide delightful relaxation. Imagine unwinding at home after a hard day. An in-home sauna can help you achieve that feeling of calm and bliss.

Improved Health

They benefit health. Steam saunas are calming and healthy. Saunas may decrease blood pressure, enhance cardiovascular health, and potentially lessen cancer risk.

Increased Home Value

In-home saunas boost house value. A house sauna may boost its value. Sauna-equipped homes may sell for more.

Can be Expensive

Home saunas are costly. An in-home sauna may be expensive yet relaxing and healthy. Sauna installation and upkeep are costly.

Require Room

They use bathroom space. Saunas replace bathrooms, taking up space. In-home saunas may not be ideal for tiny homes due to space limitations.

Need Maintenance

Home saunas need upkeep. Sauna installation and upkeep are costly. Lightbulbs, sauna cleaning, and sauna heater maintenance must be done routinely. Some homeowners may not want the extra duty.

How to Save Money on Home Sauna Cost

Home saunas are affordable. Follow these strategies to enjoy the sauna on a budget:

  • Know the sauna measurements to prevent overpaying.
  • Use scrap wood, cheap materials, or a prefab infrared kit.
  • Try a second-hand stove, forego the luxuries, or add a steam shower.
  • Don’t forget to compare prices.

However, “good things come to those who sauna” and a little amount of financial pinching now may lead to a lifetime of sauna joy.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

Are home saunas worth it?

This is a subjective question, as the value of a home sauna will vary depending on the individual’s preferences and needs. However, many people find that having a home sauna provides a luxurious and relaxing experience, as well as potential health benefits.

How expensive is a home sauna?

The cost of a home sauna can vary greatly depending on the size, type, and materials used. However, a typical home sauna can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.

How big is a home sauna?

A home sauna starts at around 20 square feet for a small two-person model. This can be doubled or tripled for larger saunas that seat four or more people. Adding custom features, such as a foot massager, can increase the square footage.

Where to install a home sauna?

A home sauna can be installed in a variety of locations, such as a basement, garage, or even an outdoor space. However, it is important to consider the electrical and plumbing requirements, as well as ventilation and accessibility when choosing a location.

What are the benefits of a home sauna?

Some potential benefits of a home sauna include relaxation, stress relief, improved circulation, and even pain relief. Additionally, regular use of a home sauna may also aid in weight loss and detoxification.

What type of sauna is best for a home?

The best type of sauna for a home will depend on personal preferences and budget. Some popular options include traditional wood-burning saunas, electric saunas, and infrared saunas.

How much does it cost to install a home sauna?

The total price varies, but labor costs to install a home sauna range from $700 to $3,000 depending on the size, area, and complexities of the build.

Does a home sauna need ventilation?

Yes, a home sauna will need proper ventilation to ensure safe and healthy use. This can include an exhaust fan to remove hot and humid air, as well as an intake vent to bring in fresh air.

Are home saunas hard to maintain?

The level of maintenance required for a home sauna will depend on the type of sauna and the frequency of use. For example, a traditional wood-burning sauna will require more maintenance than an electric sauna.

How to buy a home sauna?

Buying a home sauna requires a few steps:

  • Decide on a DIY, prefabricated, or custom professional build.
  • Purchase or create the plans for the sauna.
  • Buy the materials to build it yourself or order the prefabricated kit.
  • Hire a contractor to build it.
  • Hire a plumber and electrician to install wiring and piping.

These are the basic steps to buy or build a home sauna. The best first step for most people will be to find a reputable local dealer who can help you through the process.

Are home saunas healthy?

Regular use of a home sauna may provide potential health benefits, such as improved circulation, stress relief, and pain relief. However, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting to use a sauna.

Conclusion

In conclusion, installing a home sauna can be an investment, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re looking for more information or help with installing a home sauna, look no further than Epic Hot Tubs, your local hot tub and sauna dealer in Raleigh, North Carolina. With their expertise and wide range of options, they will help you create the perfect home sauna experience that fits your budget and even provide local assembly. Not from NC? Epic Hot Tubs can ship DIY saunas nationally. Don’t let the cost of a home sauna discourage you. Contact Epic Hot Tubs today and let them show you how to make it happen!

About The Author:

Manny Brambila

Pool & Spa Expert

Manny has been in the Pool & Spa industry for over 15 years and is considered a pool, swim spa, & hot tub expert. He has been a Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) since 2009 and worked 15 years in aquatic training and development for the largest pool chemical and customer care company. He also has been an outside consultant for the Pool and Spa industry in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles since 2018. In the past few years Manny has become Director of Operations for Epic Hot Tubs with a priority of providing customers with the most reliable information and best service possible.

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