Choose your sauna location FIRST and measure the ceiling and doorways
If you want to install a sauna inside your home, ensure it will fit in your chosen room or space. Some popular areas include the basement, back patio, garage, spare bedroom, a large bathroom, or even upstairs.
Nothing is worse than setting your eyes on a particular model/unit you want, getting it delivered, and then realizing it won’t fit!
If avoidable, do not buy a sauna unless you can install it in a room at least eight feet high. The height of your sauna is essential for safety, ease of use, and installation/maintenance.
Anything shorter than eight feet tall will feel cramped and claustrophobic. It will also be difficult for people with any sort of mobility problems. The same goes for those with limited flexibility due to their age; installing a large model above head height means holding onto handles while stretching out long limbs and trying not to fall over backward!
You also can’t forget you have to be able to get your sauna to that location.
For example, if you buy a kit, they often come in large, pre-built panels that may or may not fit through stairs, doorways, or hallways. This is one portion of the process where details are very important.
A lot of people want to install a sauna for the basement, which is a great idea, but you need to make sure you measure everything in between to get the components down there.
If the basement is your chosen location, make sure it doesn’t have any humidity issues, which can lead to mold/mildew.
Understand your electrical, water, and ventilation needs
Depending on what sauna you choose, you may be able to use standard wall outlets, or you may need 220v (appliance plugs) outlets.
Make sure you understand this before you choose the location of your sauna. You may be able to get by with a sauna that uses a standard 120v heater…but keep in mind, they generally take longer to heat up.
If you are wanting a traditional electric or wood-burning sauna, you may also need to consider ventilation and drainage. You should consider talking to a professional before installing your sauna indoors.
A professional will also be able to ensure you aren’t creating any fire or electrical hazards.
Compare saunas to ensure you are paying a fair price for your item
- Compare prices between online stores and physical stores. Sometimes online retailers have special deals. Sometimes physical stores have free delivery / installation. An extra 10 minutes of searching online can save a lot of headache and/or money.
- Look for a sauna that offers a warranty and customer service. This can be provided through the manufacturer or the dealer you buy it from. Check out our Buyer’s Guide to save some time.
- Check customer reviews, ratings, and comments before you purchase a home sauna. If you see a recurring complaint from actual customers, take it seriously.
Consider if you could possibly move in the near future
If you end up moving shortly after your install, a permanent indoor or outdoor sauna may not be the best use of your funds.
For example, you might consider a kit version that can be broken down and taken with you or a portable version specifically designed to be easy to break down, pop up or move around.
One exception to this is if you install an outdoor sauna next to your pool, which can sometimes increase your property value!
Portable saunas are great for small spaces and are easier to move around than traditional models. They also cost less than their larger counterparts, so they can be great options if your budget is tight or you want to give it a try without breaking the bank.
It won’t be the “same” experience, but the portable saunas that we have used still get the job done!
The good news? You don’t need professional installation services when buying a portable sauna because they’re easy enough to install yourself!
Consider purchasing an infrared model if you are serious about using your sauna regularly and getting the full benefit but aren’t ready for the traditional sauna experience.
Infrared models are very practical for home use, which is why this infrared sauna is the top recommended choice in our home sauna buyer’s guide.
When purchasing, be sure to ask if pre-assembly is included in the installation price or if there are any extra charges for this service. You want to make sure you understand what you are getting.
Suppose you’ve chosen a sauna that includes pre-assembly and installation. In that case, likely, your salesperson will already have taken care of everything for you—all you have to do is wait for delivery.
But if not, it’s up to you to determine what additional charges might apply before signing anything (or at least asking).
Do some research about saunas before making any purchase decision.
Check out the /sauna Reddit for some really good information. They often talk through some of the pain points in choosing, installing, and maintaining a home sauna. You can also get really good customization ideas.
If you are new to saunas, do your research
Find out what you need, and even more importantly, find out what is available. You should be able to narrow down your options. Learn about the different types of home saunas.
Once you have done this, find out whether or not the sauna fits into your budget and lifestyle, as well as how much space it will take up in the room where it would be installed.
Knowing how to choose the best home sauna will ensure you get the maximum benefit from your purchase and truly enjoy this wonderful experience.
Quick Recap: Do and Don’ts of buying a home sauna
Buying a sauna can be a fun experience. It is also a big investment, so you must do your research before making your final decision. Here are some tips to help you choose the right sauna for your needs:
- Don’t buy a sauna that is too big or too small.
- Make sure you have enough space in or outside your home for the type of sauna you want.
- Check with local regulations to see if you need a permit.
- To get the best sauna in your home, you must look into the different materials used to construct your enclosure. Several types of wood can be found in saunas, such as ash and oak. Ash is more affordable than oak but less durable due to its softness. Oak is more expensive than ash but lasts longer and holds up better under high temperatures. Remember, you get what you pay for!
In addition to looking at the type of wood being used for construction, these other factors may affect its performance over time:
- Quality control – Whether or not a manufacturer uses quality controls during the manufacturing process plays an important role in how well the sauna holds up over time. Trusted brands = Trusted materials
- Don’t skimp on the heater. If you’re going to spend money on a sauna, choose one with a powerful, durable, and reliable heater.
- Look for a model with an easily replaceable heating element and control panel so you can change the unit if needed.
- Pay attention to the door’s finish and trim of your sauna. Sometimes the little things matter when you sit in a small room for long periods of time.
- The finish is an important part of any sauna, as it determines how it looks and feels when you are using it. It also affects its durability, which is why many choose finishes made from aluminum or stainless steel. Some materials may be cheaper but are also more porous or susceptible to wear out over time (such as textured paints).
Suppose you don’t mind spending some extra money upfront. In that case, paying attention to some of these small details will probably be worth your time.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, do not buy a sauna unless you can install it in a room at least eight feet high. Once you get used to the heat, you may start spending more time inside and you may notice that your body adjusts to the heat so you can relax more quickly.
Compare saunas across many dealers/websites to ensure you are paying a fair price for your item. We know several people that are completely fine with having an affordable portable sauna, rather than investing in a full size sauna.
If you have the space and money, it is definitely a more enjoyable experience having a 2 or 4 person sauna in your home.
