Home Sauna Cost
Depending on the size, material, & spa-like elements, the cost of a home sauna might fall anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. Here’s a home sauna cost guide to find your right fit.
How Much Does a Home Sauna Cost?
The typical home sauna will cost anywhere between $3,000-10,000. The reason there is such a disparity in home sauna cost is because there are so many factors that go into determining the cost such as size, features, and brand.
This guide on home sauna cost will break everything down for you.
Overview
A home sauna can come in as many sizes and types as there are budgets. No matter how
much room you have or money to spend, there is an option that will fit you. Costs vary widely with each option, so let’s take a look at types of saunas that may fit your budget.
On the low-end you have portable saunas, which will fit in any room and are constructed from a pvc frame, canvas exterior and small steamer. There are also infrared versions with panels built into the canvas. These are a great budget option or a fit for those in small apartments.
The middle option would be a smaller infrared sauna that can easily be setup in your garage, outdoors or in a room. It’s not near as easy to set up or break down, but they can be moved and will fit almost anywhere with a plug.
On the high-end we have large infrared and traditional saunas (both indoor and outdoor). If you have the room and money, these are going to be your best bet for a spa like experience that you can enjoy with others.
And finally if you are a true baller, an upgrade to a custom built, in home sauna and spa is always an option.
Check out our home sauna buyer’s guide for help choosing what option might be best for your home.
HOME SAUNA COST COMPARISON
| Type of home sauna | Average price |
| Portable Sauna | $100 – 500 |
| Indoor Infrared Sauna | $1,000 – $10,000 |
| Outdoor Sauna (IR or traditiona) | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Custom sauna room | Between $8,000 to $34,000 |
| Custom Pre-Cut Sauna Kit | Between $4,300 to $11,500 |
In House Sauna Cost Installation
Installation depends upon various factors, including the home sauna type and size of the sauna, and whether you want to build a sauna yourself or get a professional to do it.
A major expense that not all buyers consider is the cost to install. For a simple, portable sauna, you will most likely just handle yourself. However a large sauna, even from a kit, can be quite a task for 1 individual to handle. You may need a friend (or 2) or you may opt for set-up assistance.
When we put together our 4 person, infrared sauna, the actual design set-up was quite easy. Each wall, the floor and roof were 1 single piece that you put together in a jigsaw manner. BUT each panel was so heavy you will need 1-2 people to hold them in place while a third tried to get everything to snap together.
Set-up assistance may range from a few hundred up to a thousand depending on the size and complexity of your install.
You should also pay close attention to the power requirements of your sauna. Many infrared options require 220v power (in the USA) which is what your typical fridge or washer dryer might plug into. It won’t be compatible with a standard wall outlet.
When we installed our own infrared sauna in our garage, we spent $200 having a 220v plug put into the wall. This was quite affordable, but it only required covering a roughly 20 foot expanse from our breaker box through some attic space. If you are setting your sauna up at significant distance from your breakers or any other 220 outlet, you may be in for a surprise at the cost to get power to your unit. You can also pay close attention and focus on a unit that allows for a standard wall plug.
A large scale built in or outdoor setup will likely be even more expense, with a setup cost ranging well into the thousands. If you do hire a professional to install the sauna, prices will vary widely by the complexity and time for the project. If it is primarily just labor to assist with setting up a pre-fab kit, your cost may be as low hundred. For an outdoor kit, expect something more in the thousands. For a cust build the number only grows from there.
In House Sauna Cost vs Outdoor Sauna Cost
The reason that an outdoor sauna often costs more is that it is built to be much more structurally robust and is weather resistant to heat, cold, wind, sunshine and rain. This often requires a much sturdier build, higher quality materials and roof protection that an indoor one would like not include.
The cost of setting up a sauna room depends upon the type of wood and heat used, and whether the sauna is custom-built, pre-cut, or prefabricated.
Check out our Outdoor Buyer Breakdown for more info.
Cost of a Sauna “Kit” vs “Building it from Scratch?
For the vast majority of buyers we are going to recommend a kit. Very few people have the budget, space or need of a custom build.
Buying a sauna kit or a prefabricated modular sauna (which is unlike the DIY sauna where you have to build everything from scratch) decreases the amount of work to be done and your sauna can be more easily moved in the future.
Thus, making the installation of a sauna fast and easy, either outdoors or indoors.
Also, the walls of a prefab sauna are self-supporting, thus it means that you don’t need extra framing for your sauna. You don’t need any special equipment to build a prefabricated sauna as they are designed for easy installation.
On the contrary, a DIY sauna kit needs to be built from scratch, including setting up the frame walls, insulators, and its exterior, and needs special tools to be set up.
If you’re a renter, instead of a homeowner, then you may need a prefab sauna.
With a prefab sauna, you have the option to change or upgrade your home sauna depending upon your taste.
Infrared vs. Electric Sauna Cost
A standard infrared sauna can cost you from $2,300-to $8,500. An Infrared sauna comes in 3 types based on the difference in their wavelengths, namely: far-infrared, near-infrared, and full-spectrum infrared.
An infrared sauna heats up rapidly, needs no plumbing, and operates on an average electric outlet, thus is easy to manage.
Contrary to a traditional sauna, an infrared sauna produces dry heat and leads to sweating at a minimum temperature.
Cost of an Electric Sauna
The stones of an electric sauna heat electricity, but have an option to pour water over them to generate steam.
This can be a good solution for an in-home sauna since no smoke is involved.
However, an electric sauna is a good choice for outdoors where electricity is accessible.
The cost of an electric sauna can range from $3,000-$5,000.
Cost of a Portable Steam Sauna
A portable steam sauna costs less than a traditional sauna, although with a variety of price ranges. The majority of the portable steam saunas range from $100-$1000.
The rate usually depends upon the style and brand you opt for. However, most of the options fall to near $300.
Cost of a Steam Sauna
A steam sauna, also known as a Turkish hammam, or a steam room, uses electricity to boil water to let out steam into the sauna room. The area remains moist, therefore, ceramic tiles are used for building it. This type of sauna can help those with respiratory problems and helps lower blood pressure.
The cost of a steam sauna usually costs between $4,000-$6,000.
Cost of a Smoke Sauna
A smoke sauna is a special, basic sauna. No electricity, or chimney is used, but the concept is close to a wood-burning sauna. A fire is ignited under the stones, and the sauna fills in smoke. The smoke is let out through the door and once completed, you can enjoy the sauna. These tend to be less popular than other saunas.
The cost of a smoke sauna varies from $3,000- to $4,000.
Cost of a Wood-burning Sauna
This is also known as the Finnish sauna and is fueled by wood. The stones are heated by the wood burner and the water flows over the stones with the help of a ladle. Thus, the steam is generated. These types of saunas are the best for outdoors and in areas where smoke doesn’t interrupt your bystanders.
The cost of a wood-burning sauna can range from $3,000-$4,000.
Cost of a Shower Sauna Combo
Also known as steam showers, these are prefabricated saunas with a bit higher prices. This type of sauna is installed for an average of $2,500, including the door and a stall. Also, you can get an independent sauna at $2,000-$3,000, which needs a plumber and wiring to be done.
Overall, the cost of a steam shower surpasses its various benefits.
Cost of a Sauna Blanket
A sauna blanket is like a sleeping bag that covers your whole body and can be used on the floor, in a bed or chair.
The cost of a sauna blanket can reach between $100- $1000. It is cost-friendly and easy to use.
Cost of a Sauna Suit
A high-quality sauna suit is made up of polyester². The average cost of a sauna suit can be anywhere between $45 to $60. If you want a neoprene suit, then the cost may be $100.
Basic Features vs Premium (custom) Features of Home Saunas
The basic features of the sauna include an electrical certification, 100% non-toxic materials, a safety glass, etc. Superficially, the steam saunas and premium saunas, like infrared saunas may look alike, but there is a difference in the heating method, heat-up time, health benefits, temperature, maintenance, running costs, sauna costs, installation, and sauna experience. For example, if we analyze the costs, a cedar sauna flooring can cost about $425, while a plywood sauna flooring can cost only $125.
Saunas do have at least one bench with the choice to add accessories such as given below,
Sauna accessories and features (with rates):
| Accessories | Rate |
| Bench | Between $100 – $200 |
| Door | Between $700 – $1,200 |
| Brushes | Between $10 – $35 |
| Fragrances/aromatherapy | Between $25 – $70 |
| Speakers / sound system | Between $150 – $900 |
| Window | Between $250 – $900 |
| Thermometer | Between $20 – $80 |
| Seat cushion | Between $80 – $400 |
| Sauna rocks | Between $40 – $90 |
| Oxygen ionizer | Between $45 – $200 |
| Fog-free mirror | Between $25 – $450 |
| Control panel | Between $250 – $800 |
| Floor mat | Between $20 – $100 |
| Backrest | Between $45 – $175 |
| Headrest | Between $30 – $80 |
| Lights / chromatherapy | Between $50 – $300 |
| Water bucket and ladle | Between $65 – $125 |
| Hygrometer | Between $30 – $60 |
| Robe hook | Between $20 – $30 |
Takeaway
Despite some eye popping prices, there is a sauna option for every home and every budget. We have personally tested sauna blankets, portable tent saunas, large prefab infrared kits and custom outdoor steam saunas. Each has it’s pluses and minuses but we can confidently say that some of the best sweats we’ve had were in a $200 portable infrared sauna tent. There’s no need to wait. Get something for your budget today and enjoy the long-lasting benefits of your own home sauna.
Before buying a sauna and hiring any professional, make sure to check out at least 3 estimates for comparison.
FAQS
How much time does a sauna take to heat up?
It takes 10 minutes for an infrared sauna to heat up. However, for a traditional sauna, it may take about 15 minutes to half an hour to get heated
Do saunas aid in losing weight?
While you’re in a sauna, you might lose a few pounds after being in the sauna due to water loss. The weight gets back to its original value once the body rehydrates itself. Exercising in a sauna suit³ can also help you lose a few pounds. Read more about the benefits of a sauna.
How does a sauna add value to your bathhouse?
A sauna adds value to your bathhouse more than what we expect. It helps us in combating certain health issues, like high blood pressure and circulation⁴, thus, boosting our overall physical and mental health.
How much does a sauna cost?
A prefab, 4-person kit can cost anywhere between $2,640-$4,790. However, a custom-built sauna can cost anywhere between $3,000-$6,000.
Is an infrared sauna good for you?
An infrared sauna is good for your health. It can help increase WBCs in your blood, help relieve muscle cramps, and has many mental health benefits.