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- Typical Range: $3,000 to $6,000
- National Average: $4,500
There are several health benefits of having a sauna at home, such as boosting the immune system, relaxing sore muscles, improving circulation, releasing toxins from the body, and relieving stress. Typically made from wood, steam saunas for home traditionally use water poured over hot stones to create the heat and steam, while the best infrared saunas utilize infrared panels to efficiently distribute heat. Infrared saunas are more efficient since they can create heat at a lower temperature. What is the cost of installing a sauna in your home? According to HomeAdvisor, home sauna cost ranges from $3,000 to $6,000, with many homeowners spending about $4,500. The overall price of a home sauna depends on the size and type of sauna, unique features, construction materials, and the addition of any customizations. Labor costs to install a home sauna typically run from $700 to $3,000.
Many homeowners agree that home sauna installation cost is worth it for the convenience of having a wellness retreat in their own home. The best home saunas may also increase the value of a home if the potential homebuyer prefers to enjoy the luxury of a sauna at their own residence instead of in a public location. This guide will look into the factors that influence home sauna cost, the types of home saunas, the benefits of using a home sauna, and the important questions for homeowners to ask a professional about the cost to build a sauna at home.
Factors in Calculating Home Sauna Cost
There are several elements that affect home sauna cost. The cost of home sauna installation can vary from the national average due to the sauna size and type, the type of fuel, location, sauna brand, heater, plumbing and electrical work, local labor costs, and geographic location. The amount it costs to run a home sauna can vary as well depending on the sauna type and size.
Sauna Size
The larger the sauna and the more people who can fit inside it, the more expensive the installation. A two-person 4-foot by 4-foot home sauna can cost approximately $2,000, while a four-person 8-foot by 5-foot home sauna costs about $4,200. It’s important for homeowners to consider the home sauna size they prefer and pricing that will fit comfortably into their budget.
Sauna Type
The cost of home sauna installation can vary due to the type of sauna. Larger saunas with more intricate customizations can cost between $3,000 and $6,000 or more, depending on the features. Installation location, sauna material, and personalized add-ons will increase the overall price. Popular home sauna types include in-home, outdoor, prefabricated, custom, wood-burning, dry, and infrared. Below are the different types of saunas and the average price ranges.
| Type of Sauna | Average Price Range |
| In-home sauna | $3,000 to $9,000 |
| Outdoor sauna | $3,000 to $6,000 |
| Prefab sauna | $2,500 to $7,000 |
| Custom sauna | $4,000 to $10,000 or more |
| Wood-burning sauna | $3,000 to $6,000 |
| Dry sauna | $2,300 to $10,000 or more |
| Infrared sauna | $1,500 to $6,900 |
- In-home sauna costs. In-home saunas cost from $3,000 to $6,000, on average, but some units can cost upwards of $9,000 or more. Indoor saunas are more expensive to install than outdoor units since they need to be properly vented and the surrounding areas need to be protected from the moisture and heat they put out. An indoor sauna for home use can be placed in various areas around the home, including the basement, bathroom, or an unused closet space.
- Outdoor sauna costs. An outdoor home sauna typically costs between $3,000 and $6,000 for installation, depending on construction materials. Since outdoor saunas don’t have the same restrictions as indoor saunas, they typically will not cost more to install, although those made from high-end woods, such as redwood and Nordic white spruce, will be on the higher end of the price range. Built as freestanding wood structures on a concrete slab, the best outdoor saunas can be a focal point of a backyard living space.
Wood Type
The home sauna construction material also affects the overall cost of installation. Some lower-cost woods are pine, spruce, and cedar. Higher-quality wood selections such as redwood and Nordic white spruce are more expensive and can increase the overall price of the home sauna installation by four to six times. Below are some common types of wood that are used to build a home sauna and the average price ranges.
| Sauna Wood Type | Material Cost |
| Pine | $2 to $4 per square foot |
| Cedar | $3 to $7 per square foot |
| Spruce | $4 to $8 per square foot |
| Hemlock | $6 to $9 per square foot |
| Nordic white spruce | $13 to $20 per square foot |
| Redwood | $30 to $35 per square foot |
Sauna Location
The location of the home sauna also impacts the price. If the area needs widespread renovation for a successful installation, the overall installation cost will increase. There are many areas throughout a home where a sauna can be installed: the basement, garage, unused closet space, or bathroom. Installing a freestanding outdoor sauna or a sauna in an existing detached garage or shed is also an option. It’s recommended that homeowners consult with a sauna installation professional to discuss potential problems with the location of a sauna and proper ventilation methods to protect the surrounding areas from excess heat and moisture.
Sauna Brand
Prefabricated or modular home sauna kits cost from $70 to $120 per square foot. The brand and type of the sauna home kit impact the overall price. Some home sauna brands have indoor and outdoor units in various sizes and shapes. Some options are the unique barrel and igloo pod-shaped home sauna, which heat evenly and maintain a constant airflow, and the traditional Finnish-cabin-shaped sauna. Below are some popular prefab home sauna brands, the typical price ranges and types of saunas each company sells, and available warranties.
| Brand | Price | Sauna Types | Warranty |
| Almost Heaven | $3,450 to $7,000 | prefab, indoor, outdoor, barrel, cabin, traditional, infrared | limited lifetime |
| Cedarbrook | $4,500 to $10,000 | precut, prefab, indoor, outdoor, traditional, infrared | 1 year |
| Clearlight | $4,500 to $8,000 | prefab, indoor, outdoor, infrared | limited lifetime |
| Dundalk | $6,500 to $13,000 | prefab, indoor, outdoor, barrel, traditional | 5 years |
| Finlandia | $5,500 to $12,000 | precut, indoor, outdoor, traditional | 1 year |
| Finnleo | $2,500 to $9,500 | prefab, custom, indoor, traditional, infrared | limited lifetime |
| Heavenly Heat | $4,500 to $6,000 | prefab, indoor, traditional, infrared | limited lifetime |
| Northern Lights | $3,500 to $10,500 | barrel, DIY kits, traditional, infrared | 3 years |
| Rocky Mountain Saunas | $3,000 to $6,000 | prefab, indoor, outdoor, infrared | limited lifetime |
| Salus Saunas | $2,700 to $10,000 | prefab, indoor, outdoor, barrel, traditional, infrared | 7 years |
| SaunaCore | $10,000 to $14,000 | precut, prefab, indoor, outdoor, barrel, traditional, infrared | limited lifetime |
| Sunlighten | $2,600 to $5,600 | prefab, indoor, custom, infrared | limited lifetime |
| SunRay | $3,000 to $5,500 | prefab, indoor, outdoor, traditional, infrared | 7 years |
| Vital Health | $3,000 to $4,500 | prefab, indoor, infrared | limited lifetime |
Heater
A home sauna heater costs from $200 to $4,600, depending on the size and type. A sauna heater needs to be 1 kilowatt per 50 cubic feet of space inside the sauna. Outdoor saunas need larger heaters to make up for the cold outside air during the winter months. Infrared and electric heaters are typically the best bet for indoor saunas, while outdoor saunas can use various types of heaters. Some locations may not permit wood-burning saunas, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the local regulations before deciding on the best sauna heater.
Plumbing and Electrical Work
A professional plumber will need to be hired to hook up the sauna. According to Angi, the average cost to hire a plumber to install a sauna runs from $45 to $200 per hour. It’s common for many homeowners to spend between $350 and $1,750 to install new pipes for a home sauna.
Hiring a professional electrician can cost between $300 and $800 for a home sauna installation. Most home saunas need an electrical connection to work, including wood-burning units. Saunas need a 220-volt circuit in the electrical panel and a 220-volt receptacle to prevent overloading the circuit, while some infrared home saunas only need a single 110-volt outlet to operate. A few kinds of saunas come with built-in conduits and can reduce the overall cost.
Labor
Labor costs typically account for 30 percent to 50 percent of the total installation price. Installing a prefab kit costs between $300 and $1,500, while having a professional install a precut sauna kit ranges from $1,500 to $2,500. Labor pricing to hire an electrician and plumber will also increase the cost of a home sauna installation.
Geographic Location
Since many home saunas are prefabricated, the overall cost of the unit will stay relatively the same, no matter the geographic location. The cost of local labor will fluctuate according to the region, since labor prices are typically higher in densely populated urban areas with a higher cost of living compared to in more rural locations. Below are the average costs to install a 40-square-foot, four-person home sauna in select states across the country.
| State | Average Cost |
| Colorado | $3,100 |
| Arizona | $3,300 |
| Florida | $3,300 |
| California | $4,000 |
| Minnesota | $4,000 |
| New York | $4,500 |
| Illinois | $4,700 |
Running Costs
How much it costs to run a sauna depends on how often it’s used and how big the unit is. Running a wood-burning home sauna for 20 minutes costs between $4 and $8 for the 15 to 20 pieces of firewood that will be needed; an electric indoor sauna costs between $0.25 and $0.50 for 20 minutes of operation time.
To calculate monthly electricity costs to run a sauna, homeowners can multiply the hours used per month by the kilowatt size of the sauna heater by the local electricity rate per kilowatt hour.
Additional Costs and Considerations
When homeowners are budgeting for home sauna cost, it’s beneficial for them to have all the available information regarding any additional costs and considerations before making any decisions. Some factors that can impact the final cost can include the difference between a prefabricated versus a custom sauna, a home sauna versus a steam shower room, customizations, and warranties.
Prefabricated vs. Custom Sauna
A prefabricated sauna kit runs from $70 to $120 per square foot. A four-person 8-foot by 5-foot prefab sauna costs approximately $2,800. Since many of the sections of the sauna are prebuilt, a prefab unit costs much less than a custom option.
A custom-made home sauna costs about $7,100, depending on construction materials, accessibility, and sauna size. Custom home saunas can be built from redwood and cedar, which will significantly raise the price, or more budget-friendly materials like acrylic or fiberglass. Adding windows to a sauna will also increase the overall installation price. Homeowners can choose special features, build the sauna to fit into an awkwardly shaped space, and choose a specific size that works with their home.
Home Sauna vs. Steam Shower Room
A steam shower room produces a hot mist and distributes it throughout the space. Installing a steam room and shower combination costs between $2,000 and $4,000, and a steam room alone ranges from $1,000 to $5,000. The temperature of a steam shower and a steam room goes as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit with almost 100 percent humidity, while a home sauna can get as high as 190 degrees Fahrenheit with under 10 percent humidity. Pouring water over the rocks in a sauna can produce more humidity with temporary steam.
Customizations
There are multiple customizations that are available for homeowners to add to their home sauna. Many home saunas come with at least one bench, but adding another bench for more seating can cost between $100 and $200, while adding a touch-screen control panel can range from $250 to $800. Below are some home sauna customizations and the average price range for each feature.
| Sauna Custom Addition | Average Price Range |
| Aromatherapy machine | $25 to $100 |
| Backrest | $50 to $175 |
| Bench | $100 to $200 |
| Body brushes | $10 to $35 |
| Clothing hook | $20 to $30 |
| Control panel | $250 to $800 |
| Door | $700 to $1,200 |
| Floor mat | $20 to $100 |
| Fog-free mirror | $25 to $450 |
| Headrest | $30 to $80 |
| Hygrometer | $30 to $60 |
| Lights/chromatherapy | $50 to $300 |
| Oxygen ionizer | $45 to $200 |
| Sauna rocks | $40 to $90 |
| Sand timer | $40 to $60 |
| Seat cushion | $80 to $400 |
| Soaps | $5 to $10 |
| Sound system/speakers | $150 to $900 |
| Thermometer | $20 to $80 |
| Thermometer/hygrometer combo | $40 to $100 |
| Water bucket and ladle | $65 to $125 |
| Window | $250 to $900 |
Warranties
Depending on the home sauna manufacturer, a warranty may be included with the installation. A warranty typically costs between $300 to $1,200, and with many home sauna repairs costing between $170 to $600, many homeowners think the warranty is worth the additional cost.
Types of Home Saunas
Home sauna cost can fluctuate due to the type of sauna, its size, and its construction material. The most common types of home saunas include dry, wood-burning, infrared, and portable.
Dry Sauna
Dry home saunas, which include gas, electric, and infrared units, can cost from $2,300 to $20,000 or more, depending on the type and size, and they cost just $0.12 to $0.50 to run per hour. The fuel source heats a stove filled with sauna rocks, and some models have the option to pour water over the rocks to create steam. Dry saunas are typically available in both indoor and outdoor options. They heat up quickly, provide specific temperature controls, and have a contemporary and modern design.
Wood-Burning Sauna
A wood-burning home sauna is typically the more budget-friendly option at a cost between $3,000 and $6,000. This type of sauna uses a woodstove to heat the rocks. While a wood-burning sauna may be less expensive with its upfront costs, it does cost between $4 and $8 for the 15 to 20 pieces of firewood needed to heat the room for a 20-minute session. A wood-burning sauna works well in areas that do not have access to electricity, and it offers excellent humidity control.
Infrared Sauna
Home infrared sauna cost ranges from $1,500 to $6,900. This type of sauna, which typically comes as a prefab home sauna kit, heats up quickly, is easy to operate, usually uses a standard electrical outlet, and doesn’t require plumbing. Since the efficient technology doesn’t generate as much moisture as other home sauna types, more inexpensive types of wood can be used for the sauna construction material. Infrared sauna heat is dry and works at a lower temperature than other types of home saunas. Infrared saunas use a lower temperature, and so longer sauna sessions are possible. Below are the three types of infrared saunas.
- Near-infrared saunas. This type of infrared sauna uses a short wavelength, and users typically need to rotate around the inside of the sauna to get full exposure to the heat. Some research has suggested that near-infrared saunas may be unsafe for long-term use.
- Far-infrared saunas. Far-infrared saunas use the longest wavelength to produce heat and provide the deepest heat penetration.
- Full-spectrum saunas. These home infrared saunas include near-, middle-, and far-infrared heat and offer energy efficiency.
Portable Sauna
Home sauna costs for a portable sauna, which are typically large enough to fit only one person, run from $200 to $2,000, depending on the type. The best portable saunas are collapsible and come in different styles. Below are some portable home sauna types and the average prices.
| Portable Home Sauna Type | Average Price |
| Infrared blanket | $200 to $500 |
| Steam or infrared tent-style | $200 to $1,000 |
| Infrared dome | $800 to $2,600 |
Benefits of Installing a Home Sauna
Many people use a home sauna session to relax sore muscles, improve circulation, get better sleep, or relieve joint pain. For those who can’t tolerate the high temperatures of a traditional sauna, an infrared option offers the same benefits at a lower temperature. Below are some of the numerous benefits of installing a home sauna.
Health Benefits
The hot temperatures encourage the body to sweat out toxins and impurities, soothe sore muscles, relieve joint pain, maintain healthy skin, and provide temporary relief from sinus congestion and sore throats.
Improved Circulation
When used in combination with a healthy diet and plenty of water, a home sauna can help improve circulation by bringing the blood closer to the skin and increasing blood flow throughout the body.
Improved Sleep
With improved relaxation comes better sleep. A 15- to 20-minute sauna session before bed can be relaxing enough to improve the quality of sleep for many people.
Stress Relief
Saunas increase the endorphin levels in the body, which can result in reduced stress levels and provide increased energy. Sauna users should keep in mind that the high temperatures in a home sauna can create a strain on the body if the sauna session is too long. A 15- to 20-minute session is recommended for most people to avoid dehydration or the risk of heat exhaustion.
Increased Home Value
Adding a luxury item like a sauna to a home will increase the property value for potential home buyers who are interested in having a sauna.
Home Sauna Installation: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
If a homeowner has experience with plumbing and electrical work, installing a home sauna as a DIY project can be manageable. For those who do not have the knowledge or experience with electrical or plumbing systems, it’s best to call in a professional for the job. Even with a DIY home sauna kit, homeowners are advised to hire a professional to take care of the electrical work and plumbing tasks that involve hooking up a drain. If permits are needed to install a home sauna in your area, a pro may be needed to secure them.
How to Save Money on Home Sauna Cost
Installing a home sauna doesn’t have to break the bank. Homeowners with a smaller budget can still enjoy a home sauna experience with these money-saving tips.
- Know the dimensions. Building and heating a sauna that’s bigger than it needs to be will cost more money. If only one or two people will regularly use the sauna, there isn’t a need to install a four-person unit.
- Opt for recycled wood. Premium, secondhand timber can cost less than brand-new wood for a home sauna. Buying salvaged cedar or other budget-friendly wood types can save money on material costs.
- Choose budget-friendly materials. If buying reclaimed wood isn’t for you or if there is a shortage of salvaged materials in your area, buy lower-priced wood. Cedar and pine are good, budget-friendly options for building a home sauna.
- Use a prefab infrared kit. A prefabricated infrared home sauna kit costs less in upfront costs than other types of saunas. Another perk is that an infrared sauna works on a regular outlet and it doesn’t use steam, so there won’t be extra costs for plumbing hookups.
- Look for a second-hand stove. Buying a second-hand sauna heater in good working condition can save money.
- Do some of the prep work yourself. If you’re interested in installing an outdoor sauna, you can save on labor costs by clearing the area, removing the landscaping, and leveling out the surface yourself.
- Skip the expensive extras. Instead of a full sound system, opt for a water-resistant portable speaker. As an alternative to an expensive aromatherapy option, use a no-nonsense essential oil diffuser. Choosing inexpensive options can add the luxury elements to the space without the costly price tag.
- Go for a steam shower. If the price of installing a home sauna is too much for your budget, installing a steam shower is cheaper with similar benefits.
- Get multiple estimates. Get at least three estimates from reputable home sauna companies in your area to find a price that fits your budget.
Questions to Ask About Home Sauna Installation
Asking a home sauna installation professional the right questions can help minimize miscommunication and save money. Below are some questions to ask about home saunas and the installation process.
- Do you offer free installation estimates?
- Is delivery included in the estimate?
- Can you provide references?
- Do you have examples of previous home sauna installations?
- What is your Better Business Bureau rating?
- What types of home saunas do you install?
- What types of wood construction saunas do you have?
- Can you install a prefabricated home sauna kit?
- What type of electrical and plumbing work needs to be done for installation?
- What type of heating sources are available?
- What types of extras are included with the home sauna?
- Are heaters and controls included with the purchase of the home sauna?
- What size sauna do you recommend for my space?
- Do you offer design services?
- Is the infrared home sauna full-, near-, or far-spectrum?
- What is the heating source?
- Does the infrared sauna provide full heat penetration?
- What are the safety certifications of the infrared sauna?
- What is the heat-up time?
- Do you offer customer service after the home sauna installation?
- What kind of warranty do you provide?
- How can I leave a review of your services?
FAQs
Before homeowners decide on home sauna installation, it’s helpful for them to have all the available information about home sauna costs and the installation process. Below are some frequently asked questions about home saunas.
Q. Where do people mostly install their home saunas?
Many homeowners prefer to install a home sauna outside so the extra heat and moisture don’t escape into the home. Others decide to install it inside for convenience if they have room.
Q. Does a home sauna increase the value of your house?
A home sauna may increase the value of a home if the potential homebuyer prefers to enjoy the luxury of a sauna at their own residence instead of in a public location.
Q. Do I get a warranty for a home sauna?
Depending on the home sauna manufacturer or installation company, a warranty may be an option. A warranty typically costs between $300 and $1,200, depending on the length of the coverage. Since the average home sauna repair ranges from $170 to $600, many homeowners think that purchasing a warranty is worth it.
Q. Which is better: an indoor or an outdoor home sauna?
It all comes down to personal preference and the amount of space available for home sauna installation. An indoor sauna needs to be properly vented to protect the surrounding area from excess moisture and heat. While an indoor sauna is more convenient to access and is easier to maintain, an outdoor sauna is a self-contained structure that has fewer size restrictions than an indoor option.
Q. What is not included in the installation of a home sauna?
It’s important to check with the home sauna manufacturer or installation professional about what is included with the sauna. Some may include heaters or remote control options, while others will charge extra for those features.
Q. Do home saunas use a lot of electricity?
Overall, home saunas do not use a lot of electricity. A 1,000-watt infrared sauna that runs for an hour will use 1 kilowatt hour of electricity, which costs about $0.12.
Sources: HomeAdvisor, Angi, HomeGuide
