Take a closer look at the different types of backyard and home saunas, how they work, and which ones are worth investing in.
The centuries-old tradition of thermal bathing shows no signs of slowing down. Interest in outdoor saunas (pronounced “sau-noo”) continues to grow around the world as more people are drawn to this peaceful method of cleansing themselves from within. To see for yourself, consider that Walmart and Amazon now sell saunas. (Don’t get me started on the trendy sauna blanket concept.)
Luckily, buying and installing a sauna has never been easier—numerous manufacturers and retailers offer pre-made saunas and sauna kits for home delivery. Most of the saunas on this list (and those sold online) come as easy-to-assemble kits that can be assembled in just a few hours using only basic tools.
I built a sauna in my backyard and tested a sauna tent on a nearby lake. And from my own experience, I can honestly say that both of these decisions changed my life. And it’s much easier than building a sauna from scratch with your own hands.
In this article, I will cover everything you need to know about buying and building a home sauna. After covering the basics, I will answer frequently asked questions and provide some recommendations based on my experience and knowledge.
A sauna is an enclosed structure or room that uses dry heat and humidity to raise body temperature and stimulate sweating, which has health benefits. Sauna is heated by electric or wood-burning stoves, and the air inside is between 180 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit. Bathers can increase the humidity to 25 to 40 percent by pouring water over hot stones. It is well known that heat and humidity can help relieve muscle pain, improve circulation, eliminate toxins, and relax the mind and body. Sauna rooms usually have at least one bench, usually with an ergonomic backrest. Users can sit lower for a gentler heat or higher for a more intense heat, and the distance from the heater or stone hearth affects the experience.
Cedar is the most popular wood for saunas because it is durable, resistant to mold, rot, and insects, and holds up very well to moisture. Additionally, this wood has a rich, earthy tone that creates a wonderful aroma over repeated sauna visits. Scandinavian Thermowood is also becoming an increasingly popular choice. Hot wood is heat-treated in special closed kilns at temperatures up to 230 degrees for 96 hours. The drying process makes the wood unique and ideal for use in saunas, creating a wood that is resistant to rot and fungus, and does not bleed sap or resin. The cost of a home sauna can range from $4,000 for a small private sauna to $10,000 to $15,000 for a sauna that seats 6 to 8 people.
There are many types of saunas. In this guide, we will focus on the most popular home saunas, which vary in the way they are heated.
Traditional Finnish sauna. Finnish saunas use either electric heaters or wood-burning stoves to create heat. To increase the temperature and humidity of the air, bathers may add water to the stove and sauna stones. Steam saunas are the most common type of home sauna.
A dry sauna is the same as a traditional sauna, but it does not use water to create a hotter, more humid environment.
Sauna Tents – Sauna tents are assembled in a similar way to traditional camping tents, but are made from specialized insulating materials and offer the benefits of a regular permanent sauna in a cheaper, more portable form.
Infrared sauna. Infrared saunas use electromagnetic radiation to heat your body’s cells rather than the surrounding air. It’s like sitting in the sun or next to a fire, but without the harmful UV rays. Infrared heaters create lower temperatures—around 104 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit—which may be more comfortable for some people. Both indoor and outdoor infrared saunas are common. Small infrared saunas are typically used indoors.
Barrel Sauna. The barrel sauna is defined more by its design than its heating element. The cylindrical shape allows the barrel sauna to distribute heat naturally and evenly, as there are fewer corners for air to accumulate. This makes for a more comfortable sauna experience, although the curved walls can be a bit awkward for taller users. A glass front on all sides or a tempered glass door is an easy way to upgrade your barrel sauna, and a tiled roof will improve protection from the elements, as rain can sometimes sneak in between the curved tongue and groove walls and ceiling.
A sauna session typically lasts 8-15 minutes, which is enough time to completely warm up the body, thereby increasing circulation and heart rate. Health benefits of sauna use include improved cardiovascular health, reduced muscle tension, lower blood pressure, and improved mood. All of these can inadvertently boost immunity and help detoxify the body.
Like any healthy sweat, sweat can deeply cleanse the skin, giving those who regularly use home spas and steam saunas a healthy glow. It is recommended to visit the sauna several times, taking a 10-minute break between sessions to drink water, cool down, take a shower, or even a cold shower before the next sauna session.
When considering installing a sauna in your home, cottage, villa, etc., the key consideration is the power supply. Wood-burning sauna stoves are fun and romantic, but they can be difficult to maintain as they heat the air around them (plus, you need to know how to light a fire and have quality wood on hand). The feeling of heating a sauna with wood you cut yourself is something you can’t miss. It was wonderful to smell the fire in a cedar sauna.
Electric saunas, on the other hand, are efficient, fast, and can be used year-round—even during summer burning bans. Many electric heaters that run on traditional power can be turned on remotely using proprietary apps or simple smart plugs from Home Depot. Harvia makes both types of sauna heaters and has an excellent reputation in the field.
From wooden sauna barrels and felt sauna hats to luxurious robes, towels and essential oils, everything you bring into the sauna is up to you and can really enhance your experience. For more information, check out our sauna accessories guide.
This self-contained sauna kit is a new product from California-based Plunge that perfectly complements its popular cold water tub. The Plunge Sauna has been available for pre-order for most of 2023, and is now free to order. Available in two sizes, it’s a modular kit that can be assembled by two people in just 1-2 hours. Once assembled, the sauna plugs into a standard 220V 30A outlet, so users can plug it in and enjoy it at home or outdoors, using the Plunge mobile app to adjust settings in advance or on the go.
I’ve had the chance to try out the immersion sauna and the cold tub of the same name twice now, and I really like the slanted back wall, which is much more comfortable to lean against than the walls of a barrel or cube sauna. The floor-to-ceiling windows are great too. Tested and approved!
Style: Box Sauna Capacity: 5-7 people Materials: Pine and Canadian hemlock Dimensions: 7’11″H x 5′W x 5’7″D Weight: N/A Heat Source: 6 kW HUUM heater Features: Swivel bench, Bluetooth app, built-in speakers Price: $10,990
As mentioned in our Best Infrared Saunas article, this state-of-the-art infrared sauna is said to be the only indoor/outdoor sauna in the world that is suitable for use all year round. Constructed from Japanese carbonized wood and featuring panoramic Duraglass windows to maintain the optimal temperature in all conditions, this self-contained, app-based sauna features a full-spectrum infrared heater that delivers 3D infrared waves for heat therapy, as well as medical-grade LED lights that provide chromotherapy for a fully immersive wellness experience.
Style: Infrared Sauna Capacity: 2 People (5 People Available) Material: Japanese Carbonized Wood Dimensions: 58″ W x 53″ D x 83″ H Weight: 775 lbs Heat Source: Electric Additional Features: Full Spectrum Infrared, Bluetooth Speaker Price: $8,599 $8,099
I recently built this two-person sauna in my Maine backyard and can confidently say that it is high quality and easy to install. My husband (and a licensed electrician who did the wiring) put the sauna together in one day using basic tools. This unique cube sauna fits two people and can reach temperatures of 195 degrees Fahrenheit in under an hour. Its shape is efficient, elegant, and perfect for two people and solo use. There is also a larger 6-person cube sauna available for $8,999. (Use code “FIELD250” to get $250 off orders over $3,500.)
Style: Scandinavian mini cube design Number of people: Up to 2 people Material: Scandinavian warm wood Dimensions: 68″L x 50″W x 81″H Weight: 800 lbs Heat source: Harvia electric sauna heater Extras: Includes bucket and shovel, sauna stones, indoor seating bench, and sauna thermometer __ Price: $4,990
This backyard sauna kit has a more traditional shape that is perfect for urban backyards and lovers of modern design. It features three large windows and a glass door to bring the beauty of nature into the home and avoid the claustrophobic feeling that some barrel saunas can cause. This cabin-style sauna is built to last, with 1.7-inch thick walls and a 0.7-inch thick floor made from sustainably sourced northern spruce. The sauna’s interior benches, stove sides, and backrests are made from knot-free poplar wood with a high-quality finish.
Style: Contemporary Sauna Persons: 4 Materials: Scandinavian Nordic Spruce Dimensions: 83″L x 85″W x 92″H Heat Source: Saaku Electric Heater Extras: 2 interior benches, backrest, bucket and shovel, optional electric or wood stove Price: $5,560
Assemble this cabin-style sauna kit the same way you would assemble a Lincoln Log Cabin structure—every board and component comes pre-cut and is easy to assemble at home using just a few basic tools that most homes have on hand. Redwood Outdoors claims that this sauna can be built in just a few hours with just two people (check out this sauna assembly video for proof). The sauna kit includes a wooden stove top, bucket and shovel, sauna stones, and indoor seating. And it can heat up to 195 degrees Fahrenheit in one hour. Perfect for the backyard.
Style: Scandinavian sauna set Number of people: 4 Materials: Scandinavian warm wood Dimensions: 59″ wide x 78″ deep x 96″ high Weight: 800 pounds Heat source: Harvia electric heater Additional features: Two benches, tempered glass door Price: $5,999
Leisurecraft is well known as one of the best home sauna manufacturers. Available in a variety of sizes and styles, we especially like the Panoramic Barrel Sauna for its energy-efficient design, high efficiency, and of course, the large bubble window to enjoy the outdoors. Each American-made kit is made from durable Western Red Cedar and is easy to assemble in just 4-6 hours using minimal tools.
Style: Barrel Sauna Capacity: Max 6 people Material: Western Red Cedar Size: 7′ x 6′ Heat Source: Electric or Harvia wood Extras: Panoramic bubble windows, interior benches Price: $12,932
BZB offers a wide range of prefabricated cabins, hot tubs, and sauna packages. The latter include classic barrel saunas, oval saunas, igloo-shaped saunas, spacious two-chamber saunas, and portable saunas on wheels, all priced from $5,850. The Estonian company offers personalized service and even rentals for those looking to spend a day in the sauna. For us, the POD igloo-style sauna is the best choice due to its unique style and efficient design.
Style: POD/Igloo Capacity: 4-6 people Material: Nordic spruce Dimensions: 13′ long x 7’6″ wide x 7’6″ high Weight: 2,500 pounds Heat source: Harvia Electric or Stoveman wood stove Extra features: Separate changing room, benches Price: $9,450
Den Sauna in the Hudson Valley is designed for those who prefer a do-it-yourself approach to sauna building, offering sauna plans for those who want to build their own sauna. Best of all, plans start at just $199 ($1,395 for a complete DIY plan package) and are as sleek and modern as the A-frame cabin plans. Den Sauna has a separate locker room and sauna, and can be configured for either plug-in or plug-in without the additional cost of materials and labor.
Style: Cube Sauna Capacity: 2-4 People Material: Local Wood Dimensions: 12′ Long x 8’6″ Wide Weight: N/A Heat Source: Electric Extra Features: Locker Rooms, Bunk Beds, Large Windows Price: Starts at $199
This freestanding, prefabricated outdoor sauna easily seats four people. It’s made from sustainably sourced British Columbia cedar and lined with durable stainless steel. But the best part? Its plug-and-play design comes on a truck bed, ready to be hooked up to your existing electrical system and up and running the same day. No assembly required. But the high-tech design and ease of use also come with a hefty price tag. (Read more about Backcountry Hut Company here.)
Style: Pre-fabricated Scandinavian Sauna Capacity: Up to 6 People Materials: Eco-Friendly Cedar Size: 8′ x 10′ Heat Source: Tylo Sense Pure 8 Heating System Extra Features: Pre-fabricated, plug-and-play design Price: $35,800
When purchasing a home or garden sauna, there are two main options: pre-built saunas (which come fully assembled and ready to use) and sauna kits (which come unassembled and require on-site assembly). Sauna kits are more common and, in our experience, relatively easy to install.
Whether you are interested in an indoor or outdoor sauna, the main factors to consider before purchasing are the amount of space available, the type of floor or foundation, and the availability of electricity. Indoor saunas require a good waterproof floor or foundation, as well as enough space for the sauna itself and room for the tempered glass or wood door to open. With electric heaters, you must ensure that the sauna has an adequate and safe electrical connection.
Before purchasing an outdoor sauna, check your local codes and building codes, as permits are sometimes required. The first step in installing a freestanding outdoor sauna is to find a safe and reliable power source for the stove and lighting. If you are using a wood stove to heat your sauna, you may be able to place it more freely. In either case, always check with the manufacturer for installation information.
Saunas originated in cooler European countries about 2,000 years ago. The traditional Finnish sauna predates the Estonian, Russian, and Latvian steam baths and remains the most popular type of sauna today.
These saunas were primitive and functional, built on a mound of earth and heated by a fireplace and water poured onto the sauna stones. Technology has changed and designs have evolved over the years (you can even ride in a gondola converted into a sauna), but the traditional Finnish sauna remains a way of life and a ritual in Scandinavian culture. Today, saunas are still considered a part of everyday life, improving health, promoting relaxation, and providing a communal space for gathering and relaxation. In public spaces, sauna etiquette typically includes respecting the peace and quiet of other bathers, sitting on a clean towel, and, of course, nodding or grunting if you want more hot water poured onto the sauna stones.
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The British Columbia-based manufacturer draws inspiration from traditional Japanese craftsmanship and the leisurely design aesthetic of Anthony Estevez.