Let’s take a closer look at the different types of saunas for backyards and homes, how they work, and which ones are worth investing in.
The centuries-old tradition of thermal bathing shows no signs of slowing down. Outdoor saunas (pronounced “saw-noo”) are becoming increasingly popular around the world as more people embrace this peaceful way to cleanse themselves from the inside out. There’s nothing more American than the fact that Walmart and Amazon now sell saunas. (And I don’t even want to mention those weird sauna blankets.)
Luckily, it’s now easier than ever to buy and install a sauna at home, with numerous manufacturers and retailers offering pre-built saunas and sauna kits for home delivery. Most of the saunas on this list (and those sold online) are available as easy-to-assemble kits that can be installed in a few hours using only basic tools.
I built a sauna in my backyard and also tried a tent sauna at a nearby lake. I can honestly say that both of these options changed my life. And it’s much easier than building your own sauna.
In this article, I will cover everything you need to know about buying and building a home sauna. In addition to the basics, I will answer some common questions and provide some recommendations based on 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 can have health benefits. Sauna is heated by electric or wood-burning stoves, with air temperatures reaching 75–84 degrees Celsius (180–195 degrees Fahrenheit) — bathers can increase humidity to 25–40% by pouring water over hot stones. It is well known that heat and humidity can help relieve muscle pain, improve circulation, flush out toxins, and relax the body and mind. Sauna rooms typically have at least one bench, usually with an ergonomic backrest. Users can sit lower for a gentler temperature or higher for more intense heat, but the distance from the heater or stone hearth will affect the experience.
Cedar is the most common wood used in saunas because it is durable, resistant to mold, rot, and insects, and has excellent moisture resistance. Additionally, this wood has a rich color and earthy aroma that will intensify the aroma over repeated sauna visits. Charred wood is also becoming increasingly popular in Scandinavia. Charred wood is heat-treated in special ovens at temperatures up to 230 degrees Fahrenheit (about 100 degrees Celsius) for 96 hours. The drying process makes this wood ideal for saunas because it is resistant to rot and fungus, and does not bleed sap or resin. Prices for home saunas can range from $4,000 for a small private sauna to $10,000 to $15,000 for a sauna that seats six or eight people.
There are many types of saunas. This guide 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 a wood-burning stove to create ambient heat. Bathers may add water to the stove and sauna stones to increase the temperature and humidity of the air. 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 Tent. Assembled similarly to a traditional camping tent, but made using special insulating materials, the sauna tent offers all the benefits of a regular stationary 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 feels like sitting in the sun or near a fire, but without the harmful UV rays. Infrared heaters create lower temperatures, around 104–140 degrees Fahrenheit (about 38–42 degrees Celsius), which some people find more comfortable. Infrared saunas are divided into indoor and outdoor types. Small infrared saunas are usually used indoors.
Barrel Sauna: The uniqueness of a barrel sauna lies more in its design than in the heating element. The cylindrical design allows barrel saunas to distribute heat evenly and efficiently, as there are fewer corners where air can accumulate. This makes for a more comfortable sauna experience, but the curved walls can be a bit awkward for taller users. Panoramic or tempered glass doors are an easy way to enhance the barrel sauna experience, and a tiled roof can improve protection from the elements, as rain can sometimes seep between the curved tongue and groove walls and ceiling.
A sauna session typically lasts 8-15 minutes, which is enough time to significantly increase your body temperature, circulation, and heart rate. Health benefits of sauna use include improved cardiovascular health, decreased muscle tension, lower blood pressure, and improved mood. All of these can inadvertently boost your immunity and help detoxify your body.
Like any healthy sweat, sweat can deeply cleanse the skin, giving those who regularly visit home spas and steam saunas a healthy glow. It is recommended to visit the sauna several times, taking a 10-minute break between each session to drink water, cool down, shower, or even rinse with cold water before the next session.
When considering installing a sauna in your home, cottage, villa, etc., the power supply is crucial. A wood-burning sauna stove is fun and romantic, but it can be difficult to maintain as it heats the air around it (and 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. The aroma of a fire in a cedar sauna is even more amazing.
Electric saunas, on the other hand, are efficient, fast, and can be used year-round—even during the summer months when grilling is prohibited. Many electric heaters run on traditional electrical power and can be controlled 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 industry.
From wooden sauna barrels and felt hats to luxurious robes, towels and essential oils, whatever you choose to bring into the sauna can really enhance your experience. For more information, check out our Sauna Accessories Guide.
The latest sauna kit from California-based Plunge complements its popular cold water tub. The Plunge Sauna will be available for pre-order throughout most of 2023, with free shipping available now. Available in two sizes, the kit is made up of modular components and can be assembled by two people in just 1-2 hours. Once assembled, the sauna can be plugged into a standard 220V 30A outlet, allowing for indoor or outdoor use, and settings can be changed in advance or in real time using the Plunge mobile app.
I have tried the Plunge Sauna and the cold bath of the same name twice now – I really like the slanted back wall, which is more comfortable to lean against than the walls of a barrel or cube sauna. The floor-to-ceiling windows are also great. Test passed, good reviews!
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 sauna review, this advanced infrared sauna claims to be the world’s only all-season sauna that works both indoors and outdoors. The interior features Japanese carbonized wood and panoramic Dura Glass windows that maintain the optimal temperature in all conditions. The freestanding sauna comes with a mobile app and a full-spectrum infrared heater that delivers 3D infrared waves for heat therapy, while medical-grade LED lights 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 a two-person sauna in my Maine backyard, and I can’t say enough about the quality and convenience. My husband and a licensed electrician did the wiring, and we assembled the sauna in one day using a few basic tools. This unique cube sauna fits two people and can reach temperatures of 74 degrees Celsius (195 degrees Fahrenheit) in under an hour. It’s an efficient, elegant shape and is perfect for two or one person. A larger, six-person cube sauna costs $8,999. (Use coupon code “FIELD250” to save $250 on 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 heater Extras: Includes bucket and shovel, sauna stones, interior seats, and sauna thermometer __ Price: $4,990
This backyard sauna kit has a more traditional shape, perfect for urban backyards and lovers of modern design. It features three large windows and a glass door that allows you to step outside without the claustrophobic feeling that can occur in some barrel saunas. 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 benches, heated sides, and interior 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
Build this cabin-style sauna the same way you would build a Lincoln log sauna—every board and piece comes pre-cut for easy assembly using just a few basic tools that most homes already have on hand. Redwood Outdoors claims this sauna can be installed by just two people in a few hours (watch the sauna assembly video for proof). This sauna kit includes a wood stove cover, bucket and shovel, sauna stones, and indoor seating. Heats up to 195 degrees Fahrenheit in under an hour. Perfect for backyard use.
Style: Scandinavian sauna set Number of people: 4 Materials: Scandinavian charred 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 widely 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 and, of course, the huge bubble window to enjoy the outdoors. Each American-made sauna is built from durable Western Red Cedar and can be easily assembled in 4-6 hours using minimal tools.
Style: Barrel Sauna Capacity: Up to 6 people Material: Western Red Cedar Size: 7′ x 6′ Heat Source: Electric or Harvia wood burning fireplace Extra features: Panoramic bubble windows, interior benches Price: $12,932
BZB offers a wide range of pre-made saunas, hot tubs, and sauna packages, including classic barrel saunas, oval saunas, igloo-style saunas, and even spacious two-room saunas and portable saunas on wheels, with prices starting at $5,850. The Estonian company offers custom services and even rental services for customers who want to enjoy a sauna for the day. Our top recommendation is the POD igloo sauna for 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 stove or Stoveman wood stove Extra features: Separate locker room, benches Price: $9,450
Den Sauna in the Hudson Valley is designed to meet the needs of the DIY sauna customer. They offer sauna solutions for customers who want to build their own sauna. And the best part is that the plans start at just $199 ($1,395 for the complete DIY plan package) and are designed with the same sleek and modern look as the A-frame house plans. Den Sauna has a separate locker room and sauna, can be plugged in or unplugged, and does not include any additional materials or 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, which comfortably sleeps four people, is made in British Columbia from sustainably sourced cedar and clad in durable stainless steel. Best of all, it’s a turnkey design that can be shipped on a flatbed truck, hooked up to your existing electrical system, and up and running the same day. No assembly required. However, the high-tech design and ease of use come at an equally high price. (For more information on the Backcountry Hut Company, click here.)
Style: Pre-fabricated Scandinavian Sauna Capacity: Up to 6 People Material: 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 buying a home or garden sauna, there are usually two 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 much more common and, in our experience, are 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 flooring or foundation, and the electrical supply. 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. When using electric heaters, always check that the sauna is equipped with proper and safe electrical connections.
Before purchasing an outdoor sauna, be sure to check local codes and building codes, as permits are sometimes required. The first priority when installing a freestanding outdoor sauna is to find a safe and reliable power source for the stove and lighting. If you use a wood stove to heat your sauna, you have more freedom in choosing where to install it. In either case, always consult the manufacturer for installation.
Saunas originated in cold European countries about 2,000 years ago. The traditional Finnish sauna predates the steam baths of Estonia, Russia and Latvia 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. Over the years, technology has improved and designs have changed (you can even visit a gondola converted into a sauna), but the traditional Finnish sauna remains a way of life and a ritual in Scandinavian culture. Today, saunas remain a part of everyday life because they improve health, promote relaxation, and provide a communal space for people to come together and enjoy simple moments. In public places, sauna etiquette usually involves respecting the peace of other bathers, sitting on a clean towel, and, of course, nodding or grunting if you want more hot water on the sauna stones.
Take a look into the hot world of portable sauna tents to find out how they work and why they’re so popular.
As portable saunas gain popularity, our resident sauna expert shares his top thoughts on whether steam tents can compare to real sauna tents
Beginners start here: Our expert guide covers the different types of saunas, heaters, and how to choose a home sauna.
We explore the details of dry saunas, including health benefits, optimal temperatures, and home setup instructions.
Experience the healing power of deep heat therapy with our guide to home saunas, including a short list of the best home saunas on the market today.
The British Columbia-based manufacturer draws inspiration from traditional Japanese craftsmanship and the leisurely design aesthetic of Anthony Estevez.