Written by

Tara Farmer

September 5, 2023

Edited by

Kristen Cramer

Fact-checked by

Tom Grupa

Home sauna cost

A home sauna installation costs $3,000 to $10,000 on average. The cost to build a sauna depends on the size, type, material, and construction labor. Sauna installation costs $300 to $2,500 for labor alone. Standard 4-person sauna dimensions are 5’ x 6’ and 5’ x 7’.

• Sauna installation takes 1 to 3 days.

• Sauna health benefits include stress relief, detoxification, improved circulation, and sore muscle relief.

• A 20-minute sauna session costs $0.25 to $0.50 in electricity to run, or $4 to $8 for store-bought wood.

Cost to build a sauna

Building a sauna costs $2,300 to $34,000, depending on the type, size, and whether installation is DIY or professional. A prefab sauna kit includes all the materials needed to build a freestanding sauna. A pre-cut sauna kit converts an existing room to a home sauna.

Indoor sauna room cost

An indoor sauna room costs $2,300 to $11,500 with installation. Sauna room prices depend on the wood and heat type and whether the sauna is custom pre-cut, prefab, or fully custom-built.

Cost to build an outdoor sauna

Building an outdoor sauna costs $5,500 to $34,000, depending on the size, wood type, construction type, and heater. Installing in a weather-protected area extends the sauna's life.

An outdoor sauna requires a solid, level foundation. The cost to level a yard is $300 to $1,000.

Portable / personal sauna cost

A portable sauna costs $200 to $2,000, depending on the type. Portable personal saunas typically fit only one person, are collapsible, and come in several styles:

Modular / prefab sauna prices

A prefab outdoor sauna costs $4,000 to $12,000 for the kit alone or $5,500 to $14,500 installed. Prefab sauna kits typically include all parts and instructions and require minimal tools. Indoor prefab saunas take 2 to 4 hours to build. Outdoor prefab saunas take 15 to 20 hours to build.

Prefab saunas from popular brands like Finnleo and Finlandia come in indoor and outdoor models in various shapes:

• Cabin-shaped saunas provide a traditional Finnish sauna aesthetic.

• Igloo pod and barrel shapes add a unique style element.

• Barrel-shaped saunas heat up quickly and maintain constant airflow.

Custom sauna construction cost

A custom sauna costs $4,300 to $34,000 or more, depending on the size and type. A custom pre-cut sauna kit costs $4,300 to $11,500 with installation. A fully custom-built sauna costs $8,000 to $34,000+ and offers the most personalization.

Cost to build a dry sauna vs. wood burning

The cost to build a dry sauna is $2,300 to $34,000, depending on size and type. Electric, gas, infrared, and wood-burning saunas are all dry saunas. A dry sauna heater includes heated rocks that create steam with water for the sauna experience. Infrared saunas use only dry heat.

Infrared sauna cost

An infrared sauna costs $2,300 to $8,500 installed and comes with far, near, or full-spectrum heat. Infrared saunas are easy to operate, heat up quickly, require no plumbing, and typically use a standard electric outlet. Infrared heat is dry and generates sweat at a lower temperature than traditional sauna heat.

Infrared sauna types:

• Far-infrared – Longest wavelength and deepest heat penetration. Far infrared saunas provide the most potential benefits.

• Near-infrared – Shortest wavelength; typically requires rotating during the session to get total exposure. Research suggests near-infrared heat may be unsafe for long-term sauna use.

• Full-spectrum – Includes near, middle, and far-infrared heat.

Sauna installation cost factors

The following factors affect sauna installation costs:

• Sauna room size – Larger saunas require more building materials and labor.

• Heat source – Gas and wood-burning heaters are typically more expensive than electric heaters. Most infrared saunas use 110-volts which plug into a standard home outlet.

• Pre-cut vs. prefabricated – Prefab sauna kits include all materials needed to build a freestanding sauna room. Pre-cut sauna kits require exterior framed and insulated walls.

• Shape – Barrel-shaped saunas heat up quickly and let heat flow constantly. Some barrel-shaped saunas include glass doors and windows.

• Wood type – Western red cedar is ideal for saunas but costs more than hemlock or pine.

• DIY vs. professional installation – Professional installation adds $300 to $1,500 to a prefab sauna's cost and $300 to $2,500 to a pre-cut sauna kit's cost.

• Customization – Custom-built saunas cost more but include accessories such as windows, chromotherapy (therapeutic lights), music, and touchscreen controls.

Sauna costs by dimensions and sizes

Saunas come in various sizes, shapes, and styles. Standard sauna dimensions are 4' x 6' for a 2-person sauna or 5' x 7' for a 4-person sauna. A sauna should provide two feet of seating space or six feet of reclining space per person.

Labor cost to install residential sauna kits

The labor cost to install a prefab sauna kit is $300 to $1,500. Professional assembly for a pre-cut sauna kit costs $1,500 to $2,500. Labor prices depend on the sauna size and type, kit type, and local rates.

• Electricians charge $50 to $130 per hour to install a new outlet and circuit.

• Plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour to install a drain. Home saunas typically do not require a drain, but homeowners may prefer one for easy floor cleaning.

Home sauna wood types and prices

Saunas can be constructed with the following wood types:

Electrical costs to make a home sauna

Electrician prices are $250 to $900 to install a dedicated 220V circuit, which most traditional saunas require. Most infrared saunas use a standard 110V outlet but should also be on a dedicated circuit to prevent overloads. Buying a sauna with built-in conduits reduces electrical wiring costs.

Requirements and locations to put a sauna

Saunas require a waterproof floor, insulation, ventilation, and 15 to 50 square feet or more. Corner locations are ideal for indoor and basement saunas because the exterior walls release heat and moisture.

• Infrared and electric saunas are best indoors.

• Steam saunas with a drain need nearby plumbing access.

• Most prefab saunas include a waterproof floor that works over carpet.

Sauna heater cost

A sauna heater costs $200 to $4,600, depending on the type and size. The average home sauna electric heater is 4 to 9 kW. The heater size should be 1 kW for every 50 cubic feet of sauna room. Saunas on exterior walls and outdoor saunas may need larger heaters.

Tips for selecting a sauna heater:

• Electric and Infrared are the safest for indoor saunas.

• Infrared provides only dry heat. Wood, electric, and gas offer both dry and steam heat options.

• Electric and gas require less maintenance and heat up faster than wood-burning heaters.

• Wood-burning heaters require more space for wall clearance and are best for outdoor saunas.

• Choose only UL-approved sauna heaters and infrared heaters with the lowest EMF levels.

• Some building codes do not permit wood-burning heaters.

• Carbon Infrared heaters typically come in panels and run at a lower temperature than ceramic Infrared heaters.

Sauna features and accessories prices

Saunas typically come with at least one bench, with the option to add other accessories.

Home sauna vs. steam shower room cost

A steam shower costs $3,000 to $10,000 installed. Sauna temperatures range from 120° to 195° F with humidity below 10%. Steam rooms reach 100° to 120° F but with near 100% humidity. Pouring water over sauna heater rocks adds temporary steam.

Home sauna FAQs

Where and how to buy a sauna

Buy a sauna online or from a local dealer. Choose a dealer recommended by the North American Sauna Society to ensure a quality home sauna and service. Most dealers offer financing options. For online sauna purchases, confirm the heater and control are UL listed.

How much does a sauna cost to run?

An electric indoor sauna costs $0.25 to $0.50 to run per 20-minute session. Running a wood sauna costs $4 to $8 for 15 to 20 firewood pieces for a 20-minute session. The cost to run a sauna depends on the type, size, and local utility rates.

To calculate monthly sauna electricity costs:

Does an at-home sauna increase home value?

A home sauna may increase your home's value, depending on the buyer's preferences. Some buyers perceive a sauna as a welcome luxury, while others consider it a poor use of space. Homeowners paying for frequent sauna sessions see a true return on investment.

How much does it cost to build a salt room?

Building a salt room costs $4,700 to $20,000, depending on the size and customization. A prefab sauna/salt room combo costs $1,000 to $6,500. Adding a halogenerator to a sauna costs $150 to $5,000. Salt bricks can be added to sauna walls for $10 to $20 each.

How long does it take to build a sauna?

Building a sauna takes 3 to 20 hours, depending on the size and type. Some prefab saunas take 2 to 4 hours to assemble and require no tools. Pre-cut saunas take 14 to 20 hours to build and require additional construction for exterior framed walls and insulation.

How much does it cost to maintain or repair a sauna?

Sauna repair costs $150 to $600. Sauna technicians charge $75 to $150 per hour with a $150 to $300 initial diagnostic fee.

The heater is the most common part to break, and purchasing a new one is often cheaper than repairing. Inspect and reseat the sauna rocks regularly to extend the heater's life.

• Sauna cleaners cost $20 to $60.

• Sauna rocks cost $40 to $80 and last up to ten years.

• Staining a sauna costs $100 to $300 to prevent a weathered look.

How much does it cost to remove a sauna?

Junk removal services charge $250 to $400 to remove an average 5’ x 7’ freestanding sauna. The cost to remove a sauna depends on the size, local rates, and whether the sauna requires disassembly. Removing a sauna located on an upper floor or one needing disassembly costs more.

Finding sauna installation contractors near you

Before hiring a licensed contractor for sauna installation, remember to:

• Get at least three estimates to compare.

• Look for licensed contractors with sauna installation experience.

• Choose a dealer recommended by the North American Sauna Society to ensure a quality install.

• Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

• Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for 5+ years.

• Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.

• Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.

• Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead for work completed.

Questions to ask

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

• How long have you been in business?

• What experience do you have installing saunas?

• Which type of sauna do you recommend for my home and why?

• Is the cost of the sauna included in your installation quote?

• What is not included in the installation fee?

• What additional costs should I expect?

• How long does the installation take?

• What maintenance will the sauna require?

• Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?