How much does a home sauna cost?

Infrared (prefab): $1,500-$5,000. Traditional (prefab kit): $3,000-$8,000. Barrel sauna (kit): $3,000-$8,000. Custom indoor: $5,000-$15,000. Custom outdoor: $8,000-$25,000. Operating cost: $0.20-$2.00 per session for electricity. Most affordable option: a 2-person infrared sauna for $1,500-$3,000. It plugs into a standard outlet and can fit in a spare closet or corner of a room. Best value: a prefab traditional or barrel sauna kit for $4,000-$6,000. You get the full traditional experience with steam capability.

Infrared vs traditional sauna: which is better?

Traditional sauna: hotter (150-195°F). You can add steam by pouring water on rocks. The classic experience. Requires 240V electrical. Higher energy use. Better for: people who want the authentic Scandinavian experience, social sauna use, those who enjoy steam. Infrared sauna: lower temperature (120-150°F). Heats your body directly (not the air). No steam. Can use 120V outlet. Lower energy use. Heats up faster (15-20 minutes vs 30-45 minutes). Better for: smaller spaces, lower budget, those who prefer milder heat, people who want to sweat at a lower temperature. Health benefits: both types provide benefits (relaxation, improved circulation, muscle recovery). Studies suggest similar outcomes. The best sauna is the one you will actually use.

What wood is best for a sauna?

Best overall: Western Red Cedar. Naturally rot-resistant. Aromatic (pleasant scent). Stays cool to the touch. Beautiful appearance. Lasts 15-25+ years. Best budget: Hemlock. Light-colored and clean. No strong scent (hypoallergenic). Affordable. Common in infrared saunas. Best for allergies: Basswood. Very soft and hypoallergenic. No scent. Stays cool. Best premium: Thermally modified wood. Heat-treated to be extremely stable. Will not warp, crack, or release resin. The longest lifespan. Avoid: treated lumber (toxic when heated), oak/maple (too hot to touch), heavy-resin softwoods (drip at sauna temps).

Do I need a permit to build a sauna?

It depends on your location and the type of sauna. Indoor sauna: usually does not need a building permit if it is in an existing room and does not change the structure. May need an electrical permit for the new circuit. Outdoor sauna: more likely to need a permit. Check local building codes for: setback requirements (distance from property lines). Maximum size for structures without a permit (often 100-200 sq ft). Electrical requirements. Fire safety codes (especially for wood-burning stoves). HOA rules: if you are in an HOA, check the covenants. Some prohibit or restrict outdoor structures. Always check with your local building department before starting. The permit process is usually simple and inexpensive ($50-$200) and ensures your sauna is safe.

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Sauna Guide: Types, Cost & How to Build One at Home

Lumberama Editorial Team, Sauna Design & Wellness Specialists Oct 27, 2026 10 min read

Types of Home Saunas

Traditional (Finnish) sauna: Heated by an electric or wood-burning stove. Rocks on top of the stove radiate heat. You can pour water on the rocks for steam (called loyly). Temperature: 150-195°F. Humidity: 10-20% (dry) or up to 40% (with water). Session length: 15-20 minutes. The classic sauna experience.

Infrared sauna: Uses infrared panels instead of a stove. Heats your body directly rather than heating the air. Temperature: 120-150°F (feels less intense but penetrates deeper). No steam capability. Session length: 20-45 minutes. Lower energy use. Easier to install (standard 120V or 240V outlet). Popular for smaller spaces.

Steam room (steam sauna): Enclosed room with a steam generator. Temperature: 110-120°F. Humidity: 100%. Requires waterproofing and drainage. More complex installation than dry sauna.

Barrel sauna: Cylindrical design (looks like a large barrel on its side). Typically outdoor. Heats efficiently due to the rounded shape. Available as kits. Cost: $3,000-$8,000 for a kit. Visually striking backyard feature.

Cost

By type: Infrared sauna (prefab): $1,500-$5,000. Traditional sauna (prefab kit): $3,000-$8,000. Barrel sauna (kit): $3,000-$8,000. Custom-built indoor sauna: $5,000-$15,000. Custom-built outdoor sauna: $8,000-$25,000. Steam room: $10,000-$30,000.

Operating costs: Electric sauna heater: $0.50-$2.00 per session (depending on size and local electricity rates). Infrared: $0.20-$0.50 per session (lower wattage). Wood-burning: cost of firewood. Monthly cost for regular use (3-4 times/week): $15-$40.

Installation considerations: Indoor: needs dedicated circuit (240V for traditional, 120V or 240V for infrared). Floor drain recommended. Adequate ventilation. Clearance from combustibles. Outdoor: needs a level pad (concrete, gravel, or pavers). Electrical service run to the sauna location. May need a building permit (check local codes).

Best Wood for Saunas

Cedar (Western Red): The most popular sauna wood. Naturally rot-resistant and aromatic. Stays cool to the touch (low density). Beautiful reddish-brown color. Cost: moderate to high.

Hemlock: Light-colored, hypoallergenic. No strong scent (good for sensitive users). Affordable. Common in infrared saunas.

Basswood: Very soft, light, and hypoallergenic. Stays cool. Good for people with allergies.

Aspen: Light, soft, low resin. Traditional choice in Scandinavian saunas.

Spruce/Pine: Affordable but can release resin at high temperatures. Commonly used for the exterior structure (not benches).

Thermally modified wood: Any species heated to 400°F+ to remove moisture and resin. Extremely stable, will not warp or crack. Premium option.

Woods to avoid: Treated lumber (chemicals release toxic fumes when heated). Oak and maple (too dense, get very hot). Any wood with heavy resin (will drip at sauna temperatures).