Thinking About Installing a Sauna at Home? 5 Things You Need to Know

Photo by FreepikLet’s be honest: owning a sauna at home is incredibly tempting. The idea of stepping into that hot, steamy room after a tiring day or intense workout sounds wonderful.

In fact, home saunas are becoming more and more popular for this very reason. They relax you, improve circulation, and may even promote healthier skin and better sleep.

But before you do, here are a few things you may want to know:

1. Choose the Right Type of Sauna for Your Way of Life

First of all, not all saunas are the same. There are many different types, and the one you choose will depend on your room, price, and personal preference.

These are the most important types:

A. Traditional Finnish Saunas: These consist of an electric or wood-burning heater that heats the air, with hot stones onto which you can pour water to create steam. They are typically warmer, sometimes as high as 150–190°F.

B. Infrared Saunas: Infrared saunas employ infrared light to heat your body directly and not the air. The temperature is slightly lower, typically 120–150°F, but they can still make you sweat and help you relax. Infrared saunas also conserve energy and heat faster, reducing how long you need to stay in the sauna for detox and other benefits.

C. Steam Rooms: Most people get confused between steam rooms and saunas, although they are two different things. Steam rooms involve wet heat and are healthy for the lungs, but require different design and more water-resistant materials to construct.

2. Select the Location

Once you know what type of sauna you are interested in, the next choice is where you will put it.

Inside vs. Outside:
In-home saunas are okay if you have some room in the house, like the corner of the basement, a guest bathroom, or even a small walk-in closet.
Outdoor saunas are great if you have space in your backyard and like the idea of a sauna that is more rustic or natural.

Wherever you place it, ensure the surroundings are:

• Well-ventilated
• Waterproof (especially important for steam or standard saunas)
• Near a source of power, particularly for electric heaters or infrared saunas
• Peaceful and quiet, since you don’t want to be interrupted while relaxing

3. Size Does Matter. But Larger Isn’t Always Smarter

When it comes to sauna dimensions, it’s simple enough to think, “The bigger, the better.” But that is not always true, especially if you work with limited space or only plan to use it individually or as a couple.

Ask yourself:

• How many people will be using it at one time?
• Is it primarily for leisure or primarily for post-work recovery?
• Do you prefer to lie down, sit up, or have adjustable bench heights?

A 1- or 2-seater sauna is usually sufficient for private use and is simpler to install and maintain. But if you would prefer to have sauna nights with your friends and relatives, it would be best to buy a sauna for 4 people.

Quick size guide:

• 1–2 person sauna: small and ideal for apartments or tiny houses
• 2–4 person sauna: norm for families or small groups
• 6+ person saunas: more social, but require much more room and bulky equipment like an Amerec steam generator.

4. Installation and Power Requirements

You may have to employ a professional to install a sauna. It can be simple or complicated, depending on the type you choose.

Consider the following:

• Infrared saunas are usually easy to use, assuming they are connected to a typical 120V outlet
• Old-fashioned saunas (electric or wood-burning) may require special wiring, ventilation, or even a permit depending on the laws in your region
• Steam rooms need water pipes, waterproofing, drains, and good airflow to prevent mold or water damage

Pro tip: Even if you attempt it yourself, it’s worth getting an electrician to assist you — especially to ensure proper voltage and safety measures are in place.

5. Maintenance, Safety, & Daily Use

Once your sauna is installed, you’ll need to maintain it properly and ensure it’s safe. Don’t worry — saunas are low-maintenance. But regular maintenance will keep it going for years.

Basic maintenance advice:

• Clean walls and benches after each use to prevent accumulation of sweat
• Leave the door slightly ajar after a session so it can dry and ventilate
• Clean the floor every week and inspect heaters/stones according to the manufacturer’s instructions

Last Thoughts

Having a sauna in your house can really enhance your health, happiness, and relaxation. But as with any substantial home improvement, it’s best to do a little research first.

These five points will assist you in making a smart and simple decision.

If you want a serene setting that corresponds to a spa or a new method of relaxing, a home sauna might be the perfect way to transform your home into a warm and inviting retreat.