How Much Does It Cost to Build a Home Sauna by Square Footage?
Most home saunas cost $50 to $200 per square foot. Prefab models tend to fall on the lower end of the spectrum, costing less than $120 per square foot. Custom models fall on the high end, and may even exceed $200 per square foot.
Four-Person Sauna
The average home sauna is 8 by 5 feet—or 40 square feet. You’ll pay anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000, though the average homeowner spends around $4,200. This size holds up to four people.
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Two-Person Sauna
Small saunas are typically 4 by 4 feet—or around 16 square feet. You’ll pay anywhere from $800 to $3,200, though the average homeowner spends $2,000. This size holds up to two people.
Home Sauna Cost Breakdown
The cost of building a sauna depends on a number of factors. Prefabricated models tend not to fluctuate much in price, but with a custom build, the sky’s the limit. Higher-end materials and complicated installations will raise the price. Here’s how the cost of a home sauna breaks down.
Labor
You’ll need to hire someone to help you install your sauna—whether you’re paying a pro to do the job start-to-finish or hiring an electrician and plumber to do the groundwork. Labor is typically 30% to 50% of the total cost of the project. Expect to spend:
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$300 to $1,500 in labor costs for a prefabricated sauna kit.
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$1,500 to $2,500 in labor costs for a precut sauna kit.
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$45 to $200 per hour in labor costs for a fully custom sauna.
Plumbing
You’ll need to hire a professional plumber to hook up your sauna—and this impacts the total cost of your bill. The typical cost of a plumber is between $45 and $200 per hour, and how many hours depends on how much work the installation requires. Most homeowners can expect to spend $350 to $1,750 installing new pipes.
Electricity
The cost of an electrician is typically between $50 to $100 per hour, and most homeowners spend between $300 to $800 on electrical work during sauna installation. These costs may be wrapped into your total estimate, rather than itemized.
Even if your sauna burns wood, it probably still needs an electrical connection. Most models require a 220-volt circuit, though some infrared models will work with a single 110V outlet. You may or may not need to upgrade your electrical panel.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Sauna
Indoor saunas can cost around $3,000 more than outdoor saunas because they often require additional renovations to accommodate increased moisture levels and humidity inside your home. Infrared saunas—which don’t need additional plumbing and don’t produce humidity—can help keep installation costs low.
Prefab vs. Custom
Prefabricated sauna kits, which are most common, are budget-friendly at $2,500 to $7,000. Custom saunas are more expensive but have a wider range of options. Expect to spend $4,000 to more than $10,000 on a custom build.
Materials
The cost of a home sauna has a lot to do with wood, since acrylic and fiberglass types are far less common. Wood prices fluctuate based on the rarity of the tree and the shipping point. You’ll spend a lot more on a rare, exotic wood than you would something more common. Pine, cedar, and spruce are typically more budget-friendly than Nordic white spruce or Redwood (which could cost four to six times more).
Installing a window will also increase the price of materials by $100 to $300, depending on the size.
Type
There are a few different types of saunas—from wood-burning models to infrared saunas. The more complicated your sauna is to install, the more it costs. Expect to spend as little as $1,500 on a small infrared sauna or more than $10,000 on a large, dry sauna.
Sauna Accessories
A standard prefab kit is just a base upon which to build. You can deck out your sauna with all sorts of accessories that add to the overall relaxation experience (and make your sauna easier to use). Some common accessories include:
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Benches: $100-$200
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Backrests: $50-$75
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Doors: $700-$1,200
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Fog-free mirrors: $25-$450
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Control panels: $250-$800
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Aromatherapy machines: $25-$100
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Chromatherapy lights: $50-$300
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Speakers and sound systems: $150-$900
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Thermometer: $20-$80
Warranties
Depending on who you buy the sauna from, they may offer a warranty. A warranty for a sauna will cost around $300 to $1,200, depending on the lifespan of the warranty. Inquire about a warranty with the company you purchase from, as sauna repairs can range between $170 to $600, which may make the warranty worth it.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Home Sauna Cost
Typically, an in-home sauna costs more than an outdoor sauna—largely because of high installation costs and necessary add-ons. Expect to spend:
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Indoor sauna: $3,000-$9,000+
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Outdoor sauna: $3,000-$6,000
Indoor Saunas
Indoor saunas typically cost $3,000 to north of $9,000. When you’re building a sauna in a closet, basement, or really anywhere inside your home, you’ll need to install a ventilation system to deal with the excess heat and moisture. This can dramatically increase the price of the job. The cost of a ventilation fan is usually $250 to $600, but it can cost as much as $2,000 to $4,000 for an entire ventilation system with ductwork.
Overall, indoor saunas:
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Are a luxurious upgrade to a basement or large walk-in closet.
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Have greater privacy than outdoor saunas.
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Can easily connect to existing plumbing and electricity.
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Are limited by your home’s existing size and space.
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Require a ventilation system, which can be expensive.
Outdoor Saunas
Most outdoor saunas cost $3,000 to $6,000. They’re less expensive and less limited than indoor saunas. You don’t have the same space requirements, and the humidity generally takes care of itself. That said, for a freestanding outdoor sauna, you will need to pour a concrete slab for a foundation. Concrete slabs cost an average of $6 per square foot, which adds up depending on size.
Overall, outdoor saunas:
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Are less expensive to install than indoor saunas.
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Have fewer size and space limitations.
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May require additional plumbing or electrical work.
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May require concrete slab installation.
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Can still be enjoyed in cold weather (as long as you grab a cozy robe for the walk).
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Home Sauna by Type?
When you build your sauna, you’ll need to choose the type of heat. Most modern saunas create heat using an electric or gas stove filled with lava rocks. You can run water over the stones to create more steam. Others burn wood or use infrared technology. Each type has different price points and benefits.
Traditional Dry Saunas
Dry saunas are the standard type of modern sauna, and they cost anywhere from $2,000 to more than $10,000. It’s not uncommon for a custom build to surpass $20,000 depending on the features.
These models run on electricity or gas, which heats a stove filled with rocks. The heated rocks make the room warm—and some saunas also have the option of running water over the stones to ramp up the steam.
Pros:
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Precise temperature controls
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Heats up quickly
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Sleek, modern design
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Relatively simple installation compared to other sauna types
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Interior and outdoor options
Cons:
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Increased monthly electric bill
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May require electrical upgrades
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Shorter recommended sessions (15 minutes)
Wood-Burning Saunas
Wood-burning saunas are a traditional option and typically cost between $3,000 and $6,000. These saunas use a wood-burning stove to heat rocks that fill the sauna with warmth. Sometimes, they also come with water that you can ladle over the rocks to create extra humidity in the form of steam. Though these may save money upfront, wood-burning stoves are more expensive to run than dry saunas.
Pros:
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Budget-friendly upfront cost
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Traditional ambiance
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Ideal for remote locations or those without easy electrical access
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Great humidity control, since you can use more or less water
Cons:
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Often unsuitable for indoor use
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Takes time to start and heat up
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Creates very high temperatures that are difficult to regulate
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Shorter recommended sessions (15 minutes)
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Requires extra maintenance for fire safety
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More expensive to run than electric and gas options
Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas cost $1,500 to $7,000, though homeowners pay an average of $4,200. This is a different take on heating altogether. Instead of heating a room, an infrared sauna directly heats your skin. Comparing infrared saunas to traditional saunas, you’ll find infrared options are often friendlier on the wallet, but they have a wealth of other benefits.
Pros:
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Budget-friendly and typically come in prefab kits
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No humidity or plumbing, so they’re easier to install indoors
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High energy efficiency
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Longer sessions (up to 60 minutes) thanks to lower heat
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15-minute startup time
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Many models are plug-and-play and come with extra features
Cons:
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Dry heat isn’t suitable for every individual
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Lacks traditional ambiance
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Cannot be installed outdoors in extreme climates
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Home Sauna Yourself?
Some handy homeowners can install a prefab infrared sauna kit on their own. A small one- to two-person kit costs as little as $1,000 to $1,500, and you can easily put that in your desired location. You may not even need a permit (but check with your local municipality to be sure).
That said, you should hire a sauna installer near you to take care of any installation that requires plumbing and electrical work. You’ll need to ensure that the sauna drains properly and doesn’t short out while you’re inside. It also needs a proper seal, or your sauna will turn into your home’s new heater instead.
Cost to Install Yourself vs. Hiring a Contractor
If you hire a contractor, labor will generally cost $45 to $200 per hour on top of the cost of materials. Complicated installations that require a plumber and electrician will take longer and cost more. You’ll also likely need a permit, which only a pro can acquire. In that case, DIY isn’t an option.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Home Sauna Near You?
Because many home saunas come prefabricated, the installation cost of the sauna itself will stay relatively the same no matter where you live. The only real factor that comes into play is the cost of labor in your area.
Here’s a cost breakdown of a 40-square-foot, four-person sauna in the following states:
What Home Sauna Can I Get on My Budget?
Whether you want a sauna meant for one or you entertain often, there’s an option for everyone. Take a look at the sauna installation costs below, broken down by a range of budgets.
$1,000 to $3,000
For a budget of $1,000 to $3,000, you’re going to be looking at personal saunas that fit one to two people at the most. Sauna prices typically include labor and installation.
$3,000 to $4,500
Sauna prices for a budget of $3,000 to $4,500 will allow you to get a sauna that fits four people or allows you to spread out in comfort. Depending on where you fall in this range, you may be able to choose a different wood, like pine, cedar, or spruce for your sauna.
$4,500 to $6,000
For those with a budget of $4,500 to $6,000, you can grab a prefabricated one that fits upwards of seven people. You can opt for add-ons like a small halogenerator, which is used for dry salt therapy. Or switch out the sauna rocks for a wood-burning option at this budget if you don’t need more space.
$6,000 and Above
At $6,000 and above, you can have a custom-built sauna made for you. You can choose woods like Nordic White spruce or redwood, which tend to hold up better over the years and add more color to your sauna. Nordic White spruce offers a light, brown color while redwood wood has a lovely red accent.
4 Ways you Can Save Money on a Sauna Installation
You won’t be able to budget much on the base price of a sauna, but there are some choices you can make if you don’t want to stretch your budget. These tips will help you save money on building a sauna.
1. Go Prefab and Infrared
Prefabricated infrared kits are the most budget-friendly type of home sauna. You won’t have to install electrical upgrades if you pick an option that runs on a 120V outlet. You also won’t need to pay for plumbing hookups, since infrared doesn’t use steam. A pro can assemble an infrared sauna in a suitable space in as little as three hours, keeping labor costs ultra-low.
2. Choose a Budget-Friendly Wood
Ditch high-end materials and go for something standard. Cedar is one of the sturdiest softwoods—and it’s also one of the least expensive. Pine is even more affordable.
3. Skip the Extras
To keep costs low, skip add-on features. Instead of installing an entire sound system, use a portable Bluetooth speaker. Instead of opting for high-end aromatherapy options, try using a simple essential oil diffuser. There are DIY ways to make your home sauna feel like a luxury spa without splurging on extras.
4. Upgrade Your Shower Instead
A steam shower gives you the steamy benefits of a sauna without the price of a full installation. As an upgrade to an existing shower, steam showers only cost $500 to $2,000. You just need to install a steam generator, rather than do an entire renovation.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
