How much will it cost to build your own sauna?
There is no simple answer to this question as the cost of building a sauna depends on a variety of factors such as the size of the sauna, the type of sauna, and whether you are using a DIY sauna kit or having a custom-built sauna.
Generally speaking, the cost of building an outdoor sauna ranges from $3000 to $15,000. If you are on a tight budget, you can always opt for a cheaper and smaller sauna room or DIY sauna kits.
Electric and gas saunas will be more expensive to run than wood-burning saunas. Hence, if you are looking for a more cost-effective option, a wood-burning sauna would be your best bet.
However, if budget is not a big issue, you can go with an infrared sauna.
As we said the cost will also depend on the size of the sauna. If you want a small 2-3 person sauna, it will cost you less than building a 6-8 person sauna.
The type of sauna also plays a role in deciding the cost. If you want a luxurious and feature-rich sauna room, it will cost you more than basic sauna rooms.
Different types of saunas
Let’s take a look at the different types of saunas that you can choose from:
1. Infrared saunas
Infrared saunas are known for their health benefits. They use infrared heaters to generate waves to heat the body directly without heating the air around you. Hence, they are more effective and efficient than traditional saunas.
If you have health issues like arthritis, joint pain, or muscle soreness, infrared saunas can help you get relief from the pain. They are also known to boost blood circulation and detoxify the body.
2. Electric saunas
As the name suggests, electric saunas use electricity to generate heat. They are easy to install and can be placed anywhere in your house.
If you are planning to build it outdoors, make sure to have an electric line so that the sauna can be connected to a power source. These saunas use electric sauna heaters to generate heat. They are very easy to maintain and are quite popular among sauna enthusiasts.
3. Wood-burning saunas
If you are looking for a traditional sauna, wood-burning saunas are the way to go. These saunas use a wood-burning stove to generate heat.
One of the main advantages of these saunas is that they can be built outdoors. However, these saunas do need regular maintenance and care.
The smoke that is produced by the wood-burning stove can damage the exhaust pipe and the sauna heater if not properly taken care of.
But if you are looking for a traditional and authentic sauna experience, wood-burning saunas are the way to go.
4. Portable saunas
If you are tight on budget or don’t have a big place to accommodate a sauna, portable saunas are the way to go.
As the name suggests, these saunas can be easily assembled and disassembled. They are very easy to store and can be taken with you anywhere you go.
Portable saunas are perfect for small homes and apartments as they don’t take up much space. You can get a portable bike sauna if you love biking and want to take your sauna with you on biking trips.
5. Traditional Finnish sauna
If you want to experience the authentic sauna experience, Finnish saunas are the way to go.
These saunas are very popular in Europe and the North American sauna society and are known for their health benefits. They use dry heat to detoxify the body and improve blood circulation.
Finnish saunas are usually big and can accommodate a large number of people. They are perfect for social gatherings and family get-togethers.
How to build outdoor saunas?
So now that we know one of two things about saunas, let’s take a look at how to build an outdoor sauna.
Building an outdoor sauna is not as difficult as it seems. However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind before you start building one.
Here are a few tips that will help you build the perfect outdoor sauna:
1. Choose the right location
The first and most important thing that you need to do is to choose the right location for your sauna.
Make sure to choose a place where there is enough space to accommodate the sauna. You also need to make sure that the place is well-ventilated so that the sauna doesn’t get too hot.
Don’t place it under a tree to avoid the leaves and branches from falling on the sauna.
2. Decide the type of sauna
The next thing that you need to do is to decide the type of sauna that you want to build.
As we discussed earlier, there are different types of saunas available in the market. Choose the one that best suits your needs and requirements.
Make sure to consider your budget as well so that you don’t end up spending more than what you can afford.
3. Get the sauna kit
Once you have decided on the type of sauna that you want to build, the next thing that you need to do is to get a sauna kit. Sauna kits are available in different sizes and shapes. Choose the one that best suits the space that you have.
Make sure to do your research and read the reviews before you buy a sauna kit. This will help you get an idea about the quality of the product and whether it is worth your money or not.
4. Assemble the sauna
Once you have got the sauna kit, the next thing that you need to do is to assemble it. Most of the kits come with easy-to-follow instructions.
If you are not sure about something, you can always take help from the internet or ask someone who has experience in assembling saunas.
Make it a fun activity by inviting your friends and family to help you with it. This will not only save you time but will also be a great bonding experience.
5. Install the sauna accessories
Next, you need to install the sauna accessories. These include the sauna stove/heater, sauna lights, ventilation system, or a hot tub.
Make sure to install the accessories according to the instructions given in the kit. This will ensure that they work properly and don’t cause any damage to the sauna.
6. Enjoy the sauna!
And lastly, once you have assembled and installed the sauna, all that’s left to do is to enjoy it. Invite your friends and family over and have a great time. Make sure to follow the safety instructions so that everyone can enjoy the sauna without any accidents.
Conclusion
Whether it is an indoor sauna or an outdoor sauna, having a sauna in your home is a great way to relax and rejuvenate your mind and body. Building an outdoor sauna is not as difficult as it seems. All you need to do is to follow these tips and read all the instructions carefully. And soon, you will have your very own outdoor sauna that you can enjoy with your friends and family.