Mountain View, CA

How much does a home sauna cost?

$3,000 – $10,000 Average total cost

A home sauna costs $3,000 to $10,000 installed on average. A prefab indoor or outdoor sauna costs $2,300 to $14,500. Building a custom sauna room costs $4,300 to $34,000. An infrared sauna costs $2,300 to $8,500. Sauna installation costs $300 to $2,500 for labor alone.

Get free estimates from sauna installers near you, or view our cost guide below.

August 18, 2021

Reviewed by Tom Grupa and 18 expert sauna installers on HomeGuide.

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’.

Home sauna cost - chart
Home sauna cost - chart

Home sauna cost
National average cost $6,000
Minimum cost $1,300
Maximum cost $24,500
Average range $3,000 to $10,000

Average cost for a two- to four-person home sauna installed. Cost data is based on 114 project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

  • Sauna installation takes 1 to 3 days on average.
  • 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.

Cost to build a sauna - chart
Cost to build a sauna - chart

Cost to build a sauna
Sauna type Average cost
Indoor prefab sauna room $2,300 – $10,500
Outdoor prefab sauna $5,500 – $14,500
Custom pre-cut sauna kit $4,300 – $11,500
Fully custom sauna $8,000 – $34,000
Many local dealers include delivery and installation in the sauna cost.

*Includes installation

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Indoor sauna room cost

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

Indoor sauna room cost
Kit type Average cost (kit only) Average cost (with installation) Description
Pre-cut $4,000 – $10,000 $4,300 – $11,500
  • Includes sauna interior materials
  • Requires exterior wall framing and insulation
Prefab $2,000 – $9,000 $2,300 – $10,500
  • Includes all materials required to build a freestanding sauna room
  • Indoor and outdoor options
Fully custom -- $8,000 – $20,000
  • Ideal for odd-shaped spaces and personalization

Large prefab sauna installation indoors in bedroom
Large prefab sauna installation indoors in bedroom

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. An outdoor sauna requires a solid, level foundation. Installing in a weather-protected area extends the sauna's life.

Outdoor sauna cost
Outdoor sauna type Average cost installed
Prefab sauna $5,500 – $14,500
Custom-built sauna $12,000 – $34,000

Outdoor barrel-shaped sauna installed with waterfront view
Outdoor barrel-shaped sauna installed with waterfront view

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:

Portable & personal sauna cost
Portable sauna type Average price
Infrared blanket $200– $500
Infrared dome $800 – $2,600
Tent-style (steam or infrared) $200 – $1,000

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.
Modular / prefab sauna prices
Brand Price Types Traditional Infrared Warranty
Almost Heaven $3,450 – $7,000 Prefab, indoor, outdoor, barrel, cabin Limited Lifetime
Cedarbrook $4,500 – $1,000 Pre-cut, prefab, indoor, outdoor 1 year
Clearlight $4,500 – $8,000 Prefab indoor, outdoor Limited Lifetime
Dundalk $6,500 – $13,000 Prefab, indoor, outdoor, barrel 5 years
Finlandia $5,500 – $12,000 Pre-cut, indoor, outdoor 1 year
Finnleo $2,500 – $9,500 Prefab, custom, indoor Limited lifetime
Heavenly Heat $4,500 – $6,000 Prefab, indoor Limited Lifetime
Northern Lights $3,500 – $10,500 Barrel, DIY kits 3 years
Rocky Mountain Saunas $3,000 – $6,000 Prefab, indoor, outdoor (sun cover) Limited Lifetime
Salus Saunas $2,700 – $10,000 Prefab, barrel, indoor, outdoor 7 years
SaunaCore $10,000 – $14,000 Precut, prefab, indoor, outdoor, barrel Limited Lifetime
Sunlighten $2,600 – $5,600 Prefab, indoor, custom Limited lifetime
SunRay $3,000 – $5,500 Prefab, indoor, outdoor 7 years
Vital Health $3,000 – $4,500 Prefab, indoor Limited Lifetime

*Without installation

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 including installation. A fully custom-built sauna costs $8,000 to $34,000 or more and offers the most personalization.

Custom sauna cost
Custom sauna type Average price range
Custom pre-cut $4,300 – $11,500
Fully custom $8,000 – $34,000

Custom sauna constructed inside residental bathroom
Custom sauna constructed inside residental bathroom

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.

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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.

Prefab infrared home sauna
Prefab infrared home sauna

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.
Infrared sauna vs. traditional sauna
Infrared saunas Traditional saunas
120° – 140° (Fahrenheit) 150° – 195° (Fahrenheit)
No preheat required 30 – 40-minute preheat time
Heats the body directly Heats the air to heat the body
Temperature control only Temperature and humidity control
Ventilation not required Ventilation required
Typically uses a standard electrical outlet Typically requires a dedicated 220V circuit
Longer sessions are possible due to lower temperature 15–20-minute sessions
Do not install an infrared sauna outside unless the model is designed for outdoor use. Indoor infrared saunas cannot withstand cold temperatures or long-term sun exposure.

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

Sauna costs by size - chart
Sauna costs by size - chart

Sauna costs by dimensions and sizes
Size Average cost Dimensions Square footage
1 person $1,500 – $4,600
  • 3’ x 4’
  • 3’ x 5’
12 – 15
2-4 person $2,800 – $7,700
  • 4’ x 4’
  • 4’ x 6’
  • 5’ x 6’
  • 5’ x 7’
  • 6’ x 6’
16 – 36
5-7 person $5,000 – $13,000
  • 6’ x 8’
  • 8’ x 8’
48 – 64
8-10 person $7,000 – $15,000
  • 8’ x 10’
  • 8’ x 12’
  • 10’ x 10’
  • 10’ x 12’
80 – 96

*Without installation

Labor cost to install residential sauna kits

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

  • Electricians charge $40 to $100 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:

Home sauna wood types and prices
Wood type Material cost per square foot Description
Red cedar $2 – $15
  • Bold color
  • Resists decay and distortion
  • Repels insects
  • Lightly scented
Hemlock $1 – $5
  • Good for sensitive skin
  • Less expensive but not as strong as cedar
  • Knot-free
Nordic White Spruce $5 – $30
  • Lightest color
  • Darkens slightly over time
  • Preferred for exterior walls
Pine $1 – $5
  • Large knots
  • More likely to splint
  • Suitable for framing, not for the interior
Redwood $3 – $5
  • Similar to cedar
  • Discolors over time from oil and sweat
Basswood $1 – $3
  • Affordable
  • Resists distortion
  • No odor

Building a fully custom sauna indoors
Building a fully custom sauna indoors

Electrical costs to make a home sauna

Electrician prices are $300 to $800 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 requirements and locations
Basic requirements Locations
  • Required:
  • Waterproof floor
  • Proper Insulation
  • Incoming and outgoing ventilation
  • Plumbing access (for steam saunas with a drain)
  • Bathroom
  • Basement
  • Cabana
  • Closet
  • Deck
  • Garage
  • Home gym
  • Pool house
  • Porch
  • Shed
  • Under a staircase
  • Preferred:
  • Ceiling height 7’ or less
  • Nearby shower
  • Access to outside porch or backyard
  • Square shape for most balanced temperature levels
  • Weather-protected area (for outdoor saunas)

Sauna heater cost

A sauna heater costs $200 to $4,600, depending on 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.

Sauna heater cost - chart
Sauna heater cost - chart

Sauna heater cost
Heater type Average cost
Infrared $200 – $600
Electric $700 – $3,800
Wood-burning $800 – $3,000
Gas $800 – $4,600

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 accessories.

Sauna features and accessories prices
Accessory Price range
Backrest $45 – $175
Bench $100 – $200
Brushes $10 – $35
Control panel $250 – $800
Door $700 – $1,200
Floor mat $20 – $100
Fog-free mirror $25 – $450
Fragrances / aromatherapy $25 – $70
Headrest $30 – $80
Hygrometer $30 – $60
Lights / chromatherapy $50 – $300
Oxygen ionizer $45 – $200
Robe hook $20 – $30
Sauna rocks $40 – $90
Sand timer $40 – $60
Seat cushion $80 – $400
Soaps $5 – $10
Speakers / sound system $150 – $900
Thermometer $20 – $80
Water bucket and ladle $65 – $125
Thermometer / hygrometer combo $40 – $100
Window $250 – $900

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Home sauna vs. steam shower room cost

A steam shower costs $3,000 to $10,000 on average, which is the same price as a home sauna. 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 vs. steam shower room cost
Factor Sauna Steam room/shower
Cost $3,000 – $10,000 $2,000 – $4,000
Temperature (F) 120° – 195° 100° – 120°
Humidity Below 10% Near 100%
Pros
  • Stress reduction and relaxation
  • Alleviates muscle and joint pain
  • Increases circulation
  • Good for the skin
  • Decreases exercise recovery time
  • Best for arthritis
  • May improve sleep quality
  • Stress reduction and relaxation
  • Alleviate muscle and joint pain
  • Increases circulation
  • Good for the skin
  • Decreases exercise recovery time
  • Best for allergies and congestion
  • May use less space than a sauna
Cons
  • Prolonged use leads to dry skin
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions
  • Potential reproductive issues in men
  • Prolonged use leads to dehydration
  • High risk of bacteria growth
  • May worsen arthritis pain
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Frequently asked questions

Where and how to buy a sauna

Homeowners can buy a sauna online or from local dealers. 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 sauna type, size, usage frequency, and local utility rates.

Cost to run a sauna
Sauna type 20-minute session
Electric $0.25 – $0.50
Wood-burning $4 – $8

To calculate monthly sauna electricity costs:

Multiply the kilowatt size of the heater × hours used per month × local electricity rate per kWh.

Does an at-home sauna increase home value?

A home sauna may increase home 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 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 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.

Time it takes to build a sauna
Type Hours to build
Prefab (indoor) 2 – 4
Prefab (outdoor) 15 – 20
Pre-cut 14 – 20

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

Sauna repair costs $150 to $600 on average. Sauna technicians charge $75 to $150 per hour with a $150 to $300 initial diagnostic fee. Purchasing a new heater is often cheaper than repairing, and it's the most common part to break. Regularly inspecting and reseating sauna rocks extends 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.

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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.
  • Browse their reviews on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
  • Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for more than five 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?

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