The idea of luxuriating in your own sauna has transformed from a toy for the super rich to just another part of the American dream. A decade or so ago, having a home sauna supplied, constructed and installed was a project that would cost tens of thousands. Today, you can buy a home sauna in kit form for less than $5,000.
That’s less than the price of a 15 year old Honda, so it’s no surprise that American householders are rushing to be part of the latest luxury wellness trend. If you are thinking of joining them, here are the things you need to consider.
Choosing the sauna style
Online sauna retailers such as The Saunaplace typically have the widest choice of saunas on the US market, so it is worth taking some time to look through their range. The first decision is whether to choose an indoor or outdoor sauna. Most people choose an outdoor sauna, as these can be purchased as a kit and are self-contained.
Installing an indoor steam room is, however, worth considering if your sauna installation forms part of a broader home renovation project that involves a complete bathroom refit.
Assuming that you are following the outdoor sauna option, there are three common and popular styles:
- A cabin sauna is square or rectangular, with either a slightly sloping of fixed roof. This is the traditional sauna style and will not look out of place regardless of the size of design of your garden or back yard.
- A barrel sauna has a rounded design that is great for energy efficiency and promotes better circulation of the hot air generated by the sauna heater. This is a very popular design in the US, although headroom can be an issue for taller users.
- A pod sauna is a new design that is rapidly growing in popularity. Some people think it is a good compromise, as the curved roof makes it more efficient but with straight sides, it is higher in the middle than a barrel sauna.
Choosing the sauna heater
There are four types of sauna heater, although you cannot necessarily select from all four types with every sauna style and size. By far the most popular choice for a domestic outdoor sauna is an electric sauna heater. It is convenient, programmable and will heat the sauna more rapidly than other options. Modern electric sauna heaters are also highly energy efficient. Of course, the cost depends on the size of the heater, how often it is used and the energy prices in your area. However, a small to medium unit used four times a week is likely to consume only around $20 to $25 worth of electricity per month.
The other fuel options are gas, wood or infrared. Gas is usually more popular for commercial saunas, but is worth considering if you choose a large outdoor sauna to accommodate six or more people. A wood burner sounds romantic, and there is definitely something special about the sound and smell of one in action. But it takes longer to fire up and demands more maintenance. Infrared is used in specialist saunas, and is not usually an option with prebuilt kits, so is really beyond the scope of our discussion today.
DIY or professional assembly
Prebuilt sauna kits are designed for easy assembly using the kind of tools that are found in any DIY enthusiast’s toolbox. There are, however three caveats to consider:
1. Even a small sauna kit has components that are large and awkward. Putting one together is definitely a two-person job, so enlist the help of an assistant.
2. You will need to call in a qualified engineer to install the electric sauna heater and fit an appropriate circuit breaker. In most US states, this is not just good practice, it is a legal requirement.
3. If you are a DIY novice, putting together a home sauna kit is not the best first project. A knowledgeable handyman will be able to do the job in three to four hours, so is a worthwhile investment to get the job done properly.
Have the above points in mind while choosing your sauna. Before you know it, you will be the envy of your neighbors as you sweat your troubles away.
