Thinking about getting a home sauna to boost your health and happiness? You probably have a lot of questions: Which type should you get? Should it be indoors or outdoors? Are there any safety issues?
This guide is here to help. We'll address your concerns and provide the essential tips you need to know before making a purchase. With our advice, you'll feel confident in choosing the perfect home sauna for you.
Deciding between an indoor or outdoor sauna, and which design to choose, depends on several factors. Make sure to consider the following when making your decision:
Heat Source: Do you prefer the natural wood aroma and authenticity of a wood-burning sauna? These are for outdoor use only. Traditional saunas with electric stoves can be placed indoors or outdoors if you have the right setup. Or perhaps you want the milder, less intense heat of an infrared sauna? These should be installed indoors only.
Style and Design: Are you aiming for a traditional and rustic look, or something modern with automation?
Size and Capacity: How many people will use the sauna at once? Home saunas come in sizes for 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8+ people.
Indoor saunas are typically more compact, designed to fit small spaces inside homes, and often come in simple cabin shapes.
Outdoor saunas are usually more spacious and offer a greater variety of shapes and designs. Common outdoor sauna designs include:
Golden Designs “Gargellen” 5-Person Hybrid Outdoor Steam Sauna – Canadian Hemlock (GDI-7689-01)
Golden Designs "Hanko Edition" 2-3 Person Capacity Indoor Traditional Steam Sauna (GDI-7202-01)
Think creatively when deciding where to place your indoor sauna. Pick a spot that saves you money and ensures safety.
Placing your sauna near an existing electrical outlet can save you the cost of installing a new one or using long cords. Some sauna heaters need to be wired directly to your electrical panel, so finding a spot close to it can be beneficial.
Basement
Installing a sauna in your basement saves living space, provides a secluded retreat, and ensures privacy. However, avoid basements with dampness issues. A dry area with a flat floor is essential.
Garage
Garages offer extra space, ample air, and minimal need for ventilation. They provide easy drainage solutions with drip trays instead of installing a drain.
Upstairs
An unused upstairs room can be perfect for a sauna. Pre-built saunas are lightweight and easy to assemble.
Floor Options
Avoid placing saunas on carpet due to fire hazards and cleanliness issues. Suitable flooring includes:
For a more aesthetic look, consider using an indoor sauna floor kit.
An outdoor sauna adds rustic charm, saves indoor space, and increases property value. It’s perfect for traditional wood-burning saunas, offering a safe, authentic experience. An outdoor sauna provides a quick escape without leaving your property and can be placed near a pool for a “hot sauna, cold plunge” routine.
Constructed from the most durable woods, outdoor saunas are designed to endure sun, rain, and snow for many years. Regular maintenance will extend their lifespan. Many outdoor saunas come with a lumber warranty for added peace of mind.
Like indoor saunas, outdoor saunas need to be placed on a flat, even surface. Ideal surfaces include wooden decks, stone-paved areas, concrete, or pressed gravel.
A distinctive feature of the barrel sauna is its molded cradle supports, which ensure stability even on uneven surfaces like grass or bare earth. This design allows for more versatile placement compared to standard saunas.
If you're eager to buy a sauna for your home and start improving your health, it's tempting to pick the first attractive one you find. However, we recommend taking your time to ensure you select the right sauna for you. Consider these questions before making your decision:
What are your health goals? Are you aiming to detox and lose weight, or do you simply want a place to relax? Are you more comfortable with the high heat of a traditional sauna or the gentle warmth of an infrared sauna? Rushing could mean missing out on options that best suit your needs.
How many people will use the sauna? Saunas come in different sizes, so it's important to choose one that fits your needs. A sauna that's too small might feel cramped, while one that's too large could take up too much space and energy.
Who will be using the sauna most frequently? Will it be shared with family or friends, or mainly used by yourself? For individual use, consider a cozy 1 to 2 person sauna like the Dynamic Saunas Venice. If you need more space, the 8-person Dynamic Saunas Elite could be ideal.
Taking the time to think about these factors ensures that your sauna choice matches your lifestyle and health goals perfectly.
Enhance your sauna experience and health benefits by considering essential upgrades for ultimate relaxation:
Install a salt wall panel to create a serene environment that revitalizes both body and mind, while boosting immunity, improving sleep, and purifying the respiratory system. Learn more about the health benefits of Himalayan salt in our article: "Does Himalayan Salt Actually Have Health Benefits?"
Incorporate aromatherapy essential oils to relax muscles, soothe joints, and enhance skin health, respiration, and digestion.
If you have safety concerns about installing a sauna on your property, rest assured that modern saunas offer heat therapy benefits without risk. Follow these tips to ensure a safe installation:
For indoor saunas, avoid placing them on carpeting. Opt instead for concrete, tile, laminate, ceramic, or vinyl surfaces. Both indoor and outdoor saunas should be positioned on a flat, even surface.
Flooding isn't a concern with our saunas, as they operate without needing water. In traditional saunas, adding a ladle of water to sauna rocks for steam won't cause any harm. Additionally, indoor saunas are well-insulated to prevent humidity from affecting your home.
The professional design and insulation of our prebuilt indoor saunas ensure that the sauna's temperature does not impact your home's temperature.
To ensure many years of safe and therapeutic sauna use, follow the guidelines provided in this article on purchasing a home sauna.
Avoid rushing your decision and selecting a sauna solely based on appearance. Instead, consider your health goals, heating preferences, and the number of users likely to use it simultaneously.
Choose a sauna that fulfills these requirements and complements your aesthetic preferences.
Whether you decide to place your sauna in a frequently used indoor space, a tucked-away basement, or as a focal point in your garden, it will enhance the charm of your home and introduce a healthy new routine to your life.
Ready to experience the ultimate in relaxation with our wide selection of sauna offerings? Feel free to explore our wide range of infrared, traditional dry, and steam saunas. Our expert team is here to help you find the perfect sauna that meets your wellness needs and safety standards.
Don't wait to elevate your wellness routine. Shop now or simply reach out to learn more about our unique offerings today. If you need any additional help, our expert customer service team is ready to serve you through phone, live chat, and complimentary video consultations.
