Cost of a Sauna at Home in 2024: Detailed Breakdown
Typical Range:
$3,000 - $10,000
Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.
Updated September 26, 2024
Written by HomeAdvisor.Highlights
Installing a home sauna costs between $3,000 and $10,000, with most homeowners paying an average of $4,500.
The sauna size, design, features, and customization level impact the total price.
You can choose from several sauna types, including indoor, outdoor, pre-fabricated, custom, wood-burning, dry, and infrared.
Prefabricated kits are the most cost-effective option and include everything you need to install the sauna.
Labor costs typically account for 30% to 50% of the total installation cost, with installers charging $45 to $200 per hour.
The average cost to install a home sauna ranges from $3,000 to $10,000, with most homeowners paying an average of $4,500. Sauna installation costs vary depending on the size and design, heater type, location, and level of customization. Labor accounts for 30% to 50% of the total cost. Depending on the sauna type and location, you may have to hire a professional installer, plumber, and electrician.
Average Cost of a Sauna at Home
| Average Cost | High Cost | Low Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $4,500 | $10,000 | $3,000 |
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Home Sauna Cost Factors
The cost to install a home sauna depends on various factors, including the size, design, additional features, heater type, location, and labor requirements.
Size
The sauna size determines the amount of materials and labor required, directly impacting the price. Most saunas range from $50 to $200 per square foot, but prices may be higher for customized designs. The general rule for sizing is to allow two feet of seating space or six feet of reclining space per person. The average two-person sauna is 16 square feet, costing between $800 and $3,200, while the average four-person sauna is 40 square feet, costing between $2,000 and $8,000.
Sauna Type
There are several sauna types to choose from, including indoor, outdoor, pre-fabricated, custom, wood-burning, infrared, and dry. Each type varies in design, heating source, location, and cost. The total installation price depends on the level of customization, materials, and labor required. Pre-fabricated infrared saunas are often the most cost-effective, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, while custom designs are the most expensive, with some costing upwards of $10,000.
| Sauna Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Indoor | $3,000–$9,000 |
| Outdoor | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Pre-Fabricated | $3,000–$9,000 |
| Custom | $4,000–$10,000+ |
| Wood-Burning | $2,500–$7,500 |
| Dry | $2,500–$10,000 |
| Infrared | $1,500–$7,000 |
Features
Several features can be added to enhance the comfort and function of your sauna. While standard designs typically include a single bench, you can add extras such as backrests, speakers, and windows for an additional price.
| Feature | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Backrest | $45–$175 |
| Bench | $100–$200 |
| Floor Mat | $20–$100 |
| Headrest | $30–$80 |
| Lights | $30–$300 |
| Speakers | $150–$900 |
| Control Panel | $250–$800 |
| Window | $250–$900 |
Heater Type
Saunas generate heat using electric, gas, wood-burning, or infrared technology. Gas and electric heaters work by warming rocks on a stove to produce heat. Electric options range from $700 to $3,800, while gas models are between $800 and $4,600. Wood-burning heaters fall in the same price range as electric models and use a wood stove to generate heat. Infrared heaters are often the most cost-effective, ranging from $200 to $600, and use infrared technology to heat the body directly.
| Heater Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Infrared | $200–$600 |
| Electric | $700–$3,800 |
| Wood-Burning | $800–$3,000 |
| Gas | $800–$4,600 |
Prefab vs. Customization
When installing a sauna, you can choose between a prefabricated kit or a custom design. Prefabricated kits include everything you need to build the sauna and are the more budget-friendly option at $2,500 to $7,500. Custom saunas are built from the ground up and can be completely personalized. Building a custom sauna typically costs between $4,000 and $10,000 but varies depending on the size, features, and design.
Location in Home
The location of your sauna significantly impacts installation costs. Indoor saunas, such as those in basements, garages, walk-in closets, or bathrooms, range from $3,000 to $9,000. They often cost more to install than outdoor saunas because they require a ventilation system to keep surrounding areas free of heat, moisture, and humidity. A single ventilation fan costs between $250 and $600, while an entire ventilation system with ductwork ranges from $2,000 to $4,000.
The average cost to install an outdoor sauna is between $3,000 and $6,000. Outdoor models are typically built from wood and placed on a level concrete slab. To pour concrete, expect to pay an average of $6 per square foot. Leveling the yard costs an additional $300 to $1,000.
Labor
Labor typically accounts for 30 to 50% of the total cost of installing a sauna but varies depending on the type of sauna and the complexity of the installation. Professional installation of a prefabricated sauna kit ranges from $300 to $1,500, while a pre-cut kit ranges from $1,500 to $2,500.
If you want to build a fully custom sauna, expect to pay a local sauna company between $45 and $200 per hour. Depending on the installation requirements, you may also have to hire an electrician at $50 to $100 per hour and a plumber at $45 to $150 per hour.
Home Sauna Replacement or Repair?
If your sauna breaks, consider whether repair or replacement is the best option. Minor issues, such as broken components or small structural damages, are often easily repaired within a matter of hours by an experienced technician. The average cost of sauna repair ranges from $200 to $800, depending on the extent of damage.
Significant damages or full breakdowns often require complete sauna replacement, which costs from $3,000 to over $10,000. Replacement involves removing the old sauna, disposing of materials, and installing a new model.
Does a Home Sauna Increase Home Value?
The value a sauna adds to a house depends on the buyer's preferences. Saunas will likely not be a selling point but can be an added bonus to those who appreciate luxury amenities. Some buyers may be turned away because they view the sauna as a waste of space or are concerned about the ongoing costs. While they won’t significantly increase the sale price of a home, saunas can enhance the property's appeal to the right buyer.
Budgeting for a Sauna at Home
Adding a sauna to your home doesn’t have to be a costly luxury. Consider the following tips for budget-friendly installation:
Opt for a smaller design suited for one or two people.
Skip the extra features and choose a basic model.
Purchase a prefabricated kit rather than a custom design.
Get estimates from multiple contractors to find the most cost-effective option in your area.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Still Have Questions About Home Sauna Installation?
FAQs
How long does it take to install a sauna?
The time required to install a sauna depends on the size and design. Prefabricated saunas can be installed in as little as two to four hours and require limited tools, while custom designs can take multiple days or weeks to build and install.
What are the benefits of a sauna?
Saunas offer many benefits to your physical and mental health, including detoxification, improved circulation, stress relief, muscle relaxation, and enhanced sleep.
Do I need a permit to install a sauna?
Local regulations determine whether you require a permit to install your sauna. However, most standard-sized saunas do not require a permit unless extensive electrical work is necessary.
Where’s the most common location to put a sauna?
Most homeowners put saunas in outdoor spaces such as near a pool, on an enclosed porch, or in the backyard. If the home size and design allow for it, they may also place saunas in bathrooms, basements, walk-in closets, or the garage.
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