Infrared or traditional heat
Infrared saunas warm the body directly with carbon or ceramic heaters, at air temperatures of about 120 to 140°F. Traditional saunas heat the air and stones to around 150 to 195°F, and you can pour water on the stones for steam.
Infrared suits people who find high heat hard to bear. Traditional heat gives the classic sauna feel.
A home sauna gives you regular sessions without a gym or spa membership. Most people start with 10 to 15 minutes and drink plenty of water before and after.
Indoor infrared rooms
Thermora indoor saunas seat 2 to 4 people, with low EMF carbon heaters and full-spectrum options. Some add red light therapy, Himalayan salt panels, chromotherapy lighting and Bluetooth speakers.
Several smaller models run on a standard 120V household outlet, so they can go in a spare room, basement or garage without new wiring.
Indoor rooms ship as panels that most owners can assemble in an afternoon with two people. Check the listing for the exact footprint and ceiling height needed.
Barrel and outdoor saunas
Outdoor barrel saunas from Dundalk Leisurecraft are built from Canadian Eastern white cedar, with models for 4 to 6 people. The round shape heats evenly and sheds rain and snow.
Thermora also makes hemlock and composite outdoor saunas with tempered glass fronts. Set any outdoor sauna on a level, solid base such as a concrete pad or gravel.
Cedar has a natural scent and resists rot and insects, which is why it's a classic choice for saunas built outside.
Made-to-order cabins
ThermaSol outdoor cabins, such as the Vera, Vue and Ombra, are made to order and arrive fully assembled for 3 to 5 people. They suit larger homes and hospitality spaces.
These are the top of the range, priced well over $50,000. Lead times are longer than stock models, so check the listing before planning around a date.
Power and placement
Traditional heaters of around 3 to 6 kW usually need a dedicated 240V circuit installed by a licensed electrician. Plan the circuit before the sauna arrives.
Leave space around the sauna for airflow and access to the electrical panel. Indoors, choose a room with a hard, water-resistant floor.
Lie-down saunas and accessories
For small spaces, the Relax Flex lie-down sauna delivers far infrared heat on a reflective mat, from about $1,800. It stores away between sessions.
Add sauna heaters and doors for upgrades and repairs. To build out a full home spa, pair a sauna with one of our freestanding bathtubs and bathroom fixtures.
