All About Buying a Sauna

The purchase and installation of a sauna involves various costs. The final price depends on the type of sauna, the size, the materials used, the type of heater, the location (inside or outside) and any additional options. The overview below offers a realistic estimate of the costs per category.

1. Average Purchase Prices per Sauna Type (excl. placement)

2. Installation and connection costs

3. Consumption and annual maintenance costs

4. Optional Extensions and Accessories

5. Summary price table – Total target prices per project type

Important considerations

• Choose a heater with the right capacity: over- or under-sizing leads to inefficiency and higher costs.
• Pay attention to ventilation and insulation: well-insulated saunas consume less energy.
• Outdoor saunas require a solid foundation: take into account extra costs when placing on grass, soil or tiles.
• Permit requirement: a permit is usually not required for small outdoor saunas, but checking with the municipality is recommended.

Conclusion

The costs for a sauna range from approximately €2,000 for a compact infrared solution to €25,000 or more for a luxury custom installation. The biggest price differences are caused by the type of sauna, the choice of materials, the construction method and the desired extra options. A good preparation and clear choice in advance ensure an efficient investment and years of carefree use.

Purchasing a sauna requires several strategic choices. The right combination of location, type, dimensions, and technical facilities largely determines the comfort, costs, and long-term use. The points below provide guidance for the orientation and decision-making process.

1. Indoor or Outdoor Sauna

Indoor placement (bathroom, basement, attic, garden house):

• Space-saving, easy to integrate into existing home
• Less exposure to weather conditions
• Better temperature protection and shorter warm-up time

Outdoor placement (garden, terrace, pool house):

• Natural environment and outdoor experience
• More spacious in terms of layout and dimensions
• More ventilation options

Consideration:
Indoors is more efficient and compact, outdoors offers more atmosphere and luxury.

2. Type of sauna

Consideration:
The choice depends on personal preference, frequency of use and desired effects (intensity, relaxation, recovery).

3. Size and Seating capacity

• Available space determines the maximum size.
• Aim for at least 1 m² per person as a guideline.
• Standard configurations:
• 1-person: compact, suitable for bathroom
• 2–4 persons: most popular family size
• 5+ people: ideal for group use or outdoor placement

Consideration:
It's better to choose something more spacious for comfort, but take into account the warm-up time and energy consumption for larger cabins.

4. Heater type and power

Consideration:
Ensure a heater capacity tailored to the cabin's volume (approx. 1 kW per 1.3 m³). Overcapacity leads to unnecessary consumption, undercapacity to long warm-up time.

5. Insulation and Ventilation

• Good insulation of walls, ceiling, and floor prevents heat loss and reduces energy consumption.
• Ventilation is crucial for air exchange, safety, and condensation removal.

Consideration:
High-quality insulation materials pay for themselves in consumption costs and comfort.

6. Ease of Use

• Choice of simple manual operation, digital displays or app control.
• For infrared cabins, often integrated into the cabin wall.
• Outdoor installations require weatherproof control modules.

Consideration:
Modern operation increases ease of use, especially with frequent use.

7. Materials and finishing

• Interior cladding: often made of pine, red cedar, aspen or thermo wood
• Seats: ergonomically shaped, splinter-free, heat-resistant
• Door: transparent glass, safety glass or partially closed for privacy
• Accessories: headrests, lamps, aroma boxes, speakers

Consideration:
Choose durable types of wood and solid finishing for long-term intensive use.

8. Connection facilities

• Electricity: power current group required from approx. 4 kW
• Water drainage (if steam generator or shower integrated)
• Ventilation duct or window opening (for natural air circulation)
• Foundation (for outdoor sauna): level, stable and frost-free

Consideration:
Have it checked in advance whether the technical facilities are present or need to be adjusted.

9. Admission and permits

• Usually permit-free in the house or garden house
• An environmental permit may be required for free-standing outdoor saunas >10 m² or >3 meters high
• Check municipal regulations regarding smoke extraction for wood-fired models

Consideration:
Always have the permit status checked before purchase or placement.

10. Budget and expansion options

Consideration:
Not everything needs to be done immediately: plan expansions in phases if necessary.

Conclusion

Buying a sauna requires more than just choosing a model. The location, intended use, heater type, finish, and available connections together determine the technical and financial feasibility. A well-prepared decision prevents surprises and ensures years of comfortable, efficient, and safe sauna use.

When purchasing a sauna, the placement – indoors or outdoors – is one of the first and most important choices. Both options have their own technical requirements, user comfort, and price range. The final choice depends on available space, frequency of use, aesthetic preference, and budget.

1. Indoor Sauna

Features

• Installed in an existing indoor space such as a bathroom, attic, basement or gym
• Compact design and easy connection to existing facilities
• Faster heating thanks to limited temperature differences

Benefits

• Less sensitive to weather influences and temperature changes
• Shorter warm-up time and more energy-efficient with regular use
• No separate foundation or weather-resistant finish required
• Practical and discreet to integrate indoors

Disadvantages

• Limited in size by available indoor space
• Need for additional ventilation or mechanical extraction
• Potentially more renovation work during installation (electricity, air circulation)
• Less of a ‘nature experience’ compared to outdoor placement

Indicative price (fully installed, 2025)

• €4,000 – €10,000 depending on size, stove, and finish

2. Outdoor Sauna

Features

• Freestanding placement in the garden, on the patio, or next to a swimming pool
• Often designed as a barrel model, log cabin, barrel sauna, or custom construction
• Requires extra attention to foundation, insulation, and weather resistance

Advantages

• Usually more spacious and flexible in design and appearance
• Experience the contrast between sauna and fresh air (e.g. cooling off in the garden)
• Ideally combined with an outdoor living area, swimming pool or hot tub
• Strong aesthetic and luxurious added value in the garden

Disadvantages

• More expensive construction due to weather influences (wood treatment, roofing)
• Additional installation of power supply, foundation, or terrace required
• Permit required for larger models (check local policy)
• Longer heating time in cold weather

Estimated price (fully installed, 2025)

• €6,000 – €20,000+, depending on model, size, and features

3. Comparison Table Indoor vs. Outdoor Sauna

4. Selection Advice

Conclusion
The choice between an indoor or outdoor sauna depends on practical space, desired experience, and willingness to invest. An indoor sauna is functional, heats up quickly, and is cost-effective, while an outdoor sauna adds more experience, luxury, and aesthetics to the garden. Both options require good preparation in terms of installation, stove choice, and insulation to achieve optimal efficiency and comfort.

The market offers various saunas, each with specific applications, temperature settings, and health benefits. The right choice depends on the desired use, available space, budget, and personal preference.

1. Finnish Sauna (Traditional)

Features

• Temperature: 70–100 °C
• Humidity: 5–20%
• Heating: electric or wood-fired sauna stove
• Possibility of pouring water (löyly)

Benefits

• Intense heat sensation
• Stimulates circulation, detoxifies and relaxes
• Proven effect on stress and muscle recovery

Suitable for

Users who enjoy traditional hot sauna use with Aufguss rituals.

Recommended price (excl. installation)

€3,000 – €7,000 (indoor) / €5,000 – €15,000 (outdoor)

2. Infrared Sauna

Features

• Temperature: 40–65 °C
• Heating via infrared panels (direct heat radiation)
• Low humidity
• Fast heating, no preheating time required

Benefits

• Deep heat in muscles and joints
• Energy efficient and compact
• Ideal for daily and therapeutic use

Suitable for

People with muscle or joint complaints or who want to relax quickly and briefly.

Recommended price (excluding installation)

€1,500 – €4,000

3. Combi-Sauna (Finnish + Infrared)

Features

• Combination of classic Finnish stove and infrared panels
• Interaction between intensive and mild heat
• Adjustable settings for both systems

Benefits

• Maximum flexibility in use
• Suitable for multiple users with different preferences
• Space-saving alternative to two separate saunas

Suitable for

Families or users who desire variety in sauna use.

Estimated price (excluding installation)

€5,000 – €10,000

4. Outdoor Sauna

Features

• Freestanding sauna in the garden or near the wellness area
• Usually Finnish design or combined with a wood-burning stove
• Wooden barrel, log, or custom-built construction
• Often combined with a cooling zone or plunge pool

Advantages

• Nature experience and luxurious appearance
• Larger capacity possible
• Strong aesthetic value for garden or wellness area

Suitable for

Lovers of traditional sauna experience and outdoor use.

Indicative price (complete project)

€6,000 – €20,000+

5. Steam cabin (Hammam)

Features

• Temperature: 40–50 °C
• Humidity: up to 100%
• Possible to combine with aromatherapy and light therapy
• Steam generator required (water and power connection)

Benefits

• Deep cleansing of skin and airways
• Relaxing and refreshing
• Can be well combined with bathrooms or wellness areas

Suitable for

Lovers of moist heat, suitable for respiratory complaints.

Recommended price (excl. installation)

€3,000 – €8,000

6. Mobile or Inflatable Sauna

Features

• Compact and demountable
• Electric or wood-fired
• Suitable for temporary or seasonal use

Advantages

• Budget-friendly
• Quick to set up and remove
• No permanent permit or foundation needed

Suitable for

Temporary use or small garden setups.

Price range

€1,000 – €3,000

Comparison Table – Types of Saunas (2025)

Conclusion

Each type of sauna has its own specific applications, comfort levels, and investment requirements. Those who want to relax quickly on a daily basis will opt for an infrared cabin. Those who value traditional sauna experiences or garden luxury will choose a Finnish or outdoor sauna. For maximum flexibility, a combi-sauna is a future-proof solution. A professional choice begins with a clear needs analysis and technical assessment.

The correct size of a sauna determines the comfort of use, the efficiency of heat distribution, energy consumption and the practical integration into the house or garden. A sauna that is too small offers inadequate comfort, while a cabin that is too large consumes more energy and involves higher installation costs. A well-chosen size prevents waste and maximizes ease of use.

1. Minimum Dimensions per Number of People

Please note: this concerns the net interior space. When placing, take into account extra space for walls, ventilation and installation.

2. Important considerations when choosing the size

a. Purpose and frequency of use

• Individual use or therapy: compact model is sufficient
• Family use or social setting: wider seat, double benches or corner arrangement desirable
• Daily or intensive use: choose more interior space and circulation space

b. Available space

• Bathroom or basement space is often limited
• Outdoor placement offers more freedom in design, height and depth
• Pay attention to sloping ceilings in attic installations

c. Ergonomics

• Minimum seat width: 50–60 cm per person
• Minimum bench length for lying use: 180 cm
• Standing or walking height: preferably at least 200 cm internal height

3. Influence of size on energy consumption and heating time

Conclusion: larger saunas are more comfortable, but consume more energy and require more powerful technology.

4. Space planning for placement

5. Recommended choices per situation

Conclusion

The ideal size of a sauna depends on the number of users, the available space, the desired experience, and the energy consumption. For functional and comfortable use, a good balance between interior space, efficiency, and installation space is essential. By planning well in advance and taking into account ergonomics and technical requirements, unnecessary investment or loss of space is avoided.

When purchasing or installing a sauna, various additional facilities can be chosen. These options can be added modularly and can be tailored to personal preference, intensity of use, and budget.

1. LED lighting (mood or colored light)

Purpose: Creates atmosphere and relaxation, optionally with color therapy (chromotherapy).
Placement: Integrated behind the backrest, under benches, or in the ceiling.
Cost indication: €200 – €600

2. Glass door or panoramic wall

Purpose: Visual openness, spatial feeling, more daylight.
Materials: Tempered safety glass, transparent or frosted.
Cost indication: €400 – €1,500

3. Bluetooth audio or speaker system

Purpose: Music or relaxing audio during sauna sessions.
Operation: Via integrated control panel or smartphone.
Cost indication: €300 – €900

4. Integrated
Aroma Diffuser

Purpose: Atomization of essential oils for scent experience and wellness effects.
Execution: Automatic or manual, via a reservoir in the heater or a separate module.
Cost indication: €150 – €400

5. Hourglass,
Thermometer and Hygrometer (Set)

Purpose: Insight into time, temperature, and humidity.
Materials: Wood, stainless steel, or glass, depending on the sauna style.
Cost indication: €50 – €150

6. Additional seating and lounging benches

Purpose: More capacity or lounging comfort, especially in custom saunas.
Materials: Thermo wood, red cedar, aspen, abachi.
Cost indication: €300 – €1,000 per bench element

7. Windows or daylight openings

Purpose: Natural light, contact with the outdoors.
Execution: Small top window, sliding window, or fixed glass panels.
Cost indication: €300 – €1,200

8. Control panel outside the cabin

Purpose: Preheating and operation without entering the sauna.
Version: Wired or wireless; optional via app.
Cost indication: €150 – €600

9. Built-in shower room (for built-in models)

Purpose: Immediate cooling after sauna session, comfort and hygiene.
Requirements: Water connection and drainage, space planning.
Cost indication: €1,500 – €3,500 (excl. plumbing)

10. Outdoor Sauna Cover/Enclosure

Purpose: Protection of an outdoor sauna from rain and sun.
Execution: Wooden cover, aluminum roof, integrated outbuilding.
Cost indication: €2,000 – €7,000+

11. Floor or bench heating (electric)

Purpose: Extra comfort, especially in winter or when sitting for a long time.
Execution: Electric underfloor heating or infrared mats under benches.
Cost indication: €300 – €900

Summary Price List – Extra Options Saunas (2025)

Conclusion

Extra options with a sauna enhance the user experience, comfort, and functional value. They can be included directly during installation or added later, depending on the technical preparation. A good balance between aesthetics, ergonomics, and budget leads to optimal long-term sauna enjoyment.

A sauna is more than a luxury product; it is an investment in health, relaxation, and quality of life. For both private and professional use, a well-designed sauna offers numerous benefits in terms of well-being, living comfort, and sustainability.

1. Physical and mental relaxation

• Heat promotes blood circulation, reduces muscle tension, and aids in recovery after exertion.
• Regular sauna visits contribute to stress reduction, better sleep, and general relaxation.

Benefit: Immediately noticeable peace and relaxation, both physically and mentally.

2. Strengthening the immune system

• The alternation between heat and cold stimuli boosts natural resistance.
• Regular sauna use increases the activity of white blood cells and makes the body more resistant to colds and infections.

Benefit: natural defense support without medication.

3. Support for Skincare and Detoxification

• Through perspiration, pores open up and waste products are eliminated through the skin.
• The heat ensures a deep cleansing of the skin and contributes to a healthier complexion.

Benefit: improvement of skin condition and natural cleansing.

4. Relief of muscle and joint complaints

• Deep heat helps with chronic muscle pain, rheumatic complaints and joint stiffness.
• Infrared cabins in particular have a therapeutic effect on muscle and back problems.

Advantage: natural pain relief without side effects.

5. Positive effect on blood circulation

• Heat causes dilation of blood vessels and an increased heart rate, which stimulates blood circulation.
• Regular use supports healthy blood pressure regulation.

Benefit: improvement of cardiovascular function, without physical exertion.

6. Suitable for daily or weekly use

• A sauna can be used safely and structurally, provided it is well designed and technically correctly installed.
• Sauna use offers health benefits for both athletes and people with sedentary occupations.

Advantage: widely applicable and easy to incorporate into the daily routine.

7. Valuable addition to home or garden

• A sauna increases living comfort, especially in combination with a shower, swimming pool, or wellness area.
• With good finishing and placement, it is a sustainable added value for the property.

Advantage: functional AND aesthetic investment in living enjoyment.

8. Wide choice of types and applications

• Available as an infrared cabin, Finnish sauna, combi sauna or steam cabin.
• Can be placed both indoors and outdoors, in different sizes and price ranges.

Advantage: always a suitable solution for every situation and every budget.

9. Energy efficiency with correct installation

• Modern saunas are well insulated, heat up quickly, and are equipped with energy-efficient heaters or infrared panels.
• An average session costs only a few kilowatt-hours of electricity.

Advantage: relaxation without high fixed costs.

10. Low maintenance and durable

• High-quality wood and solid stoves require little maintenance.
• With timely cleaning and simple inspection, the sauna will remain in top condition for years.

Advantage: long-lasting use with minimal care.

Conclusion

A sauna offers demonstrable benefits for the body, mind, and living environment. The combination of health effects, comfort, ease of use, and added home value makes it a sustainable investment in personal quality of life. With good preparation and professional installation, a sauna provides years of carefree use, tailored to the individual needs of the user.