A sauna can be added to your house for an approximate cost of $4,500. The total cost of installing a sauna, including labor, supplies, and extra amenities, usually falls between $3,000 and $6,000. Even though it requires a large financial outlay, having a sauna on-site can draw in customers. If you’re interested in how a bathhouse might appear in your area, there are many different styles to consider. We get into the price of creating a spa, the various kinds to think about, and the important things to assess before choosing.

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What Is the Installation Cost of Saunas?

A home sauna can offer a luxurious, private spa experience, but it’s important to weigh all the expenses involved. To put it briefly, bath expenses are expected to be:

- Barrel spas can cost up to $6,000.
- Priced at $7,000 for a tiny do-it-yourself sauna.
- Around $10,000 or more for an outdoor sauna that is specially made.

Make sure to include extra costs for things like shipping, component transportation, and installation. Furthermore, the heater is usually not included in the price of a standard jacuzzi; it must be purchased separately. To make this comparison clear, we’ll assume the following:

- Pine or spruce wood is used to construct all saunas.
- The price estimates do not include shipping expenses.
- The cost projections do not include heaters.
- Steam and infrared saunas are not taken into consideration because they function differently and have distinct needs.
- In Australian dollars, all prices are specified.

How Do I Select a Sauna Type? Square vs. Barrel

One is a standard square frame and coating outdoor sauna, while the other is a barrel sauna. You will notice a noticeable cost difference between the two cabins when they are designed and built similarly. Because barrel spas are constructed differently than square hot tubs, they are typically far less expensive. A frame, insulation, vapor barrier, and external and inner coverings are among the many parts needed for a classic square spa.

On the other hand, staves—thick, integrated sections that act as heat insulation, interior and external coverings, and structural support—are used in building barrel spas. Additionally, putting together a barrel thermal bath is faster and easier, which lowers expenses even more. Frame and clad baths typically cost between $7,000 and $8,000, whereas barrel baths of the same kind range in price from $5,000 to $7,500.

Indoor vs Outdoor Sauna Cost

You can make an amazing, customized bathhouse if you want to plan every aspect of it, but this customization will cost more money. A prefabricated hot tub, on the other hand, is manufactured in advance on an assembly line and is typically less expensive. This section will concentrate on the expenses associated with creating a personalized spa that meets your unique requirements, whether it is intended for indoor or outdoor usage.

Indoor Sauna: A specialized indoor sauna may set you back as much as $9,500, but adding one to your house can start at just $3,000. The requirement for adequate sealing and airflow to stop heat, moisture, and dampness from damaging nearby regions is the reason for the greater expense. Walk-in showers can be transformed into steam spas, and indoor saunas are frequently placed in areas like walk-in closets and basements.
Outdoor Sauna: Outdoor saunas are stand-alone buildings that are often made of wood and set outside on a block of cement. Depending on the size and kind of wood chosen, a custom outdoor cabin can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000.

Wood Options for Saunas: Wood is the best material for saunas because it resists moisture and heat, so it doesn’t decay or distort with time. When building a cabin, softwoods like pine and cherry are great options, but there are other, more expensive options as well. Here are some popular wood options and the prices that go along with them.

Pine: from $2 to $5 per square foot.
Cost of cedar: $3 to $7 per square foot.
Sprute: between $5 and $9 per square foot.
Hemlock: between $5 and $10 per square foot.
Redwood: between $30 and $35 per square foot.
Cost per square foot for Nordic White Spruce: $11–20.

Infrared Sauna vs Traditional Sauna

Lower temperatures (usually between 120°F and 150°F) provide a nicer and more acceptable experience for users of infrared baths since the heaters produce warm air that directly enters the body. Their capacity to generate perspiration and encourage relaxation while putting less stress on your heart makes them popular.

Traditional saunas, on the other hand, like those in Finland, heat the air using heated rocks or fireplaces, which results in temperatures between 150°F and 190°F and a stronger heat that indirectly heats the body. They are prized for their health benefits as well as the classic spa experience, which includes steam and irregular water jets directed at the heated rocks to raise humidity. Each kind has special advantages based on personal preferences and health objectives.

Prefab vs Custom Sauna

Prefabricated saunas are frequently a more sensible option when it comes to cost and simplicity of installation. These spas come in kits that you can put together on your own using the comprehensive assembly instructions that the manufacturers supply. The installation procedure is simple and usually doesn’t involve any extra planning or expenditures.

When compared to building a unique infrared from the ground up, prefabricated infrared kits are typically easier to install and less expensive. These kits are made by manufacturers with economy and efficiency in mind, so they can maintain competitive prices even when offering custom-built choices.

Factors Affecting the Price of a Home Sauna

The following important aspects must be taken into account when estimating the cost of a home spa:

Size: Cost-wise, larger saunas are more expensive. For instance, a four-person sauna (8′ x 5′) may run you at approximately $4,200, while a two-person sauna (4′ x 4′) may run you at about $2,000. Select the size based on your intended use and financial constraints.
Type: Saunas can be purchased for as little as $100 or more. They can be dry, wood-burning, prefabricated, outdoor, in-home, or custom. Larger, personalized spas might cost anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000.
Labor: The cost of labor varies depending on the type of jacuzzi and usually makes up between 30% and 50% of the installation total. Prefab kits can be installed for $300 to $1,500, whereas precut sauna kits require expert installation, which can run from $1,500 to $2,500. There can be additional charges for plumbers and electricians.

Advantages of Setting Up a Sauna

Purchasing a home sauna has several advantages for you and your family.

Health Benefits: Steam rooms offer a calm environment for the body to detoxify, relieve stress, and be purified. Heat therapy has the potential to mitigate muscular aches and pains, reduce joint discomfort, enhance skin health, and offer momentary relief from headaches and sore throats.
Stress Relief: Regular spa use increases endorphin levels, lowers tension, and boosts energy levels, all of which contribute to improved relaxation and general well-being.
Added Value: Adding a hot tub to your house might make it stand out from the competition when it comes to selling, increasing its value and worth. Bathrooms appeal to consumers looking for relaxation and health advantages since they are frequently viewed as symbols of luxurious living and well-being.

Do It Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro Installer

Installing a home spa for relaxation is a worthwhile project, but it needs thought. Make sure you have the time and money to dedicate to the job before you begin. It’s imperative to have both plumbing and electrical work experience; if not, hiring qualified experts is highly recommended for a simple installation process.

How to Lower the Cost of a Home Sauna

The following doable actions will help you lower the cost of a home spa without sacrificing its benefits:

Size to Consider: Pick a room size based on your requirements and financial constraints. Invest in larger versions if you need to accommodate three or four users, or choose smaller ones if you only need to accommodate one or two.
Recycled materials: Reduce material costs by using wood that has been obtained and recycled. Because it preserves old-growth forests, reclaimed timber is frequently less expensive and promotes sustainability.
Prefab Infrared Kits: For economy and convenience, take into account prefabricated infrared bath kits. The appliances and materials needed for a DIY installation are included in these packages, making the process simpler.
Preparation: If you prepare the installation site yourself, you can cut labor costs. To improve comfort and lower construction costs, level outdoor surfaces or clear out internal areas before installation.
Basic features: Choose hammam models that are more basic and don’t come with pricey extra details. Simple baths nonetheless have important advantages and are typically less expensive.
Multiple Estimates: To obtain affordable prices, get estimates from several businesses. Before deciding to buy a hot tub, get quotes and pricing from at least three local suppliers.

What Is the Price of a Custom Sauna?

Building your wood-fired spa can cost as little as $5,500, depending on the intricacy and materials you choose. This is a do-it-yourself project. To keep inside your budget, you’ll look for locally produced goods and investigate cost-cutting options.

On the other hand, ordering a supplier’s custom-made jacuzzi offers a greater range of customization choices but comes with a heavier starting price, usually between $10,000 and $15,000. In comparison, custom builds may need weeks and result in greater labor expenses; prefabricated saunas, on the other hand, can be constructed in one to two days.

Shipping/Transportation

Costs can be greatly impacted by shipping, particularly when purchasing large spa supplies. By having your shipment delivered to the closest warehouse for easy pickup, Shym Saunas gives you the choice to save money on shipping. These are the typical shipping costs to large cities:

- $500–$600 in Melbourne.
- Sydney: $700–$900.
- $900–1,000 in Brisbane.

These fees change based on logistics and distance, giving you the flexibility to properly control expenses.

Conclusion

The cost of building a sauna varies based on its size, style, and customization. For example, custom baths from suppliers can start at $10,000–$15,000 and above, while do-it-yourself wood-fired saunas can start at about $5,500.

Prefabricated spas, which usually cost between $3,000 and $6,000, provide a quicker setup. Other elements, such as material shipping costs, may also have an impact on total costs. In the end, the cost of building a steam room can be customized to meet a variety of demands and budgets based on your preferences, the size of the project, and the materials you choose.

FAQs

The most frequently asked questions are given below:

Is it expensive to install a sauna?

Building labor, materials, size, and kind all affect how much it costs to build a steam bath. A steam bath can be built for, on average, between $3,000 and $10,000 across the country. Installing and maintaining an at-home steam spa will cost you between $300 to $2,500, which is comparable to most spas.

Are saunas expensive to run?

Having said that, spa maintenance is inexpensive. The cost of purchasing and installing the room will be the largest portion of your investment. These are the three operating expenses that gym owners need to think about.

Do saunas use a lot of electricity?

A domestic sauna’s heater usually needs about six kilowatts of electricity to heat up. Once heated and utilized, this demand drops to approximately 3 to 4 kilowatts.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Sauna?

What Is the Installation Cost of Saunas?