7 things to consider while buying a sauna

Pleasant warmth for muscles and soul: A private sauna represents pure relaxation and offers a convenient alternative to public saunas. However, before purchasing one, it’s important to pay attention when buying a sauna! Our guide explains how to turn your dream of a small wellness oasis at home into reality, what types of saunas are available, and what to consider when buying a sauna.

1. Which sauna is right for me?

Even before buying a sauna, there’s a lot to consider: from choosing the right location to the type of cabin and heater – there are numerous different sauna models and variations. Therefore, at the start of your sauna planning, you should ask yourself what your expectations and needs are. How often and in what way do you want to use the sauna? Do you only go to the sauna occasionally, or do you want a real wellness center for health and well-being? What size should the new sauna be, and where should it be located? And finally, of course: what is your budget for buying a sauna?

The combination of sauna heater and cabin determines the temperature and humidity achieved. Therefore, consider your preferred sauna temperature – this can help you choose the right sauna. The following types are available:

• Finnish sauna: 80°C to 95°C with 5% to 10% humidity
• Turkish bath: 40°C to 50°C and approximately 95% humidity
• Russian banya: over 100°C at nearly 100% humidity
• Steam sauna: 40°C to 60°C at 40% to 60% humidity
• Low-temperature sauna: 45°C to 60°C at 10% to 20% humidity

As a general rule: More powerful ovens and better insulated sauna cabins generate higher temperatures – and the more sauna stones are used, the more the humidity can be increased by pouring water on the hot stones.

2. Solid wood or modular sauna: what is the difference?

Basically, there are two types of saunas: the traditional solid wood sauna (also called a log sauna) and the modular or prefabricated sauna, sometimes simply referred to as an insulated sauna. The different construction methods affect the sauna’s internal climate. Before buying a sauna, you need to decide between these two types:

Modern solid wood saunas are based on the Scandinavian sauna tradition and their construction resembles the familiar log cabins of the far north. They consist of stacked solid wood planks of Nordic spruce or hemlock, complemented by insulated ceiling elements. Because solid wood planks do not insulate as effectively as the insulated walls of a prefabricated sauna, heat and moisture are naturally carried away by the wood. Due to this material property, solid wood saunas heat up less quickly, but release the stored heat gradually and gently over a longer period.

Modular saunas are assembled from prefabricated wall elements using a sandwich construction method. The interior wall elements of the sauna feature mineral wool insulation and a vapor barrier, framed by wooden boards. Because of their construction, modular saunas lose very little heat and moisture through the walls, making them highly energy-efficient.

Modular saunas heat up quickly and cost-effectively , which also allows the benches to reach sometimes high temperatures. Budget also plays a role when buying a sauna: The major advantage of modular saunas over solid wood saunas is their lower purchase price combined with minimal assembly effort.

3. Choosing the right sauna heater

When buying a sauna, both electric and wood-burning stoves are available to bring the sauna to the desired temperature.

Electrically operated sauna heaters provide reliable heat and are easy to regulate, eliminating the need to add wood or remove ash. Since no firewood is required, the costs of purchasing, preparing, and storing wood are eliminated. However, the exact energy costs are not immediately apparent. If you choose an electric heater for your sauna, you should pay attention to the required electrical connection: some sauna heaters require high-voltage power. These must only be installed by a qualified electrician.

A traditional wood-burning stove brings a cozy atmosphere to your home sauna. While the heating temperature of wood-burning stoves can’t be set as precisely as with electric stoves, the heating costs remain manageable thanks to the use of firewood. However, a disadvantage is the relatively high installation and maintenance effort, as well as the procurement and storage of firewood. Furthermore, in most cases, you’ll need a permit and an inspection by a chimney sweep for a wood-burning stove.

4. Performance and connections

Before buying a sauna, you should check the technical specifications of the room where it will be installed. Many electric sauna heaters can be operated with a standard 230-volt household outlet. However, heaters with a voltage higher than 230 volts require a high-voltage connection and must always be installed by a qualified electrician. Wood-burning sauna heaters don’t require an electrical connection, but they do need a flue to vent to the outside. Here, too, professional assistance is advisable to determine the necessary flue size and ensure proper installation.

5. Additional features: Steam bath and infrared cabin

Do you want more than just a sauna, but a true wellness retreat? Then you should consider additional features when buying a sauna. A steam room or an infrared cabin can be a possible addition to the two types of hot-air saunas – electric or wood-burning.

Unlike hot-air saunas, steam baths are effective at relatively low temperatures of around 50°C and a humidity level of 80 to 100%. Due to the lower temperatures, a steam bath is gentler than a sauna and is therefore also suitable for people who are more sensitive to temperature. The moist heat relaxes the muscles and has an antispasmodic effect .

In an infrared cabin, the heating effect is achieved through long-wave radiation, which is converted into heat upon contact with the skin. The effects of the radiation begin after about 15 minutes, and the room air temperature usually only reaches 60°C. Another advantage of infrared cabins is that neither the walls nor the benches are heated. However, you won’t achieve a typical sauna atmosphere, as the humidity in infrared cabins is significantly lower due to the lack of steam infusions.

Of course, you can also enhance your sauna with additional features such as a (walk-in) shower, a foot bath, or a relaxation area with loungers or armchairs. With the help of smart home technology, you can even change the lighting or play relaxing music in your personal wellness retreat.

6. Sauna accessories: Lighting and glass elements

Not only the technology, but also the design plays a role when buying a sauna. After all, you want to feel completely comfortable in your new sauna.

Since proper lighting is not only a decorative design element but also affects well-being, it is an important factor for a home sauna. Additionally, suitable lighting ensures safety during sauna use. Optimal sauna lighting therefore consists of several light sources:

• General lighting: It should be bright enough for guests to use the sauna safely without the cabin becoming a tripping hazard. Uniform, glare-free light emanating from a light source on the ceiling or walls of the sauna is suitable for this purpose.
• Mood lighting: During a sauna session, the sauna lighting should create a pleasant atmosphere. Evenly diffused, warm light contributes to relaxation and can be achieved with dimmable lights.
• Work lighting: The sauna should be well-lit for cleaning or maintenance. Bright work lighting allows even minor damage or mold spots to be detected in time.

The glass doors and viewing panels of the sauna are designed to withstand the high temperatures inside the cabin and are therefore largely shatterproof, even under intense heat. They allow natural light into the sauna cabin and offer a pleasant view. However, when purchasing a sauna, you should be aware that large glass elements also allow heat to escape more easily, resulting in increased heating costs.

7. Indoors or outdoors: The right location

Choosing the right location is crucial when buying and planning a sauna. Whether you intend to install your sauna system indoors or outdoors, you should ensure you have enough space before purchasing. This applies not only to the floor area, but also to the minimum ceiling height of 2.2 meters required for most cabin systems. Additionally, indoor and outdoor saunas must maintain certain safety distances from room and exterior walls to prevent moisture buildup. Outdoor saunas must also be set back from the property line.

Indoor saunas are usually rectangular or trapezoidal cabins, sometimes corner cabins, with a height of around 2 meters. Their width and depth depend on the desired number of seats inside. Whether in the basement or in an apartment, indoor saunas can generally be installed in any room – provided the floor can bear the load and the necessary connections are available. However, the room should have adequate ventilation. In a rented house or apartment, the installation should be discussed with the landlord before purchasing a sauna.

Outdoor saunas are usually designed as covered sauna cabins or barrel saunas. All outdoor saunas must have a foundation and electrical connections protected from wind and weather. Depending on the chosen foundation type, the ground may need to be compacted. In such cases, it’s advisable to consider potential dismantling measures when purchasing the sauna. Whether a building permit is required for the new sauna depends primarily on your location and the planned size of the sauna cabin. You should gather all the necessary information beforehand!

Would you like more information about buying a sauna and creating your own wellness area?