Having a sauna in your home can be extraordinarily relaxing. If you’re ever feeling stressed out, all you need to do is turn on the power and enjoy some “me” time without having to deal with making the trip to a public sauna, where you may have to share space with other people.
However, before you can enjoy this part, you first need to buy the unit – and that’s where the challenge comes in. Most people have never bought one before and find that doing so can be a daunting process. To make the shopping process easier, here are a few things you should keep in mind.
Choose the Type of Sauna You Want
That’s right, there is more than one type of sauna available for you to choose from, and their three major types are:
- Finnish/Traditional – These are lined with wood and are the most common types in use. To provide heat, these contain rocks that can be heated by electricity or charcoal. You use water and a ladle to control the humidity.
- Dry – These are similar to Finnish saunas, though they lack water and humidity. If you choose this type, you can always add water to the hot rocks to create humidity.
- Infrared – These use infrared technology to heat the space instead of rocks and a heater. They heat up quicker than other types, but they tend to have lower temperatures. This is because the infrared heats your body directly and raises your core body temperature without the humidity found in other options. Additionally, unlike dry saunas, you cannot introduce humidity in these types.
Most units available for consumer purchase are either traditional or infrared saunas. Once you’ve decided the type you’re looking for, you can move on to actually searching for the perfect option for your needs. Like a far infrared sauna which uses heat and light to stimulate body detoxification and muscle relaxation. They can boost your immune system, enhance circulation and reduce fatigue.
Decide Where You Will Place the Sauna
Depending on the type you buy and the amount of space you have in your property, a sauna can either be installed inside or outside your home. Traditional steam units, for example, will need to be situated carefully as they have plumbing, drainage, ventilation, and electrical requirements that will need to be met.
If you choose to install the unit outside, one option you should consider is a barrel sauna. Barrel saunas are not only space effective, but they’re also extremely aesthetic, which is an important consideration when you’re placing it in a location where other people can see it.
Of course, before you buy one, you should research it first. Indoor and outdoor units have specific requirements, so make sure to look for help for the exact type you’re planning on purchasing. If you’re planning on buying a barrel sauna, look for a guide to buying barrel saunas to oversee the steps you should take when buying. Though if you’re buying one for indoor use, look for a guide that will help you with specific considerations you will need to keep in mind when going shopping.
An advantage of choosing where you’re going to place your sauna at the start of the purchasing process is that you won’t have to worry about agonizing over size options. The space it is meant to go in will decide for you.
Consider Your Budget
There are no two ways about it – saunas are a relatively expensive purchase. A home sauna can set you back anywhere between $3000-$6000, depending on the type you buy and the additional features you want. By being aware of your budget before starting your search for the perfect unit for your home, you can automatically strike out the too expensive options for you.
On the flip side, if you have a higher budget, you can get the benefit of various special features, including change rooms, Himalayan Salt walls, LED light bars, better wood quality, and more. By having a clear budget, you can browse add-on options without worry that you’re going overboard.
An important thing to remember when setting your budget is that you get what you pay for. If you set your budget too low, you risk buying a unit made with low-quality materials that will require frequent (and costly) repairs or even a complete unit replacement. If a sauna seems out of your price range, you can check for financing options or wait for seasonal discounts.
Decide on the Type of Wood
Saunas are available in various different types of wood, depending on your budget and personal preferences. Options include hemlock, pine, spruce, plywood, cedar, and more.
Cedar and hemlock are the most common options when it comes to sauna construction. This is because these are high-quality, long-lasting types of wood, compared to pine and plywood.
Lower quality materials are at risk of warpage and shrinkage, which can severely limit the lifespan of your unit. Spruce offers a balance between affordability and durability, though it’s always best to opt for higher-quality materials when possible.
Other considerations to keep in mind when choosing the wood you should use include:
- Whether you want the wood to be scented or unscented. Scented wood can improve relaxation. However, you will likely do better with an unscented or low scent option if you have allergies.
- Whether it’s sustainably grown. Ensuring the wood you will use is sourced from sustainable forests makes your unit far more eco-friendly and better for the environment.
- The method used in timber construction. If the wood is fine-grain and is either kiln or air-dried, you minimize the risk of cracking and warping.
While saunas may require a substantial investment upfront, they cost little to run. If you use your unit thrice a week, you will spend between $10 and $30 at the highest.
This affordability, combined with the various health benefits that this self-care activity will bring in with time, simply means that purchasing your own in-home unit is a great idea if possible. While making the purchase may seem intimidating, keeping these pointers in mind will ensure that you’ll have your sauna installed right before you know it!
