ULTIMATE Guide to Indoor Home Saunas: Everything To Know!

Are you considering whether indoor home saunas are a good addition to your wellness regime?

We’re breaking down absolutely everything you’ll need to know before taking the leap.

I was first introduced to sauna when I visited the Finnish North Pole back in 2014. It was the traditional wood-burning type, and for me, coming from a tropical climate, it was a life-changing experience. Sitting in this toasty, aromatic box whilst it was -30ºC (-22ºF) outside, I felt like I had been transported centuries back to something far more primal.

Since then I’ve returned to this special region time and again, but wouldn’t it be nice to have a taste of the sauna without having to travel quite as far as the North Pole? If you’re a big fan like me, and you fancy getting yourself an indoor sauna too, let’s take a look at our options.

Types of indoor home saunas

There’s a few flavours of sauna to think about, each with their own little perks and quirks.

Allow me to introduce you to the big three:

Old-school wood-burners, electric saunas, and the rather futuristic infrared saunas.

Traditional saunas with wood-burning stove

If foresty, Nordic charm is what you’re looking for, a wood-burning sauna might just be your thing.

These beauties work by using a wood-fired stove to heat things up. It’s all crackling fires and the comforting aroma of burning wood, creating that cozy, cabin-in-the-woods feel.

Wood-burners heat to between 150°F to 195°F (65ºC – 90ºC). You’ll be sweating buckets in no time, which is just amazing for relaxing, flushing out toxins, and giving your muscles the relief they deserve after a long day.

But there’s a catch… you’ve got to be ready to chop a few logs, get the fire going, and sweep out the ashes. If you already have a decent amount of wood for using a fireplace inside your home, this may be a bonus. Wood-burning saunas do require extra diligence around safety however when installing and using, particularly for inside.

Not all indoor spaces are suitable for a wood-burning sauna heater! You need a well-ventilated area with enough space to accommodate the heater and comply with local building codes and fire safety regulations. It is similar to a classic fireplace.

Pros

• Eco-friendly (using sustainably-sourced wood)
• Economical to run (especially in regions such as Canada, or places with more accessible firewood, or places with very high electricity rates)
• Traditional, unmatched, authentic rustic ambiance
• Off grid – no need to stay close to electricity hookups

Cons

• No precise temperature control
• More time to heat up than an infrared
• Requires wood (could be a pro depending on location), need to find somewhere to store the wood
• Requires regular cleaning of ash and soot
• Requires yearly maintenance of chimney and flue
• More difficult to install inside a home due to regulations, chimney requirements etc. as carbon monoxide and smoke need to be properly ventilated, this can also lead to higher initial setup cost

Traditional saunas with electric heater

Electric saunas are like having a bit of magic up your sleeve, perfect if you love to keep things easy-peasy.

These saunas use electric mechanisms to heat the rocks and the room.

You can have the same beautiful ambience as wood-burning saunas but with the helpful feature of tweaking the temperature with just a dial or remote control.

Less faffing about here—no logs, no ash. Just plug it in and off you go. They heat up quickly too, and you can set it to your liking even before you’ve put on your towel.

Temperatures range in the same ballpark as their woody cousins, at 150°F to 195°F (65ºC – 90ºC), so you still reap the same soothing benefits, minus the sweat of chopping wood. They are a great option for use indoors!

Pros

• Easy to install and maintain
• Great option for indoors due to proximity to electricity
• Does not produce exhaust
• Quick heating time
• Accurate temperature control

Cons

• Increased power bills
• Difficult to use in off-grid locations
• Rustic sauna ambiance is lesser

For a simplistic and polished indoor sauna experience at home, electric saunas tick so many boxes. They are a popular choice for a reason!

Infrared saunas

If you’re more of a techie, infrared saunas might be calling your name.

These saunas deliver heat right to your body, using infrared light rays instead of heating up the space around you.

This means it stays cooler, usually between 110°F and 135°F (43ºC – 57ºC), yet the benefits are all still there.

The health-conscious among us love this option because the infrared heat not only chills you out but reportedly helps to ease muscle aches and boost heart health. It’s kind of like sneaky exercise, mimicking the benefits of a fast-paced walk, without having to leave your home (Cleveland Clinic).

Pros

• Easy to set-up and use
• Just need to be close to an electricity source
• Direct body heating
• May promote collagen formation for youthful skin
• Penetrate muscles very deeply for repair and healing

Cons

• Generally smaller
• Authentic ambiance is missing
• Can be more expensive

So to recap, these are the three main types of indoor home sauna options:

Your choice depends on how you like your heat and the maintenance you’re willing to handle, as well as your budget.

Whether you’re all about that rustic wood-burn, the smooth convenience of electric, or the added benefits of infrared, you’re on your way to making a blissful little retreat at home.

If you’re working with limited space, we’ve put together the top options for compact at-home saunas.

Setting up your indoor home sauna

Consider the location

Picking a spot near a bathroom or water source is more than just handy—it’s smart for handling moisture, mould and mildew.

Basements, garages or walk-ins could be an option. They’re easy to get to and may be under-utilised anyway.

The key is finding a location that’s accessible, structurally sound, and properly ventilated. If in doubt, closer to a bathroom is your best bet. Ensure ample ventilation and sound flooring to give your sauna a proper base. Remember to double check your area requirements for the installation of a wood-burner, as this will likely be a bit more complex than installing an electric model indoors.

By placing your indoor sauna close to an electrical outlet, you will save money by not having to install a new outlet or run long cords. Some sauna heaters must be wired directly into your electrical board, so finding a place close to that could be helpful.

Flooring and surface considerations

Indoor saunas can be placed on just about any flooring surface, except carpeting. Not only could placing your sauna on a carpet become a fire hazard, but it would also be almost impossible to keep clean. Moisture, sweat, and dirt from your feet would gather in the carpeting, causing long term staining and discolouration, and if you ever wanted to move your sauna, your carpet would be left with unsightly rug indentations. 

The best options are:

• Concrete
• Tile
• Laminate
• Ceramic
• Vinyl

Ok to recap, some of the most common spots to install an indoor saunas are:

Maintenance and cleaning tips

Keeping the sauna spick-and-span is key for both hygiene and safety. It’s very straightforward to keep your sauna in like-new condition:

• Use foot wipes or wash feet before hopping in
• Quickly wipe down after use to stop bacteria from setting in
• Keep an eye on the heaters regularly (check the heating elements and controls)
• Air out your sauna afterwards by leaving door and vents open
• Electric heaters: check for dust build-up
• Vacuum the heater during routine cleaning

A clean sauna is a happy sauna!

We’ve put together a more in depth cleaning checklist here, with a simple and deep-clean section.

Costs and considerations

You’re ready to bring that steamy oasis into your home right now!

But let’s quickly chat money.

Sauna building costs

So, how much are we talking?

It really depends.

If you’re going for a Finnish sauna, you could get in the door from $3,500. Want to go all out with a fancy infrared version that makes your neighbours envious? You could be looking at $8000.

If you need a quick sweat fix and aren’t too bothered about making it a permanent gig, a pop-up steam sauna for a hundred bucks could even be an option.

The price is obviously also going to be dependent on whether you choose a prefabricated option (generally working out cheaper), or want to design a completely custom sauna to fit a specific area of your house.

If you’re thinking of adding bells and whistles like speakers that blast your guilty pleasure tracks or lights that make you feel like you’re in a music video, be prepared to pay more.

Choosing between sauna kits and custom builds

Sauna Kits:

• Handy: Very convenient, pre-made designs with everything you need
• Quick: Assemble and go, usually ready in less than one day
• Straightforward: The instructions guide you through the setup

Custom Builds:

• Make it Your Own: Custom builds let you play with designs, sizes, and materials to fit your vision or unique spot in your house

Location impacts cost

While the size of the sauna is generally proportional to its price, the cost also depends on location.

Got an unused corner in the basement or a nook in the bathroom that’s begging for a makeover? Your future sauna could fit perfectly there without too much hassle. Walk in wardrobes are another spot to consider.

If you are looking for convenience—electric and infrared saunas are your best bet.

They are much more simple to install inside than a wood-burner due to all the additional hoops you will need to jump through. It will require extra planning and room for a chimney and such, which can bump up your cost.

Sauna safety and durability

Finally, the boring but essential safety bits.

Indoor vs outdoor sauna installation

Are you still unsure between indoor versus outdoor saunas?

• Indoor Home Saunas: These are perfect for snug corners in your home, like a bathroom. But they aren’t keen on braving crazy weather – everyone in Canada, take note! They like stable temperatures and need plenty of fresh air, so leave the door open after use. Super handy if you don’t want to run around outside in freezing temperatures in a towel.
• Outdoor Home Saunas: If you’re all about having your sauna in the garden or backyard, pick models that won’t shy away from rain, sun, or that harsh breath of winter. These are built to last through all that Mother Nature’s got to throw at them. Excellent for the traditional, authentic experience, and this is usually the best way to go if you want to install a wood-burning stove.

Indoor VS Outdoor Saunas:

Safety precautions

• Pro Installation: Get a professional to work on the wiring and heater. It’s their job to know all the safety hoops to jump through, not to mention they make sure everything is up to code.
• Airflow: Saunas need to breathe too! Proper airflow will keep the mould and moisture at bay and prolong the life of your sauna.
• Tidy Up: Regular cleaning can head off any bacteria and keep your sauna fresh (cleaning checklist here).

Sauna health benefits

The charm of having a sauna at home isn’t just about basking in its luxury. It’s also the genuine health perks that come along too.

Cardiovascular and muscle perks

Stepping into a sauna is so good for the heart! It’s like going for a quick jog (only much more enjoyable).

Studies conducted by the Finnish Dr. Jari Laukkanen uncovered that saunas can make your heart healthier, calm blood pressure, and reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, and stroke, among other things.

Saunas are also excellent for promoting circulation, which is a big help if your muscles are screaming at you after exercise. Better blood flow means quicker recovery before your next gym session.

Pain relief

Saunas have also been suggested to aid in amelioration of pain in conditions such as rheumatic diseases/arthritis, headache, and flu (Laukkanen).

Stress relief

Owning an indoor sauna is like having a personal stress-busting machine on hand. It’s amazing how a little steam time can calm the mind.

After using the sauna, you may find that falling asleep comes easier. And as a bonus, regular saunas give the immune system a boost to fend off the nasties.

Oh, and a heads up – it’s a great idea to spritz on a heat protectant hair spray before heading in to keep your hair from drying out. Alternatively, you can wrap your hair in a towel.

An indoor home sauna isn’t just an indulgence – it’s an investment in wellness. Ranging from heart-health to keeping stress at bay, the benefits are pretty hard to beat!

If you’re still split between sauna styles, you will want to focus on your unique goals, your home layout, and your budget.

Check out our infrared at-home saunas and compact at-home saunas for more ideas that will fit well into your indoor space. If you’re still hungry for more info, we’ve also put together an absolute beast of a post covering absolutely everything you’ll ever need to know before purchasing a sauna, right here.

By considering all the above factors, you’ll be able to select the sauna that works best for your health goals and home vibe!

FAQs About Indoor Home Saunas