So, you’re thinking about getting a sauna installed and wondering about that magic number: price per square meter. Let me tell ya, I’ve been down that rabbit hole, and it’s not as straightforward as they make it sound. It’s a real pain in the backside, actually.

I decided a while back I wanted one. You know, for relaxing, sweating out the toxins, the whole deal. Sounded simple enough. Call a few guys, get some quotes, pick one. Boy, was I wrong.

My Journey into Sauna Pricing Hell

First off, getting a straight answer on “price per square meter” was like pulling teeth. Some companies gave me a figure, sure. Others just gave me a total project cost and looked at me funny when I asked to break it down per square meter. And the ones that did give a per-square-meter price? They were all over the place! I’m talking huge differences. Made my head spin.

I started digging, asking a ton of questions. What I found out is that “price per square meter” is just a tiny piece of the puzzle. It’s almost a bait-and-switch if you’re not careful. You see a low number and think, “Great deal!” Then the add-ons start piling up.

Here’s what I learned actually makes up that cost, or what they conveniently forget to include in that initial per-square-meter quote:

• The wood, obviously. But not just any wood. Cedar is pricey. Hemlock is less so. Spruce? Even cheaper. And the thickness matters too. They don’t always tell you what you’re getting quoted for.
• The heater. Man, this is a big one. Electric, wood-fired, infrared… they all have different price tags and installation needs. An infrared panel setup might be different from a traditional rock heater.
• Is it custom built or one of those pre-fab kits? Kits can seem cheaper per square meter initially, but then you gotta factor in if it really fits your space, or if you need extra work to make it look right. Custom means more labor, bingo, higher cost.
• Labor. This is the killer. Some guys are quick and efficient. Others… well, let’s just say they like to take their sweet time, and you’re paying for it. And their skill level? Varies wildly. You don’t want a leaky sauna.
• The “extras” that aren’t really extra. Things like proper ventilation, a decent door, basic lighting. Sometimes these are bundled, sometimes they hit you with them later. Don’t even get me started on fancy stuff like Bluetooth speakers or chromotherapy lights.
• Site prep. Do they need to run new electrical? Is your floor level? That all costs money, and it’s rarely in that per-square-meter tease.

What I Figured Out The Hard Way

I had one guy, one smooth talker, gave me a really attractive per-square-meter price. Sounded fantastic. I was ready to sign. Then I started asking about the specifics. “Oh, that price is for basic pine, not cedar.” “Oh, the heater included is the smallest one, probably not good for the size you want.” “Oh, installation of that particular door will be extra.” It was endless!

My advice? Forget just asking “how much per square meter.” That question alone is almost useless. You gotta get a fully itemized quote. Demand it. Ask what kind of wood, what model of heater, what’s included in labor, what’s not included. Get it all in writing.

I spent weeks on this, talking to at least five different installers. Some were upfront, some were cagey as hell. It felt like buying a used car from a shady dealer sometimes. I learned more about sauna construction than I ever wanted to know, just trying to avoid getting ripped off.

In the end, I did get my sauna. But the process to get to a fair price and a good installer? That was a workout in itself. So, when you see that “price per square meter,” just remember my little adventure. It’s a starting point, maybe. But it’s definitely not the finish line. Dig deep, folks. Or you’ll be sweating before you even step into the sauna, and not in a good way.