Thinking About Getting a Small Sauna

So, I’ve been mulling over the idea of getting one of those small sauna units for a while now. You see them advertised, looking all cozy and relaxing. The big question, like with anything, is always: how much is this going to set me back? Just a straightforward number, right? That’s what I thought. Turns out, it’s not quite that simple, not by a long shot.

The Initial Price Hunt – A Bit of a Maze

I started poking around, you know, doing the usual online searches, checking out a few home improvement places. And let me tell you, the prices were all over the place. You’d see some advertised super cheap, making you think, “Hey, this is doable!” Then you’d see others that cost as much as a small car. It was confusing, to say the least. What gives?

My Brother-in-Law’s Sauna Adventure (And How I Got the Real Scoop)

This is where things got a bit more hands-on for me, and where I really started to understand the whole pricing game. My brother-in-law, Dave, decided he was going to install one in his basement. He’s pretty handy, but he roped me into helping with some of the setup. And that, my friends, was an education.

First off, the “base price” he saw advertised? That was just for the box, pretty much. Bare bones. Want a better heater? Cha-ching, more money. Need special wiring because your house isn’t set up for it? More money. Fancy lights? Extra. Bluetooth speakers? You guessed it, add to the bill. Then there’s the wood type. Pine is cheaper, cedar smells amazing but costs a pretty penny more.

We spent a whole weekend putting this thing together. The instructions were… well, let’s just say they could have been clearer. And Dave kept saying, “Oh, and I had to order this extra part,” or “This wasn’t included.” It wasn’t just the big ticket items. It was all the little bits and pieces that started to add up. He was trying to stay on a budget, but it was a struggle.

What I saw was that the initial “price tag” is often just a starting point. It’s like buying a car – the base model is one price, but by the time you add all the features you actually want, it’s a different story.

So, What’s the Real Cost Then?

From what I saw helping Dave, and from more digging I did afterwards, here’s the lowdown as I see it. Don’t take this as gospel, because every situation is different, but it gives you an idea:

• Super Basic, DIY Kits: You might find these starting, and I mean starting, around a few hundred bucks if you’re lucky, maybe up to a grand or two. But expect to do a lot of work, and they might be very, very small, or use lower-quality materials. Think an infrared blanket with walls.
• Decent Pre-Fab Infrared Saunas (1-2 person): These seem to be the most common for home use. You’re probably looking at anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000. This range depends hugely on the size, the type of wood, the brand, the heater quality, and any fancy extras. Dave’s ended up in this range, closer to the upper end once all was said and done.
• Traditional Steam Saunas or Larger Units: Now you’re getting into more serious money. These can easily go from $3,000 up to $8,000 or even more, especially if you need custom work, special ventilation, or plumbing for a traditional steam setup.

And remember the hidden costs!

• Electrical Work: Most dedicated saunas, especially those with more powerful heaters, will need a dedicated circuit. That means hiring an electrician. Ka-ching.
• Delivery and Installation: If you’re not handy like Dave (or even if you are, but don’t want the hassle), professional installation will add a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.
• Accessories: Buckets, ladles, backrests, thermometers, hygrometers… these little things add up.
• Site Preparation: You need a level spot, maybe some flooring protection.

My Two Cents on This Whole Sauna Price Thing

Look, getting a small sauna can be awesome. Dave loves his now that it’s all done. But go into it with your eyes open. That super low price you see advertised? It’s probably just the tip of the iceberg. Ask a ton of questions. Find out exactly what’s included and what’s not. Get multiple quotes if you’re looking at installed units.

It’s not just about buying a “sauna unit”; it’s about the whole project. It took a bit of sweat and a few unexpected expenses for Dave, but he got there. And I learned a heck of a lot about what goes into the price of those cozy-looking heat boxes.