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Start with the kind of heat you want
There are three ways a home sauna makes heat, and they feel different enough that this is the first decision.
Traditional (Finnish) saunas heat the air with an electric or wood-burning stove topped with stones. Typical air temperatures run from about 150°F to 195°F, and ladling water on the stones produces a burst of steam the Finns call löyly. If you have used a sauna at a gym or spa, it was almost certainly this kind.
Infrared saunas use panels that warm your body more directly than they warm the air. Air temperature typically sits around 120°F to 150°F, so sessions feel gentler, and there are no stones or water. Brands sell “far”, “near” and “full-spectrum” panels; treat claims about the differences as manufacturer claims.
Portable options (sauna blankets, pop-up tents and small boxes) cost far less and pack away, but they heat you lying down or sitting inside a shell rather than heating a room. See our sauna blanket guide for what to expect.
Not sure? Read infrared vs traditional first. It is the decision everything else hangs on.
Decide where it goes
Indoors, a sauna needs floor space, enough ceiling height (most cabins are around 6.5 to 7 feet tall), and an electrical supply close by. Traditional saunas also need a fresh-air inlet and outlet and a floor that can handle moisture and heat. Infrared cabins are the easier indoor fit because they run drier and cooler.
Outdoors, you trade those constraints for a foundation, a cable run from the house and weatherproofing. Barrel, cabin and cube designs are covered in our outdoor sauna guide and barrel sauna guide.
Pick the size by real use
Count how many people will be in it at the same time on a normal week. A sauna that sits four but is used by one person heats more air than it needs, every session. Rough sizing by seats:
| Seats | Who it suits | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Solo or daily users, small rooms | Check bench length if you like to lie down |
| 3–4 | Couples, families | The most common size; widest model choice |
| 5+ | Groups, outdoor builds | Heater size and warm-up time go up |
Check the power before you fall for a model
This is where most surprises happen, so check it early.
- Traditional electric heaters are sized in kilowatts, and most home units need a dedicated 240V circuit. Bigger rooms need bigger heaters. Our heater guide explains how sizing works.
- Infrared cabins: many one- and two-person models run on a dedicated 120V circuit; larger cabins often need 240V. The spec sheet lists the exact requirement.
- Wood-burning heaters need no electricity for heat but do need a chimney, clearances to combustible materials and, in most places, approval under local fire and building rules.
Get a quote from a licensed electrician before you order, and ask them to size the circuit from that heater’s manual. A long cable run to the back of a yard can cost a meaningful share of the sauna itself. Do not plan on an extension cord.
Materials and build quality
Look for a softwood that suits heat and humidity: cedar, spruce, hemlock, aspen and thermally modified wood (“Thermowood”) are all common. Check the warranty separately for the cabin and the heater or emitters, look for an accessible control panel, and ask what replacement parts cost. For kits, find out how assembly works and how long it takes before you commit.
Leave the interior unfinished, or use only a finish the manufacturer says is meant for sauna heat. Paint, ordinary varnish and pressure-treated lumber do not belong in the hot room.
A short way to decide
- Want stones and steam, and the highest temperatures? Traditional.
- Want lower temperatures, easier indoor installation and no water? Infrared.
- Have yard space and want it out of the house? Outdoor traditional (barrel or cabin).
- Renting, short on space, or testing whether you will keep the habit? A sauna blanket. You lie in a wrap, not in a room.
Then size it by real use, confirm the circuit, and compare models from the brands below.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best type of sauna for a home?
It depends on how you want the heat to feel and what you can wire. Traditional electric saunas run hotter and let you pour water on the stones for steam; most need a dedicated 240V circuit. Infrared saunas run at lower air temperatures, and many small ones run on a dedicated 120V circuit. If you have the yard space, an outdoor barrel or cabin sauna avoids the moisture and space questions of an indoor install.
Can I put a sauna in my house?
Yes. Prebuilt infrared cabins and traditional indoor kits are made for basements, garages, spare rooms and large bathrooms. Check floor space, ceiling height, a suitable electrical circuit and, for traditional saunas, ventilation and a floor that tolerates moisture.
Do home saunas need an electrician?
Hardwired heaters and any new dedicated circuit should be installed by a licensed electrician, and many areas require a permit. Plug-in infrared cabins still usually need a dedicated outlet rather than a shared circuit.
How big should a home sauna be?
Size it for the number of people who will regularly use it at once, not the most you can imagine. A larger room takes longer and costs more to heat. One- and two-person cabins suit solo daily use; three to four people suits couples and families.