9 Reasons Why Having a Home Sauna is Worth it
We all experience times when we just don’t have the energy to drive to the gym, to that yoga class we know we need, or to the sauna for some self-care because it’s just a little too far. After a hectic day, and once we’re in the comfort of our own homes, we don’t want to get up and leave again and battle rush hour traffic just to wind down (and then battle it again on the way back – way to kill relaxation!) But after the missed exercise opportunity or sauna session, our bodies know it, and we don’t feel as good. We might even feel a little guilty about it, too.
But what if you could enjoy all the benefits of sauna time that you love right from home? Indulge in the sauna right before bed, and have a good night’s sleep. Think up some awesome ideas (sauna thoughts, anyone?) and go straight to your notebook. Spend quality time with a close-knit group of your loved ones every weekend, everybody just relaxing and getting healthier, happier, and more connected.
Sounds like a dream, right?
In this blog, we cover some of our top reasons why having a sauna at home can be a real game-changer (and the best saunas we offer at Sauna House!)
What are the Different Types of Home Saunas?
There are three main types of home saunas, typically differing by heat source. Each of them have their own strengths and you can choose one based on your comfort level with their heating medium and temperature.
Infrared Home Sauna
Infrared saunas run at a much lower temperature than, say, your traditional Finnish sauna. And unlike a traditional sauna, heat penetrates the body through near and far infrared wavelengths to elevate your body’s core temperature. If the word “wavelengths” sends your guard up, hang tight, because there are studies to support its safety and health benefits.
One Japanese study reported that people who spent 15 minutes a day for two weeks in an infrared sauna saw a significant drop in blood pressure compared to a control group who spent the same amount of time in a “room-temperature” space. Additional research showed that time spent in an infrared sauna could even help those with irregular heartbeats, improve scores on physical fitness exams, and support endothelial function in the heart’s vessels.
Pretty amazing, right?
Custom Traditional Sauna
Traditional Finnish saunas should be heated to at least 170°F, oftentimes they’re heated up to 190°F. They’re unique because you have the option to pour water over hot rocks, releasing steam and humidity into the air. Because of the water element, a traditional sauna will have a humidity level between 20 and 40%.
If you choose this type of sauna for your home, you’ll get to work with Rory, our sauna installation specialist, to discuss the process of building your own custom sauna.
We also sell a number of Finnish-style sauna stoves to help give you that authentic, high-quality sauna experience you deserve to enjoy anytime you want.
Purchase the Huum Cliff Electric Sauna Stove for your at-home sauna
Wood Burning Sauna Stoves
The most traditional sauna comes from a wood-burning stove. They offer a relaxing ambiance combined with the pleasant aroma of burning wood. With this type of sauna, you can drive the temperature up above 200°F! It’s great if you prefer it hot, but for most people, we recommend keeping it between 180-190°F
Benefits of Sauna at Home
Having an in-home sauna is a luxury, but we believe it’s more of an investment. It’s an investment into your health, your home, and your family life. Here are 10 benefits of having a sauna at home:
01. Health boost
Consistent sauna time comes with a whole host of benefits — reduced inflammation, stress relief, better sleep, and improved cardiovascular health, just to name a few.
With a sauna at home, you can utilize these health benefits anytime you want. Get your day started with a sauna in the morning as a natural wake-up booster, or wind down with a relaxing session at night. After all, making time for the sauna is easy when all you have to do is walk a few steps.
02. The convenience factor
We’ve already touched on this a little, but in our opinion, this might be the best perk of them all. There’s really nothing that compares to enjoying sauna time in the comfort of your own home — especially in the winter months.
With short days and cold temperatures, it can be really tough to work up the motivation to leave the house. But with a sauna at home, you can warm up and take care of your health without having to battle the outside elements.
03. Private oasis
Sometimes you just want to take a time out and have a few moments alone. We get it. Being able to enjoy the sauna on your own, with no one else around, takes relaxation to a whole other level. With a sauna at home, you can listen to your own music playlist, work on your mindfulness practice, or just enjoy the stillness of your private sauna. For another option, you could even add aromatherapy to your experience by using essential oils. Whatever you choose, an at home sauna makes your preferred, customized experience possible.
04. Low-maintenance
As far as health and wellness options go, saunas are fairly low maintenance. With a correctly installed sauna (and by practicing good hygiene in it), all you’ll really have to do is a quick wipe of the floors and walls and remove any dust or debris from the heating elements carefully. After each sauna session, leave the door open to allow it to dry thoroughly. That’s it!
05. A way to enjoy time with friends and family
Yes, your sauna at home will act as your private oasis, but there are times when you’ll want friends and family to join in too. After all, it’s a great way to spend time together and build memories!
For centuries, saunas have been a shared tradition in the Finnish culture and other regions of the world to spend time with family and community members. A sauna at home gives you the opportunity to create your own traditions with the ones you love most.
06. Increases home value
Whether or not you’re looking to sell your home, when the time comes, having a sauna installed can greatly increase your home’s value. Aesthetically, it adds a special, modern look to any house, and you can be sure buyers will instantly appreciate its value. It's beautiful, and functional, and the benefits of sauna alone will impress anyone interested.
07. Better skin
Nothing cleanses, detoxes, and improves circulation like a sauna. The intense sweating it induces deeply clarifies your pores and glands, flushing out toxins and bodily impurities.
Regular sauna sessions invigorate collagen, the key protein for skin elasticity, blending hot air and moisture to enhance its production and rejuvenate your complexion. This thermal environment also promotes the shedding of dead skin cells, making way for newer, healthier ones.
Whatever skincare products you apply after the sauna will be better absorbed into your skin and give you extra nourishment.
Learn more about how saunas benefit your skin.
08. Muscle recovery on demand
The warmth of a sauna aids in the recovery of stressed muscles by boosting the circulation of white blood cells to areas that are damaged or injured. A study conducted in Finland examined the levels of human growth hormone (hGH) in 55 healthy participants before and after a session in the sauna. The findings revealed that, on average, hGH levels—which assist in the healing of injured muscles—were 140% higher right after a sauna session compared to their levels before the session. If you’re an athlete, a home steam sauna would be a huge boost to your performance. Come home from the gym, track or court, and be ready to slay it again the next day!
09. Better mental health
Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman, a psychiatrist at the University of Columbia, conducted two studies on individuals with major depression using infrared saunas. His initial study showed a single treatment could cut symptoms by about 50%, and his follow-up research revealed that these benefits lasted for six weeks, suggesting whole-body hyperthermia as a fast-acting, safe antidepressant with lasting effects. Additionally, regular sauna use has been linked to reduced cortisol levels, improving mood and stress management. Another study found that using a sauna 5 to 15 times a month correlated with higher mental well-being. Beyond mood enhancement, sauna usage may also decrease the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s by lowering inflammation markers associated with these diseases.
For a deeper dive into sauna benefits and mental health, we highly recommend Stanford neuroscientist Andrew Huberman’s podcast.
What is the Best Material for a Sauna?
Wood is the best material for a sauna. Its inherent properties offer superior insulation, maintaining the sauna's warmth while ensuring the surface remains cool to the touch, safeguarding against burns. Wood's porous nature contributes to optimal humidity levels, absorbing excess moisture when the air is damp and releasing it when dry, creating a balanced and comfortable sauna environment. Furthermore, wood emits a heavenly aroma when heated, enhancing the sensory experience of sauna use. The material's durability and resistance to wear under high temperatures ensure a long-lasting structure that ages gracefully, embodying both aesthetic appeal and practical durability.
What are the Different Sizes of Saunas?
2-Person Saunas: Generally spanning 4 x 4 feet, these saunas are snug and perfect for singles or pairs. They're a compact choice that fits seamlessly both indoors and outdoors, even in smaller residences.
3 to 4-Person Saunas: With dimensions around 6 x 5 feet, these saunas cater to small groups or families, slotting easily into most home spaces.
5 to 6-Person Saunas: Typically measuring 6 x 8 feet, these larger saunas offer plenty of room for users to stretch out or recline, ideal for bigger families or gatherings.
The Auroom Libera Glass Sauna is a simple DIY sauna that comes in all sizes.
How Much Does a Sauna Cost?
At Sauna House, our sauna kits start at $3990. That’s the DIY, prefab SaunaLife X6, which comes with Wi-Fi app-controlled LED lighting.
The median cost of an economical, value-packed that gives you both indoor and outdoor options ranges between $5,000 to $6,000. For example, the Auroom Cala Wood Cabin Sauna, affordably priced at $5,750.00, fits up to 3 people. The price is much more than a reflection of its quality, though: it’s designed and manufactured in a small coastal country in Nothern Europe.
The Auroom Cala Wood Cabin Sauna
We also have several great options in the barrel sauna style that come under $5,000. Barrel-shaped saunas are outdoor home saunas that blend distinctive aesthetics with functional superiority. Their curved structure not only ensures quick and even heat distribution but also maximizes space efficiency and provides natural water drainage, reducing maintenance efforts.
At the high end, costs can go up to $50,000+ and beyond. They are sturdier and come with more facilities.
Auroom Natura Outdoor Cabin Sauna
For instance, one of our most luxurious and sought-after pre-assembled saunas, the Natura, is built to withstand the test of time. It has a reinforced roof to deal with a heavy snow load and integrated gutters for heavy rain. It’s an outdoor home sauna, seats five people, and comes with a terrace!
Ready to Install a Sauna at Home?
There are so many reasons why having a home sauna rules! If you’re interested in installing a sauna or you have more questions about the process, you can connect with our sales manager, Rory, by filling out our form here! He’s our go-to expert for sauna installation and will be happy to answer any queries and help you find what you’re looking for. You can also checkout these helpful FAQs or browse our sauna look book.
