How much do saunas cost? A private sauna requires a lot of money, but given its benefits to your mind and body, it’s worth every penny. Pricing depends on the size (how many people can fit in it), type (Finnish, Turkish, Japanese, infrared, mud, bio, salt), material (timber, tiling, etc.), lighting, heater, and of course, the contractor. If you can afford it, a custom-built sauna is the best choice, for sure. A 2 user Finnish sauna can cost you between NGN900,000 and NGN1,200,000.
Who should you entrust with construction and installation of a sauna? Send an enquiry to relevant installers in your area with reviews, free of charge and no strings attached! All you need to do is fill in the form below.
The passion for home saunas has spread from Scandinavia all over the world over the last century as nothing can really compare to relaxing aching muscles or cleansing your skin in a well-made sauna. Saunas are a Scandinavian invention, while in the Orient, there is something similar, known as a Turkish bath or hammam. Whether it be a sauna or a steam bath, anyone who has even been in one says it’s a unique experience when it comes to relaxing the mind and body.
If you decide to build a home sauna, you’ll be able to enjoy such an experience whenever you want. In modern saunas, temperatures can easily reach over 80°C, so you can pamper yourself with a half-hour sauna session in the comfort of your own home after a hard day at work or a workout at the gym. Most home saunas have electric heaters that heat the air, with infrared saunas becoming increasingly popular. Such high temperatures, however, are unsuitable for children or people with certain health problems, so do some proper research and check out all your options before you buy one.
No matter what type of sauna you choose, there are numerous health benefits.
Improves circulation - Spending time in a sauna has an extremely beneficial effect on heart health and the blood vessels and improves circulation in general. The heat causes the blood vessels to expand and increases the blood supply to all your organs.
Relaxes muscles - Improved circulation reduces muscle tenderness, so if you head into the sauna after a strenuous workout, it will help alleviate muscle pain.
Relieves stress - According to numerous studies, saunas really do reduce stress and the symptoms associated with it, such as headaches and migraines.
Promotes better sleep - Having an evening session in the sauna helps the body to relax before bedtime, meaning you’ll have a deeper and more peaceful sleep.
1. Prepare the sauna - Turn it on and let it warm up to the desired temperature. The highest recommended temperature is 90°C.
2. Get yourself ready - Before entering the sauna, drink a few glasses of water to avoid dehydration. Remove all jewellery to prevent burns. Bring a big towel to sit or lie on, cover yourself with, or wipe away sweat. Read and follow all the instructions and warnings given in the instruction manual, whether they be related to health or the technical side of things.
3. Use the sauna at your own discretion - It is good to have a timer so you don’t stay in the sauna longer than intended. The usual time is 15-20 minutes. If you use the sauna more often, make your sessions shorter. If you experience dizziness, light-headedness, or an accelerated heart rate, leave the sauna immediately.
4. Rejuvenate your body - Once you leave the sauna, wait a few minutes and drink some water. It takes some time for your body to recalibrate itself after a session in the sauna; therefore, don’t move too quickly or immediately start some new activity. It is advisable to take a cold shower after a Finnish sauna, although caution and consultation with a doctor in this regard also does not hurt.
Traditionally, saunas are made of spruce or pine. Today, other woods are used as well, including some that are more porous and harder, although pine is still the most popular. Truth be told, there’s nothing like the experience of sitting in a pine sauna because of the characteristic smell of the wood. The pine benches in a well-insulated sauna heat up so you’ll need a thick towel, while with other materials this is not the case.
Saunas come in different sizes. Some are designed for only one person, while others have room for up to eight people. The one you choose should be suitable for the number of people who will use it. In addition, the size of the space where you will install the sauna will certainly be a deciding factor when it comes to selecting the size of the sauna.
Ceramic - Ceramic heaters heat up faster than carbon fibre ones. Since the heat is concentrated around the heater, it’s best to choose a sauna where the heaters are placed close to where you’ll be sitting.
Carbon fibre - Carbon fibre heaters are durable and more energy efficient than ceramic ones. They have a flat surface, so the heat they emit is distributed more evenly.
EMF ratings - Infrared saunas emit electromagnetic fields (EMF). Ceramic heaters emit a lower EMF than carbon ones, while saunas that have both types of heater emit the lowest EMF. It is recommended that EMF exposure be kept below 3 mG (milligauss). In addition, you should also consult a professional to find out about the proper electrical grounding of the sauna.
Saunas serve for relaxation, well-being, and enjoyment of the warmth followed by a quick cooling off. However, not everyone has the same tolerance threshold when it comes to heat; so if you’re sharing a sauna with someone and it gets too hot for you, it’s best not to overdo it and instead just leave. In addition to listening to your own body, the sauna control system is also important. The main part of this is a thermostat, which regulates the temperature. Modern saunas have modern equipment, which means that the desired temperature is quickly achieved and then maintained. However, if you decide to make your own sauna, bear in mind that the entire space must be well-ventilated.
When you have your own sauna, you can use it when you want and as much as you want, at the temperature that suits you best without worrying about others. This is the main reason for getting a sauna. However, when you do decide to buy one, you should be aware that not every sauna is the same. There are Finnish saunas, infrared saunas, and steam baths – all the other types of sauna are merely variations on the same theme. Most saunas are heated by convection. Convection heaters are usually electric, gas, or wood burning. In a traditional Finnish sauna, the heater is next to one wall and heats a basket filled with rocks. Water with essential oils is poured over these stones, which releases steam. On the other hand, infrared heaters work in a completely different way. In such saunas, the heat is not in the air, but is generated by the infrared rays of the heater. These rays actually behave like a microwave oven because they heat the body from the inside rather than the air in the room. For this reason, the temperature in the sauna itself is lower and it is much less humid as there is no steam. This type of sauna is a good option for people who don’t like steam, high humidity, and heat, or suffer from breathing difficulties. Of course, traditionalists will say that it is not a sauna at all because the sauna sensation is completely different.
We suggest you try both types before buying and see which suits you better. Infrared saunas use less energy than the other type, which is not something to be ignored if you’re planning on using it frequently. A steam sauna or steam room has a steam generator that increases humidity to about 100%. The temperature in a steam room is usually lower than in a Finnish sauna (about 41°C), but the humidity is much higher. In addition to choosing between a conventional sauna, an infrared sauna, and a steam room, you should also decide where you’re going to put it, what materials it’ll be made of, and what accessories you want. Waterproofing and ventilation, as well as the size, are decided at the planning stage. You’ll be limited in some situations - either by regulations, space, or budget. Limitations and choices will also depend on whether you plan to install your sauna in your house or outside. Whatever the case, the company you decide to buy your sauna from will explain to you what is and what isn’t feasible and why.
The traditional wood-burning sauna, better known as a Finnish sauna, is ‘dry’, which means that inside there is either low humidity or none at all. A wood-burning stove heats stones, which heats a relatively small room clad with wood. The stove can keep the temperature between 60-100°C. In any sauna of this type, a wooden bucket with water containing essential oils is a must. This water is splashed on the hot stones, which creates steam. These traditional or ‘standard’ saunas are best placed somewhere near the house, but you’ll need to make sure that the smoke doesn’t bother your neighbours.
A session in this type of sauna is like one in a traditional sauna, except that the heating is fuelled by electricity. As with wood-burning saunas, water is poured onto heated stones to produce steam. Electric saunas are more suitable for urban areas because they are easier to operate and can be installed indoors.
Infrared saunas just don’t cut it for sauna purists. However, for those who want to enjoy the benefits of a sauna without too much heat, this type is just the job. Instead of heating the air, infrared rays heat our body and the user still gets all the health benefits of a sauna experience but at a more comfortable temperature. Infrared saunas can be installed indoors and are cheaper than traditional ones.
Saunas like this don’t have heaters or chimney pipes. Instead, a fire is lit under a pile of rocks. When the fire is put out, smoke appears between the rocks and the sauna is ready to be used. However, we think it might be better to go to Finland itself to experience this type of sauna.
These saunas are better known as steam rooms or Turkish baths or hammams. The heat comes from water boiling and evaporating. They look like those from centuries ago with the inside completely covered in ceramic tiles or some other non-porous material. The hot, humid air generated in them is great for the airways. Steam rooms operate at temperatures of around 60°C. If you decide to go for this type of sauna, you’re best off hiring a professional who will know how to deal with the high humidity and possible mould.
If you love heat but there’s no room for a sauna in your home, you might want to go for a combination of a sauna and a shower. Instead of a regular shower, you’ll have your own kind of sauna in the shape of a steam shower. The shower cabin is actually a standard one, but it comes with additional features to create steam and heat. Various types are available on the market, including steam showers for two people or more luxurious models with massage tubs. There are also models that are a combination of a dry sauna and a steam shower.
Generally speaking, saunas are easy to assemble and install. Assembly usually requires two people and some tools: a screwdriver, screws, and a rubber mallet. Most saunas are delivered to customers in the form of numbered parts that are put together using a click-and-lock, groove, or magnet system. We recommend you read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings carefully in order to put the parts together correctly and safely and thus assemble your sauna successfully. Usually, the sauna floor is laid first, followed by the back wall and side walls. When all three sides have been properly secured, the bench, heaters, and electrical components can be installed. Then, the front wall with the door and the top are put in place. The final step is to add the trim pieces to cover the seams between the panels.
Tip: Once the sauna has been delivered to your home, move all the parts to the place where you want to install it and assemble it there. This will avoid the tricky, almost impossible task of having to manoeuvre the assembled sauna through the house.
Before assembling your sauna, you need to check that the base is completely level. We recommend you avoid installing it on top of laminate flooring or carpet. Instead, concrete is best, or, at a pinch, ceramic tiles or parquet. The chosen spot for your sauna will need to have electricity and good ventilation. The sauna shouldn’t be sited somewhere that is damp or wet or in a place where there is a risk of such a hazard, like a basement. Finding a well-insulated place is the most important thing because the sauna may struggle to reach the desired temperature if the room is cold, even with a more powerful heater. If you do face such a problem, you can always install additional insulation.
Outdoor saunas are suitable for those regions with a milder climate throughout the whole year. In cold areas, the sauna will need to have additional insulation. It is placed on a completely level surface and covered by a roof that will protect it from rain and wind. It is also advisable that the sauna be sited close to your house so it is within reach of a power supply.
Saunas do not require additional ductwork or vents. Nevertheless, it is not a bad idea to have a few centimetres of space between the sauna and the ceiling. Although air ducts are not needed, an air vent is required to enable even heat distribution and to supply oxygen. These vents are especially important for large saunas so that warm air does not just stay around the heater. There are usually two vents – a lower one and an upper one. Saunas that are bought prebuilt should have these vents already installed. If not, then there is usually a gap under the door to allow for undisturbed airflow. While the sauna is heating up, you can close the vents and then open them when you enter.
Outdoor and indoor saunas require an electrical outlet with the correct voltage. The sauna should have a socket all to itself. No other appliances should be plugged into it and certainly don’t run the sauna via an extension cable! Most infrared saunas work with a voltage of 110-120 V, just like most other household appliances. Traditional saunas, steam rooms, and larger/more powerful Finnish or infrared saunas require 220-240 V. 240 V sockets are intended for washing machines, tumble dryers, ovens, air conditioners, and hot water boilers. Every modern home has both types of outlets. However, older builds may need upgrading; if this is the case, you must consult an electrician.
MP3 player output - This feature allows you to plug your phone in and to listen to music via the built-in speakers.
Bluetooth - When there is Bluetooth, you can listen to music wirelessly.
Timers/clocks - Such features allow you to know the exact time and also the timer will make sure you don’t stay in the sauna for too long. It can turn off the sauna automatically, so you’ll still be safe even if you relax too much and fall asleep.
LED lighting - LED lighting is best for saunas because it uses the least energy and lasts longer.
Vents - If possible, you should opt for a sauna with built-in vents since they work automatically and will provide balanced ventilation.
If you have an outdoor sauna, you’ll need to wash the exterior regularly with a low pressure hose. You can also apply a UV-protective coating to protect the outside of the sauna. Do not use paint or varnish on wood. It is also important to remove any dirts from the roof or under the sauna. The interior can be vacuumed to remove dust and dirt. Before each session, clean the sauna, i.e., the benches, backrests, walls, and floor, with a brush. Once a year, you can sand the bench to remove any stains. These can also be removed with a brush and mild detergent. If you notice any mould, be sure to remove it immediately with a special cleaner as recommended by the sauna manufacturer. After doing so, be sure to wash everything thoroughly and let it dry and air. If you have a Finnish sauna, you need to clean the rocks in the heater once a year. This is done by first turning off the power supply and then taking out the rocks. Discard any broken ones and wash the remaining ones with water. Put the rocks back so they are distributed evenly and have spaces between them. You can also buy new ones, but make sure they’re the same size and type.
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