A recent industry report showed that 2.5 million US homes feature a sauna. It is among the most popular home upgrades, as taking a sauna combines health benefits with a touch of luxury and relaxation. Choose wisely, and a home sauna can also enhance your home’s salability, making it a shrewd investment from a financial perspective, too. But what does choosing wisely really entail? There are several things to consider, including the type of sauna, its design, the size and the heating source that it uses.
Prebuilt kits are popular and affordable
The first decision to make is whether to choose a prebuilt kit or a custom made sauna. Prebuilt kits have become incredibly popular among US buyers over the past decade and are available in various shapes and sizes. Take a look at the SaunaPlace website (saunaplace.com) to see some examples. We will look at some of these in more detail in a moment, but it is worth noting that prebuilt kits slash the overall cost of a sauna installation.
If you purchase the materials from scratch and then pay someone to design, construct and commission it, the overall cost can easily come to $50,000 or more. Prebuilt kits start at less than $5,000, so even if you spend another thousand or two on getting the electrics professionally installed, a prebuilt kit brings the whole project within the price range of far more American families.
Electric sauna heaters are usually the practical choice
Of course, you only need an electrician to commission the heater if it runs off electricity. There are other alternatives such as gas or log burning stoves. But for most domestic installations, an electric sauna heater is the most practical choice for the following reasons:
- An electric heater allows precision control, so you can set it to your exact temperature requirements.
- It is easier to use and operate, and certainly less hassle than preparing and filling a log burner.
- It requires minimal maintenance.
- It does not emit toxic fumes.
- Many can be operated remotely from a smartphone app using IoT technology, so you can even switch it on before you get home so it is ready for your arrival.
It is also worth noting that electric sauna heaters are not as expensive to run as you might think. Of course, the running cost depends on the age of the heater, its power output, the utility prices where you live and how often you use it. But broadly speaking, annual operating costs are usually in the $300 to $600 range. Depending on where you live, you could easily spend as much or more on a cord of wood.
Barrel saunas are a popular design
Most people’s picture of a home sauna is a traditional Finnish cabin style. These are as popular in the US as they are in northern Europe, but they are by no means the only choice. One of the top trending alternatives on the US sauna scene is the barrel sauna. These have a distinctive rounded design, and make an attractive feature for the garden that has a fun and contemporary look.
Barrel saunas are also easier to construct from kit form, as they are lighter in weight. The potential downside is that this lightness is because they have a single skin of tongue and groove wood, with no extra insulating layer. This means you have to take care putting them together correctly to avoid heat loss.
Location is key
Last but not least, think carefully about where to position your sauna. Ideally, it needs to be close to the house to make the electrical installation straightforward. Also, bear in mind you will want to use it in winter, so will not want a long walk back to the house. Also consider privacy if your garden is visible either to passers by or neighbors.
Choose a spot that is flat and stable. You will probably need to dig foundations for a concrete or gravel bed, so consider the access for the necessary plant and equipment, too.
Also Read: How To Choose The Right Patio Shades For Your Home
