Sauna in your own home
A private sauna is no longer just a luxury, but for many homeowners and apartment owners a conscious step towards greater relaxation, health, and living comfort. Whether as a place to retreat after a long day at work, for muscle regeneration, or as an exclusive extra in your own home—saunas for the home are enjoying growing popularity in Switzerland.
At the same time, home saunas vary greatly in terms of technology, quality, space requirements, and cost. If you buy without doing your research, you may end up paying too much or getting a solution that doesn't meet your needs in the long term. This guide shows you the different types of saunas available, the costs you can expect, and what really matters when it comes to planning and implementation.
What is the realistic cost of a home sauna?
The price range for saunas is wide. While simple cabins are available from around a thousand dollars, individually designed wellness solutions can quickly cost tens of thousands of dollars. The decisive factors are the design, technology, material quality, and installation costs.
Recommended prices by sauna type (including installation)
Infraredcabin
Approx. $2,000–$5,000
Compact, energy-efficient, and quick to set up. Ideal for short relaxation sessions without extreme heat.
Traditional Finnish sauna
- Simple kits / self-assembly: approx. $2,000–5,000
- High-quality solutions from a specialist company: approx. $7,000–$15,000
High temperatures, infusions, intense sweating. Professional designs offer better insulation and longer service life.
Steam or biosauna
Approx. $12,000–$20,000
Mild climate with higher humidity. Pleasant, but technically demanding to install and maintain.
Barrel sauna or gardensauna
Approximately $5,000–$10,000
Popular for outdoor use. Take into account additional costs for foundations, electrical connections, and any necessary permits.
Which factors have a particular influence on the price?
Sauna type &technology
The higher the temperature and humidity, the more powerful the stove, control system, and ventilation must be. Infrared saunas remain the simplest in terms of technology.
Woodquality
High-quality sauna woods are dimensionally stable, low in resin, and durable. They improve the climate and comfort, but increase the purchase price.
Oven &controls
A correctly sized oven ensures even heat distribution and short heating times. Convenience features such as time programs or climate control make the system more expensive.
Thermal insulation
Good insulation significantly reduces electricity consumption. Cheap models often cut corners in this area, resulting in higher operating costs.
Features
Glass surfaces, LED lighting, ergonomic loungers, and designer elements enhance the feeling of wellness, but also increase the budget.
Installation situation
Cramped spaces, sloping roofs, or special dimensions increase the complexity. In addition, a high-voltage power connection is almost always required.
An overview of different types of saunas – which one suits your everyday life?
Steam or bio sauna – gentle wellness climate
With lower temperatures and higher humidity, this type of sauna is particularly gentle. The skin and respiratory tract benefit from the humid climate, which many find more relaxing.
Suitable for:
Families, wellness-oriented users, people who are sensitive to heat.
Things to consider:
More technology, higher requirements for sealing and ventilation.
Finnish sauna – intense and traditional
The classic Finnish sauna operates at very high temperatures (80–110 °C) and dry air. Infusions intensify the feeling of heat and provide intense stimulation for the circulation. It requires space, good insulation, and a powerful stove.
Suitable for:
Experienced sauna users who appreciate the classic ritual.
Please note:
Higher energy consumption and longer heating time.
Infrared sauna – efficient and space-saving
Infrared saunas heat the body directly via radiation. They are ready for use immediately, require little electricity, and can also be integrated into small rooms. Ideal for regular short sessions.
Suitable for:
Athletes, small apartments, low operating costs.
Please note:
This is not a traditional sauna or infusion experience.
Suitable locations for a home sauna
Basement
Plenty of space and constant temperatures. Plan ventilation particularly carefully.
Bathroom
Conveniently located near the shower and water connections. Check room height.
Attic
Very cozy, but technically challenging. Check structural integrity, insulation, and power supply.
Outdoorarea
Garden or barrel saunas offer maximum privacy. Please note the requirements for foundations, electricity, and permits.
Which wood is suitable for saunas?
The wood has a decisive influence on warmth, safety, and service life.
Interior surfaces & benches:
Aspen, abachi, hemlock, or Swiss pine—pleasant to the touch, splinter-free, heat-resistant.
Construction & outdoor areas:
Spruce or fir indoors, cedar or thermowood outdoors.
Cheap or poorly dried wood often leads to cracks, resin leakage, or warping.
Build it yourself or have it assembled?
Simple cabins can be installed yourself with a little DIY skill. For high-voltage current, special shapes, sloping roofs, or outdoor installation, it is definitely recommended to hire a specialist company. Professional installation ensures safety, better energy efficiency, and a longer service life.
Power consumption and running costs
Finnish sauna:
approx. 9–14 kWh per sauna session → usually $2.50–4
Infrared sauna:
approx. 1–3 kWh → often less than $1
The decisive factors are insulation quality, heater output, and cabin size.
Care and durability of a sauna
With proper care, a sauna can easily last for several decades.
Basic rules:
- Always place a towel underneath
- Clean wood regularly with a mild cleaner
- Ventilate well after each use
- Lightly sand the seats once a year
- Check technology and screws
Minor maintenance work prevents costly damage.
Conclusion: A sauna pays off—if it is planned correctly.
A private sauna increases well-being, relaxation, and the value of your property. The decisive factor is not the lowest price, but the right combination of sauna type, material quality, insulation, and professional installation. If you plan ahead and compare several quotes, you will get a durable, efficient solution with real added value.
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