The ancient wellness practice of heat bathing is showing no sign of slowing. The worldwide interest in outdoor saunas (pronounced "sow-nuh") continues to grow in popularity as more people are drawn to this peaceful method of cleansing from the inside out. For the most American proof there is, consider that even Walmart and Amazon sell saunas now. (And don't get me started on those funky sauna blanket concept.)
Fortunately, it’s never been easier to buy and install a sauna at home—a wide range of manufacturers and retailers offer both prefabricated saunas and sauna kits, delivered to your doorstep. Most of the saunas on this list—and for sale online—come as easy-to-assemble kits, which can be built in a matter of hours with basic tools.
I've assembled a sauna kit in my backyard and tested a sauna tent at a nearby lake—and from experience can honestly say both were life changing. And considerably easier than building a DIY sauna from scratch.
In this article I will cover all you need to know about buying and building a home sauna. After covering the basics I will answer common questions and offer a range of recommendations based on experience and expertise.
Complete your wellness routine with a wood fired hot tub and cold plunge.
What Is a Sauna?
A sauna is an enclosed structure or room that uses dry heat and often humidity to increase core body temperature and perspiration with health benefits. Saunas are heated by an electric or wood sauna heater to an internal air temperature of 180 to 195 degrees Fahrenheit—bathers can increase humidity up to 25-40% by pouring water over hot stones. The heat and humidity is known to help relieve sore muscles, increase blood flow, detoxify, and increase relaxation. Inside, a sauna room typically features at least one bench, often with an ergonomic backrest. Users can sit lower for milder heat or higher for more intensity, with proximity to the heater or stone stove affecting the experience.
Cedar is the most popular wood used in saunas as it is durable, naturally resistant to mold, rot, and bugs, and holds up great against moisture. Plus the wood has a rich, earthy hue and is wonderfully aromatic during repeat sauna sessions. Scandinavian Thermowood is an increasingly popular choice, too. Thermowood is heat-treated in special chamber kilns at temperatures up to 230 degrees for up to 96 hours. The drying process makes the wood uniquely perfect for saunas, creating a rot and fungi resistant wood that wont secrete sap or resin. Home sauna costs can range between $4,000 for a small personal sauna up to $10-15,000 for designs that fit up to 6 or 8 people.
Field Mag's Top Picks:
- Best Outdoor Sauna Kit: Plunge Sauna
- Best Outdoor Infrared Sauna: Sun Home Luminar 2 Infrared Sauna
- Best 2 Person Home Sauna: Thermowood Mini-Cube Sauna
- Best Sauna Cabin: Redwood Outdoors 4 Person Thermowood Cabin
- Best Modern Cabin Sauna: Backcountry Recreation Terassi Mini
- Best Barrel Sauna: Dundalk Leisurecraft Panoramic View
- Best POD Sauna: BZB POD Sauna Kit
- Best DIY Sauna Plans: Den Outdoors
- Best Prefab Sauna: Backcountry Hut Co. System S