Is it cheaper to build or buy a sauna?

Quick Answer

Whether it is cheaper to build or buy a sauna depends on several factors, including the size and type of sauna, materials and labor costs, and whether you do the work yourself or hire a contractor. In general, building a basic DIY sauna yourself can be the cheapest option starting around $1,500. Hiring a contractor to custom build a more complex sauna can cost $5,000-$10,000 or more. Prefab saunas that you assemble and install yourself typically cost $2,000-$5,000 for a small 1-2 person infrared sauna up to $7,000-$15,000 for a larger 4-6 person traditional sauna.

Cost Factors

The main factors that impact the cost to build or buy a sauna include:

• Size – Small 1-2 person vs larger 4-6+ person sauna
• Type – Traditional sauna vs infrared sauna
• Materials – Cedar, pine, hemlock wood vs synthetic materials
• Heating system – Traditional wood burning stove vs electric heater
• Prefab vs custom built – Prefab kit vs hired contractor doing custom build
• DIY vs hiring contractor – Doing it yourself or hiring a contractor to build
• Features – Basic vs adding more complex features like lighting, sound system etc

In general, larger traditional saunas with more custom features built by a contractor will be the most expensive options $8,000+. Smaller infrared saunas you assemble yourself can be the cheapest under $2,000.

Cost to Build a Sauna Yourself

If you have some DIY skills and time, building a basic sauna yourself can be a relatively affordable option starting around $1,500. The main costs involved in a DIY sauna build include:

• Wood materials – Cedar boards for the walls, ceiling, benches, door etc. For a basic 4×6 sauna this may cost $500-$1,000.
• Heater – Wood burning stove or electric heater $300-$500.
• Water bucket & ladle – For creating steam typically $50.
• Hardware – Nails, screws, hinges, handles about $100.
• Insulation – Fiberglass batts for the walls, ceiling and floor $100-$200.
• Vapor barrier – Plastic sheeting behind walls $50.
• Thermometer/hygrometer – To monitor temperature and humidity $50.
• Lighting – Light fixtures and wiring $100.

With basic DIY skills and tools, you could build a basic 4×6 cedar sauna yourself for around $1,500 in materials. The amount of time required would be 30-50 hours potentially.

Cost Factors for DIY Sauna

The overall cost to build a sauna yourself can range significantly based on:

• Size – Smaller 2 person vs 4-6+ person sauna.
• Materials – Using cheaper pine vs more expensive cedar, using a prefab kit vs individual lumber purchase.
• Heating – Wood stove requires venting, electric simpler install.
• Features – More complex designs and added features increase cost.

As examples, building a 2 person cedar sauna with electric heater could cost around $2,000. A larger 6 person sauna with wood burning stove and custom design features could be $4,000+.

Hiring a Contractor to Build a Sauna

If you want to have a contractor build a custom sauna for you, costs will be higher, typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 or more. Some of the factors impacting the price of hiring a professional sauna builder include:

• Contractor rates – Hourly fees ranging typically $50-$100 per hour.
• Size – More materials and labor time needed for larger size.
• Custom design – Unique shape, wood patterns, lighting, accessories.
• High end fixtures – Upgraded audio/video, lighting, finishes add cost.
• Permits – Building permits may increase cost in some areas.

For a basic 4×6 cedar sauna with a wood stove, contractor build cost could be around $5,000. For a premium custom designed 6 person sauna with high end features, contractor fees could exceed $10,000.

Get Estimates from Sauna Contractors

Prices can vary a lot based on your specific needs, so it is advisable to get estimates from 3 reputable sauna builders in your local area to compare options and pricing. Make sure to get every detail of the project scope and costs in writing. Some builders may charge for an initial design consultation.

Prefab Sauna Kits

A middle ground option between DIY build and hiring a contractor is to purchase a prefabricated sauna kit that you assemble and install yourself. Prefab saunas come with all the necessary materials and instructions to put together a functional sauna.

Infrared Sauna Kits

For infrared saunas, DIY kit prices typically range from about $1,000 to $3,000 depending on size. A basic 1 person infrared sauna starts around $1,000. A 2 person corner unit may cost $1,500-$2,000. Larger 3-4 person infrared saunas run $2,500-$3,000. The kits include the cedar or other wood panels, heating emitters, control panels, lighting and hardware. You assemble the panels and install the electrical and controls based on the included instructions.

Here are some example prices for infrared sauna kits:

Size	Price Range
1 person	$1,000 – $1,500
2 person corner	$1,500 – $2,000
3-4 person	$2,500 – $3,000

Traditional Sauna Kits

Prefab traditional sauna kits that include wood panels, heater, rocks, bucket/ladle and hardware typically range from about $2,000 up to $7,000. A basic 4×6 sauna can be purchased for around $3,000. Larger saunas 6×6 or 6×8 may cost $5,000 to $7,000. The installation process is similar to infrared kits, you assemble the wall and ceiling panels based on the instructions. The heater and electrical components also need installing.

Here are estimated price ranges for prefab traditional sauna kits:

Size	Price Range
4×6	$2,000 – $3,000
6×6	$4,000 – $5,000
6×8	$5,000 – $7,000

Overall, the cost to buy a sauna kit and install it yourself can save thousands of dollars compared to hiring a professional. But it does require some construction skills.

Infrared vs Traditional Saunas

When deciding whether to build or buy a sauna, a major consideration is what type you want. The main options are traditional saunas or infrared saunas.

Traditional Saunas

Traditional saunas heat to temperatures of 170-200°F and require a wood burning stove or electric heater. The high heat and steam create a deeply cleansing sweat. Typical construction uses cedar or pine wood panels. Traditional saunas are more expensive to build and have higher operating costs. But they provide a true authentic sauna experience.

Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas only heat to about 120-150°F using infrared heating panels. The lower temperatures allow for cheaper construction using hemlock and other woods. Infrared saunas are less expensive to buy and run. The experience is more mild and some find it less cleansing than traditional saunas. Infrared waves provide added relaxation benefits.

	Traditional Sauna	Infrared Sauna
Temperature	170-200°F	120-150°F
Heating Method	Wood stove or electric heater	Infrared emitters
Construction	Cedar, pine	Hemlock, basswood
Cost to Build	Higher	Lower
Operating Costs	Higher	Lower
Experience	Intense, deeply cleansing	Mild, more relaxed

Is it Cheaper to Build or Buy a Sauna?

In summary, here are the key factors to weigh when deciding if it is cheaper to build or buy a sauna:

– DIY construction of basic sauna will be cheapest overall option starting around $1,500

– Prefab sauna kits run $2,000 to $7,000 for infrared and traditional saunas, assembly required

– Hiring contractor for custom build typically $5,000 to $10,000+ depending on size, features, labor

– Consider infrared vs traditional type based on budget and preferences

– Get multiple contractor estimates for accurate pricing

– Building own saves money but requires construction skills

– Prefab kits are middle ground, cost savings with some DIY effort

Conclusion

If you have DIY skills and time, building your own basic sauna is likely the cheapest option, potentially saving thousands of dollars compared to buying a prefabricated kit or hiring a professional. However, kits can still save money with some handyman construction required for assembly and installation. For a truly custom hassle-free sauna, hiring a contractor may be worth the higher costs. Consider all the options carefully based on your budget and abilities when deciding between building or buying your dream sauna.