You’ve probably heard the term “spalike” used to describe any upgraded bathroom, but more North Texans are getting even closer to a true spa experience at home — installing dry saunas in bathrooms and other spaces. These small rooms filled with dry heat have proven health benefits including reduced stress, improved cardiovascular health, better lung function and pain relief.
“Everybody is looking for more ways to be healthier and lean into self-care,” says Melissa Powell, co-founder of Dallas-based New Leaf Custom Homes. She has noticed that home saunas have grown in popularity since the pandemic, as homeowners have realized they can do more in the comfort of their own space. “People want to be more productive at home. They want to continue to make life simple, and some don’t want to take the time out of their day to drive to the gym or to a spa,” she says. If you’re warming up to the idea of a sauna in your home, here’s what the pros want you to know.
Types of saunas
First, understand your options. “You want to make sure you get the right one for you,” says Powell. “Do your research and make sure [you choose a sauna that] fits your needs and wants for your space.”
Traditional saunas — also known as Finnish saunas — use an electric or wood-burning heater to warm the room, while infrared saunas are modern versions that rely on light to directly increase your body temperature. (Most research into the health effects has been done on traditional saunas.)
The traditional models get extremely hot, around 150-195 degrees. Infrared saunas claim to be effective at lower temperatures, approximately 120-140 degrees. The idea is that infrared waves penetrate your muscles more effectively than heated air. These saunas use less energy than traditional saunas.
“Infrared saunas are really trending,” says Isaiah Kronstad, location manager of Dallas’ Texas Hot Tub Company. “They penetrate your body and heat it up from the inside. They don’t make you sweat as much, and it doesn’t get as hot. However, some people still prefer the ambient heat from a traditional sauna.”
If you can’t decide which type of sauna you want, consider a combo version, which offers the best of both worlds with the push of a button. “For some couples, maybe one partner wants an infrared and the other wants the traditional,” suggests Kronstad. “And there are some people who really like both and want to have both.”
Once you settle the question of traditional and infrared, consider whether you’re looking for a portable sauna or a built-in, custom version. “The most affordable price point is a portable [sauna],” says Kronstad. “They are super popular.”
Portable saunas, which can be purchased online, come in a kit and are designed to be put together at home. You can also disassemble them and take them with you if you move.
A custom sauna is obviously going to be pricier, but you get something made especially for your home. “I love the idea of having a whole room as a sauna,” says Kronstad. “The custom saunas are nice because you have more space and you’re not inside of a box. You can dictate your layout and you can also have room to workout, stretch or do what you like inside.” Most custom saunas are found in new builds or extensive renovations, because they require dedicated space.
Small prefabricated saunas, traditionally 4 feet by 4 feet, can plug into a wall with a normal electric outlet. “Anything bigger than a 4-by-4 and it will probably require a call to the electrician,” notes Kronstad.
Saunas can be crafted from various woods, including cedar, spruce or pine, so you can choose the one that is the most aesthetically suited to your space. There are basic models, or you can load up on features like LED lighting, digital controls, Bluetooth surround sound systems, timers and adjustable vents. Of course, you’d be loading up the price, too.
You should expect to spend a couple of thousand on the low end for either a traditional or infrared kit, and the price goes up from there. A sauna from a luxury brand, such as Finnleo, can come with a cost upwards of $8,000-$11,000. A custom, built-in sauna will be that much or more.
Where to buy a sauna
“My clients are always surprised to learn that having an in-home sauna is not super expensive and that they are relatively easy to install,” explains Powell. There are many online sources where you can order a portable sauna, so you can search around for one that matches your needs, specs and price point. Amazon and Costco have plenty of options; you can also check out Redwood Outdoors, Clearlight, Sunlighten, Medical Sauna and Almost Heaven, among others.
New Leaf Custom Homes recently installed a Sunlighten model in a primary bathroom (seen at the top of this page). “This company has lots of options that don’t require any special wiring or installation requirements, which we like,” says Powell.
Alexis Pearl, owner of Alexis Pearl Design, recently worked on a primary bathroom with a model from Medical Sauna. “This client was inspired by wellness and all the benefits of saunas,” shares Pearl. The clients did their own research and then worked with Pearl for a custom design.
Online ordering works if you know exactly what you want in a sauna and are using a trusted source. But if you prefer to see and even test out the product, as well as get in-person assistance, retailers such as Texas Hot Tub Company and Sparks Fitness offer local showrooms. Kronstad notes that if you purchase from a showroom like Texas Hot Tub Company, which carries the Finnleo brand, you’ll typically get a longer warranty. The dealer can also order parts for you if the heater or another component malfunctions. “We’re also a servicer, so we’re with clients for the life of the unit,” Kronstad adds.
Dedicating space to a sauna at home
A standard-size portable sauna generally doesn’t require a home addition or even a full room. “You really only need the space and a simple electrical outlet,” explains Powell. “You don’t have to do anything crazy to your space. As long as you have the dimensions available, it works fine with a regular outlet. Most [portable saunas] come in their own buildable kits and are very easy to install.” Powell has installed them in primary bathrooms as well as in home gyms. Of course, if you have the space for a home spa, that’s a popular choice as well. “We installed a sauna in a pool house recently,” Powell notes. “They have a cold plunge and now a sauna, so they have their own little relaxation spot.”
Pearl designed the spa room above in a client’s basement; the room includes a Sunlighten portable model. “My clients are very into wellness and had started using saunas, so we were able to carve out a dedicated space for this sauna room,” she says. But she’s also installed saunas in primary bathrooms as well as garages. “If you have a bay in your garage, you can put them there,” she says. “They really can go anywhere like a larger closet. They don’t need any specific exhaust specifications; they self-cool with a dedicated exhaust fan. All you have to do is set it up.”
While you can place a sauna just about anywhere, many people try to be mindful of the surrounding floor material. “We use porcelain tile for a durability standpoint,” says Pearl. “You come out sweaty, so you want something easy to clean. Natural stone is an option too. We did a tumbled marble on the floors for a client. It just needs to be a material you can step on when covered in sweat.” A bathmat is a useful accessory; it’s also helpful to add hooks to the wall or place a stool nearby for easy access to towels.
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