The Ultimate Sauna Buying Guide

Everything You Need to Know Before Choosing Your Perfect Sauna

Welcome to Sauna Realm — your go-to destination for premium indoor and outdoor saunas, heaters, accessories, and everything in between. Whether you're just starting your wellness journey or ready to upgrade your home spa, choosing the right sauna can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this all-in-one guide to walk you through every key decision — from heater types to wood materials, safety, health benefits, maintenance, and more.

Let’s dive into the essentials to help you find your perfect sauna setup.

INDOOR VS. OUTDOOR SAUNAS

Choosing the perfect location for your sauna can greatly influence your relaxation experience. Both indoor and outdoor saunas have unique advantages and limitations that can affect your decision. Recognizing the differences can help you integrate your new oasis seamlessly into your home or landscape.

Advantages and Limitations of Indoor Saunas

Indoor saunas are often praised for their convenience and accessibility. Having a sauna inside your home means you can enjoy a session no matter the weather outside, guaranteeing a warm retreat year-round.

Additionally, indoor saunas can be advantageous because they are already integrated into your existing structure, requiring no additional building permits in many cases. However, they do come with space limitations and may require specific ventilation systems to handle the heat and moisture.

• Convenience of year-round access
• Ease of integrating into existing rooms or spaces
• Possibly lower installation costs if space already exists
• Mandatory ventilation solutions
• Space constraints could limit size and design options

Advantages and Limitations of Outdoor Saunas

In contrast, outdoor saunas offer a natural and immersive environment that can complement a well-designed landscape. They have the added benefit of not being confined by indoor space limitations, allowing for more significant design variations and larger sizes.

The experience of transitioning from the biting cold to a cozy, heated cabin can enhance the sauna experience. However, outdoor saunas may require additional construction and can be more expensive to maintain due to exposure to the elements.

• Immersive experience in natural surroundings
• More freedom in design and size
• Potential for higher maintenance and building costs
• Weather-dependent accessibility
• May require additional permits and professional installation

Whether you choose an indoor or outdoor sauna, consider how the location will affect your daily routine, the existing space or landscape, and the required maintenance. Both options can provide a tranquil escape; it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the practicality of installing a sauna in your chosen location.

Our Xperience Series and Cala Series are perfect for indoor use, while our Cube, Garden, and Ergo Series make exceptional outdoor sanctuaries.

TRADITIONAL VS. INFRARED SAUNAS

Traditional Saunas use heaters to warm the air and produce steam. They’re ideal for those who enjoy high heat and a steamy atmosphere.

• Infrared Saunas heat your body directly using infrared panels, operating at lower temperatures for a more gentle, energy-efficient experience.

Explore our Infrared Sauna Collection for modern, wellness-driven options.

WOOD STOVE VS. ELECTRIC HEATERS

Wood Burning Stove Heaters create a rustic, off-grid ambiance, perfect for cabins or remote retreats.

• Electric Heaters are clean, efficient, and convenient. Many come with digital controls for precise temperature and scheduling.

We proudly offer top-tier brands like Harvia, Huum, Narvi and Saunum.

SAUNA WOOD TYPES: DURABILITY MEETS DESIGN

Choosing the right wood affects durability, heat retention, and overall ambiance.

• Aspen: Light tone, low resin, stays cool to touch.
• Thermo-Aspen: Heat-treated for durability, deeper brown color.
• Spruce: Classic look, budget-friendly.
• Thermo-Spruce: Heat-treated for enhanced lifespan and rustic beauty.

All wood offered is sustainably sourced and suitable for high-heat environments.

PRE- BUILT VS. CUSTOM-BUILT SAUNAS

When deciding on the perfect sauna for your home, one major consideration to weigh is whether to opt for a pre-built model or to go for a custom-built option. This decision will significantly impact your sauna experience, installation process, and the degree of personalization you can incorporate into your design.

Pre-built Saunas

Pre-built saunas are the epitome of convenience. These units are designed to be user-friendly with ease of installation as a significant selling point.

• Swift Setup: Pre-built saunas typically come in easy-to-assemble kits that often require just a few hours to install.
• Cost-Effectiveness: With standardized components, they tend to be more budget-friendly.
• Portability: Should you move houses, a pre-built sauna is easier to dismantle and take with you.
• Immediate Enjoyment: You can start enjoying your sauna sessions almost immediately after purchase.

Custom-built Saunas

If you're looking for something tailored to your exact needs and preferences, a custom-built sauna may be your answer.

• Unique Design: From size to shape to type of wood, everything is up to you.
• Integrated Features: You can incorporate unique features such as specific lighting, multiple heating sources, or built-in entertainment systems.
• Maximized Space: A custom sauna can be designed to perfectly fit the space you have designated for it.
• Property Value: A well-designed, integrated sauna can add to the resale value of your home.

Whether you prioritize the convenience and simplicity of a pre-built sauna or favor the personalization and luxury of a custom-built retreat will depend on your specific desires, the time you are willing to invest in the process, and your budget.

HEATER TEMPERATURE & HEAT DISTRIBUTION

Traditional saunas reach 150–195°F and provide enveloping, consistent heat. Infrared saunas operate at 120–170°F and heat the body directly, which is gentler and can be more comfortable for longer sessions.

Brands like Saunum improve heat circulation to ensure a balanced experience in every session.

SAUNA HEALTH BENEFITS: MORE THAN JUST HEAT

Saunas aren’t just about relaxation. They offer significant, science-backed health benefits:

Cardiovascular & Muscular Support

• Promotes vasodilation and improved blood flow
• May lower blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risks

Detoxification & Skin Health

• Encourages sweating to expel toxins
• Cleanses and clears pores, improving skin tone

Pain Management & Recovery

• Relieves tension from arthritis or post-exercise soreness
• Reduces inflammation and accelerates recovery

Immunity Boost

• Induces mild hyperthermia, activating immune response
• Potential to reduce illness frequency

Mental Clarity & Stress Relief

• Provides a tranquil, tech-free space for mindfulness
• Eases anxiety and encourages restful sleep

Sauna Type & Temperature Matters

• Traditional saunas deliver high-heat, steam-rich sessions
• Infrared saunas allow deeper heat penetration at gentler temps

Integrating sauna use into your weekly routine is a proven way to boost long-term health and wellbeing.

MAINTENANCE & CLEANING ESSENTIALS

Daily Cleaning

• Let sauna cool and ventilate
• Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth
• Use sauna-safe cleaners or mild vinegar solution

Routine Maintenance

• Monthly: Inspect and sand any rough wood
• Bi-Annually: Check heaters, stones, and controls
• Annually: Inspect seals and structural integrity
• As Needed: Replace worn components (lights, handles, etc.)
• Pro Tip: Schedule a professional check yearly for peace of mind

A clean sauna is a healthy sauna. Regular care ensures safety, comfort, and longevity.

WARRANTY & BRAND REPUTATION

All saunas are not created equal. The brands behind the build matter.

At Sauna Realm, we only work with trusted global brands like Auroom, SaunaLife, Harvia, Huum, and Saunum. Each offers robust warranties, premium craftsmanship, and proven customer satisfaction.

A strong warranty protects your investment and gives you peace of mind. Always check the duration, coverage, and terms.

BUDGETING & FINANCING: WELLNESS WITHIN REACH

Saunas are a significant investment — but they don’t have to be out of reach.

Budget Planning

• Factor in delivery, installation, and electrical work
• Include extras like accessories and cleaning supplies
• Set aside a contingency budget
• Define your total budget before shopping

Payment Options

• Sauna Realm now accepts HSA and FSA payments for eligible sauna purchases, letting you invest in wellness using pre-tax dollars.
• We also offer flexible financing to spread out costs over time without sacrificing quality.

Wellness should be attainable. We're here to help make that happen.

FINAL THOUGHTS: YOUR WELLNESS JOURNEY STARTS HERE

Congratulations on taking the first step toward bringing warmth, relaxation, and lasting wellness into your life with a personal sauna. With the insights from this ultimate guide, you're now equipped to make a choice that fits seamlessly into your space, your routine, and your wellness goals.

At Sauna Realm, we’re not just about selling saunas — we’re about helping people create moments of peace in their everyday lives. Our passion is helping you find the right fit, whether that’s a minimalist indoor infrared unit or a handcrafted outdoor retreat built for the whole family.

We’re proud to offer world-class products, industry-trusted brands, flexible payment options, and real support from people who care.

Because to us, a sauna isn’t just a box of heat — it’s a gateway to better living.

• Explore all sauna collections
• Learn about us and your wellness journey
• Contact us for expert guidance