Installing an infrared sauna in your home is an excellent and practical idea. It will cost you less money than a traditional model, and the maintaining is less complicated. In most cases, the infrared sauna cost will depend on its type and size. Plus, professional installation will increase the final price, as expected.
You can only install it in indoor space unless otherwise specified. Once you decide to buy one infrared sauna, you should contact a local dealer or order it online. The best option is to check the North American Sauna Society recommendations to get a top-notch home sauna and the best service possible.
Infrared Sauna Cost
If you decide to purchase an infrared sauna, you should set aside $2,300 to $8,500, depending on the heat type and dimensions you need. You can choose a full-spectrum infrared sauna that includes two heat options, near and far-infrared emitters:
Near-infrared sauna – This type emits short wavelengths. Unfortunately, there are indications that near-infrared heat is unsafe for long-term use.
Far-infrared sauna – It provides the deepest heat penetration thanks to the longest wavelength possible. Scientists suggest that this sauna type is potentially the most beneficial model available on the market.
No matter which infrared sauna model you choose, it has basic features, like:
- It heats up quickly
- It provides dry heat
- It is easy to operate
- It uses a standard electric outlet
- It requires no plumbing
If you choose this sauna type, you shouldn’t install it outside unless you find a model designed for such use. The one intended for indoor use can’t withstand long-term sun exposure or low temperatures.
Sauna Installation Cost Factors
You can find an infrared sauna of different prices, depending on a few factors:
Sauna room size
Infrared saunas come in several sizes, depending on how many people will use them at the same time. A comfortable sauna should provide 6 feet (1.8 m) of reclining space or 2 feet (0.6 m) of seating space per user.
You can expect the price to be higher with increasing sauna size since larger models require more labor and building materials.
Infrared sauna costs by size, dimensions, and square footage without installation |
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Size | Dimensions | Square footage | Average cost |
One person | *3 by 4 feet (0.9 x 1.2 m)
*3 by 5 feet (0.9 x 1.5 m) |
12 to 15 sq ft
(1.1 – 1.4 m2) |
$1,500 to $4,600 |
2 to 4 people | *4 by 4 feet (1.2 x 1.2 m)
*4 by 6 feet (1.2 x 1.8 m) *5 by 6 feet (1.5 x 1.8 m) *5 by 7 feet (1.5 x 2.1 m) *6 by 6 feet (1.8 x 1.8 m) |
16 to 36 sq ft
(1.5 – 3.3 m2) |
$2,800 to $7,700 |
5 to 7 people | *6 by 6 feet (1.8 x 1.8 m)
*8 by 8 feet (2.4 x 2.4 m) |
48 to 64 sq ft
(4.5 – 5.9 m2) |
$5,000 to $13,000 |
8 to 10 people | *8 by 10 feet (2.4 x 3 m)
*8 by 12 feet (2.4 x 3.6 m) *10 by 10 feet (3 x 3 m) *10 by 12 feet (3 x 3.6 m) |
80 to 96 sq ft
(7.4 – 8.9 m2) |
$7,000 to $15,000 |
Heat source
Wood or gas-burning heaters are always more expensive than electric ones. However, most infrared saunas work by using 110-volts that fit a standard home outlet.
Wood type
As you have probably known, western red cedar is an ideal material for infrared saunas. However, it is more expensive than some other options.
Infrared sauna material cost |
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Type of wood | Description | Material cost |
Basswood | *Resists distortion
*Without odor |
$1 to $3 per 1 sq ft (0.09 m2) |
Hemlock | *Knot-free
*Excellent for sensitive skin |
$1 to $5 per 1 sq ft (0.09 m2) |
Pine | *Large knots
*Better for framing |
$1 to $5 per 1 sq ft (0.09 m2) |
Red cedar | *Lightly scented
*Resists distortion and decay *Repels insects |
$2 to $15 per 1 sq ft (0.09 m2) |
Redwood | *Discolors over time
*Resists distortion and decay |
$3 to $5 per 1 sq ft (0.09 m2) |
Nordic white spruce | *The lightest possible color but slightly darkens over time
*Better for framing |
$5 to $30 per 1 sq ft (0.09 m2) |
Accessories
It is usually not enough to buy an infrared sauna. You should also pay for necessary accessories to improve your pleasure while using a chosen sauna.
Infrared sauna heater and accessories cost |
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Feature | Price range |
Door | $700 to $1,200 |
Window | $250 to $900 |
Control panel | $250 to $800 |
Heater | $200 to $600 |
Sound system | $150 to $900 |
Bench | $100 to $200 |
Chroma therapy (lights) | $50 to $300 |
Oxygen ionizer | $45 to $200 |
Backrest | $45 to $175 |
Sauna timer | $40 to $60 |
Headrest | $30 to $80 |
Hygrometer | $30 to $60 |
Fog-free mirror | $25 to $450 |
Aromatherapy (fragrances) | $25 to $70 |
Floor mat | $20 to $100 |
Thermometer | $20 to $80 |
Robe hook | $20 to $30 |
Brushes | $10 to $35 |
Professional vs. DIY installation
If you are not a DIY person, you should calculate the price of professional installation to basic sauna costs. Labor costs for a prefab sauna installation are $300 to $1,500, while a pre-cut sauna installation will cost you $1,500 to $2,500.
Labor prices always depend on sauna type, size, and local rates. For instance, an electrician will charge about $40 to $100 per hour for a new outlet and circuit installation.
You should also pay a plumber to install a drain for easy floor cleaning. That typically costs $45 to $150 per hour. It is not necessary for the infrared sauna but is convenient.
Prefabricated infrared sauna
The prefabricated infrared sauna kit includes a complete material set for building a freestanding sauna room. Such a model will cost you $4,000 to $12,000 only for the kit. If you want a fully installed sauna, you should set aside $5,500 to $14,500.
Portable infrared sauna
A portable sauna is quickly collapsible and fits only one person. An average model price is $200 to $2,000, depending on the type you choose.
Portable sauna cost |
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Type | Average price |
Infrared blanket | $300 to $600 |
Tent-style | $200 to $1,000 |
Infrared dome | $800 to $2,600 |
Customization
As always, you should expect to pay more for a custom-built infrared sauna. Such a model often includes accessories like:
- Chromotherapy
- Music
- Touchscreen control
- Window
An average price for such a sauna ranges from $4,300 to $34,000, depending on the type and size you need.
For instance, a custom pre-cut sauna kit that requires framed and insulated exterior walls will cost you $4,300 to $11,500, installation included. A fully custom-built, personalized infrared sauna costs from $8,000 to $34,000.
Brand
As you can expect, the final price for an infrared sauna will largely depend on the brand.
Modular (prefab) infrared sauna cost |
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Brand | Type | Warranty | Average cost |
Finnleo | Prefab, indoor, and custom | Limited to lifetime | $2,500 to $9,500 |
Sunlighten | Prefab, custom, and indoor | Limited to lifetime | $2,600 to $5,600 |
Salus Saunas | Prefab, indoor, outdoor, and barrel | Seven years | $2,700 to $10,000 |
Vital Health | Prefab and indoor | Limited to lifetime | $3,000 to $4,500 |
SunRay | Prefab, indoor, and outdoor | Seven years | $3,000 to $5,500 |
Rocky Mountain Saunas | Prefab, indoor, and outdoor | Limited to lifetime | $3,000 to $6,000 |
Almost Heaven | Prefab, cabin, barrel, indoor, and outdoor | Limited to lifetime | $3,450 to $7,000 |
Northern Lights | DIY kits and barrel | Three years | $3,500 to $10,500 |
Heavenly Heat | Prefab and indoor | Limited to lifetime | $4,500 to $6,000 |
Clearlight | Prefab, indoor, and outdoor | Limited to lifetime | $4,500 to $8,000 |
Cedarbrook | Prefab, pre-cut, indoor, and outdoor | One year | $4,500 to $10,000 |
SaunaCore | Prefab, pre-cut, barrel, indoor, and outdoor | Limited to lifetime | $10,000 to $14,000 |
Total Costs Over the Years
Keep in mind that the initial infrared sauna price is not the only factor to consider. On the contrary, you should calculate the lifetime cost of ownership before buying one.
Sauna cost projection for ten years |
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The average cost of ownership | Far-infrared sauna for 2 to 6 people | Near-infrared sauna for one person |
Initial costs | $1,500 to $5,600 | $1,250 to $5,000 |
Installation | Up to $700 | N/A |
Replacement parts | N/A | $1,100 |
Accessories | Up to $800 | $500 |
Electricity bills per month | $10 to $27 | $10 |
Total | $2,800 to $9,600 | Approximately $7,800 |
The overall costs to own a far-infrared sauna are lower compared to other sauna types you can find on the market. This model is durable and highly efficient, which decreases expenses during the year.
Why Choose an Infrared Sauna Instead of a Traditional One?
Most of us like traditional wooden saunas, but an infrared model has too many advantages you shouldn’t ignore. An infrared sauna will cost you less, plus it is durable and convenient to maintain and requires fewer preparations before use.
Infrared sauna vs. traditional sauna |
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Features | Infrared sauna | Traditional sauna |
Cost | $2,300 to $8,500 | $3,000 to $10,000 |
Temperature | 120 to 140 F (49 – 60 C) | 150 to 195 F (65.5 – 90.5 C) |
Preheating | Not required | 30 to 40 minutes |
Ventilation | Not required | Required |
Control | Temperature only | Temperature and humidity |
Energy source | Standard electrical outlet | Dedicated 220V circuit |
Heating type | Directly heating the body | Heating the air and indirectly the body |
Session length | As desired | 15 to 20 minutes |
Summary
Thanks to modern heaters that last for decades, far-infrared saunas are durable and affordable. When you are looking for an excellent sauna type that will provide maximum benefits at a low price, you should definitely pick out this one.