Thinking about getting a home sauna? Read our guide

Nowadays installing a sauna in your home couldn’t be easier: all you need is a small space, like a bathroom or a room with all the necessary connections, and you’re good to go.

Home saunas are easy to use, cosy and always ready when you want them, an affordable luxury that brings relaxation and health to your everyday life.

How to Build A Sauna

When building a sauna at home, a few key steps will ensure the best results. First, assess the space available and choose the most suitable location, making sure there is proper ventilation and access to electrics.

Next, select the type of sauna that suits your needs and interior style. From traditional models to more contemporary designs, consider how many people will use it and how it will integrate with your home’s décor.

The team at Versatile can guide you through the process, advising on model selection, plumbing and electrical requirements, ventilation, and lighting to create a sauna that is both efficient and beautifully integrated into your space.

Where to install your home sauna

There are no limits to where a home sauna can be installed, as it fits perfectly into any space.

The only preparation needed is an electrical connection able to take the power used, which will vary with the size of the sauna.

We recommend somewhere with good ventilation and access to an external air inlet to ensure there is plenty of fresh air in the space.

How much does a home sauna cost?

The cost of a domestic sauna varies considerably depending on a number of factors, including the type of sauna, size, materials, installation and location.

There is also a difference in the cost of a sauna, bio-sauna (which needs more steam) and an infrared sauna.

The type of wood you choose for your home sauna will also impact the overall expense. Quality woods, like walnut or heat-treated Canadian hemlock, are more expensive than others but will last longer over time and are truly beautiful.

Glass walls on more exclusive saunas require thick toughened glass to ensure safety and thermal insulation.

How much energy does a sauna consume in your house or apartment?

How much a home sauna consumes depends first on its size and second on how long your sessions last and how energy efficient the actual sauna is.

The heaters in Effe saunas go from 2 kW (infrared sauna for 2 people) to 12 kW (bio-sauna for 6-8 people). In Versatile home saunas, the safety thermostat built into the heater and the electronics enable smart management of the three heating elements to optimise power consumption. All our high-tech research is aimed at delivering maximum quality and reliability. Every sauna is fully tested for operating efficiency and safety before being delivered to the client.

How powerful should a home sauna be?

When installing a home sauna, one of the first considerations is the power required and overall energy consumption. The heating power mainly depends on two factors:

• Size of the sauna – larger cabins require more power to heat efficiently.

• Cladding and insulation quality – premium wood and intelligent design reduce heat loss and improve performance.

As a general guideline:

• 2–3 kW for small cabins (1–2 people)

• 4–6 kW for medium cabins (2–4 people)

• 7–12 kW for larger or more professional home saunas

Thanks to modern technology, running costs are surprisingly affordable. On average, one hour of use costs around €1–3, depending on power and session length.

Most homes can support saunas up to 6 kW using a standard electricity supply. For higher outputs, a supply upgrade or three-phase system may be required.

How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Home Sauna?

A well-designed sauna is built to last for years, but regular maintenance keeps it efficient and visually pristine.

Key upkeep includes:

• Airing and wiping down wooden surfaces after each use (avoid harsh cleaning products).

• Applying specialised products for untreated wood to protect against stains and preserve moisture.

• Annual heater checks to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Simple habits also help prolong lifespan:

• Never leave wet towels inside.

• Protect benches with towels during use.

• Clean and replace heater stones when they begin to crumble.

With proper care, a home sauna remains a low-maintenance, long-term wellness investment.

The Space You’ll Need & Ideal Home Sauna Size

One of the most common questions when planning a home sauna is how much space is required. The good news is that modern designs can suit almost any home — even compact apartments.

As a general guide:

• 1.2 x 1.2 m – space-saving sauna, ideal for one person.

• 1.5 x 1.5 m – comfortable for 2–3 people.

• 2 x 2 m or larger – family sauna for 4+ people.

When installing a sauna, allow for a minimum ceiling height of 2 m, proper room ventilation, and ideally a tiled or washable floor surface. Thanks to modular, made-to-measure solutions, a sauna can be tailored to fit seamlessly into its surroundings.

Choosing a home sauna is not just a spatial decision — it transforms your home into a private wellness retreat. With sustainable energy consumption, easy maintenance and manageable running costs, it offers both practical and emotional benefits, enhancing wellbeing and adding long-term value to your property.

Caring for & Cleaning Your Home Sauna

A home sauna is simple to maintain. Benches, walls and floor grilles should be wiped with a cloth lightly dampened with a neutral wood-safe detergent, then dried thoroughly. Hair, dust and debris should be removed beforehand.

As sauna wood is untreated and natural, it should not absorb excess detergent. Any stains can be gently removed by lightly sanding the surface and clearing away the dust.

With regular care, your sauna will retain its beauty, performance and authenticity for years to come.