Choosing a Wood-Fired Sauna: What to Know Before You Buy

The Decision to Buy a Sauna

Buying a wood-fired sauna is one of the best investments you can make in your wellbeing. But with so many options on the market, from cheap barrel saunas to custom-built Finnish designs, it is important to understand what separates a sauna that will last decades from one that disappoints.

Material Matters: Why Cedar Is King

The wood you choose determines how your sauna looks, smells, performs, and ages.

Western Red Cedar is the gold standard for sauna construction. It naturally resists moisture, rot, and insects without chemical treatment. Its low density means it stays comfortable to touch even at high temperatures. The aromatic oils give cedar saunas their signature warm, inviting scent.

Other options like hemlock, spruce, and pine are less expensive but come with trade-offs. Pine can produce resin at high temperatures. Spruce is less moisture-resistant. Hemlock is a solid mid-range choice but lacks cedar's natural beauty and aroma.

Avoid: Any sauna made with pressure-treated lumber or composite materials. These can release toxic chemicals when heated.

The Stove: Heart of the Sauna

The stove is the most important component of any wood-fired sauna. Here is what to look for:

Stove Size

The stove must be properly sized for your sauna room. Too small and it will struggle to reach temperature. Too large and you will overshoot, making the sauna uncomfortably hot. A good rule of thumb is 1 cubic foot of firebox per 50 cubic feet of sauna room.

Stone Capacity

More stones mean more thermal mass, which means more consistent heat and better loyly (steam). Look for stoves that hold at least 50 to 100 pounds of sauna stones. Our heirloom stove upgrade holds over 150 pounds, creating exceptional steam quality.

Burn Efficiency

A well-designed stove should heat your sauna in 30 to 45 minutes and maintain temperature for hours on a single load of wood. Look for stoves with proper air intake controls and efficient combustion chamber design.

Chimney System

A proper double-wall insulated chimney is essential for safety and performance. The chimney should extend well above the roofline and include a spark arrestor. Never cut corners on the chimney system.

Size and Layout

How Big Should Your Sauna Be?

• For 2 to 4 people: 6 by 6 feet interior is comfortable
• For 4 to 6 people: 6 by 8 feet gives room to stretch out
• For 6 to 8 people: 8 by 8 feet or larger, ideal for entertaining

Bench Configuration

Two-tier benching is traditional and recommended. The upper bench is hotter and the lower bench is cooler, giving users temperature options. Benches should be deep enough to lie down on, typically 24 inches minimum.

Ceiling Height

Seven feet is standard. Too low and the heat differential between benches disappears. Too high and you waste energy heating unused space.

Placement and Site Preparation

Location

Place your sauna at least 25 feet from your home and other structures. Proximity to a water source for the cold plunge is ideal. Consider the view from inside the sauna, as many people add windows for that reason.

Foundation

A level gravel pad, concrete slab, or paver patio works well. The sauna does not need a full foundation, but it must be level and well-drained.

Permits

Many municipalities require a building permit for a permanent sauna structure. Check with your local building department before breaking ground. In most Minnesota cities, the process is straightforward.

What to Budget

A quality wood-fired sauna ranges from $12,000 to $25,000 depending on size, materials, and customization. Here is what drives the price:

• Base structure: Cedar construction, benches, door, and basic ventilation
• Stove: Ranges from standard to premium models
• Upgrades: Windows, dressing room, lighting, solar power
• Delivery and installation: Varies by location and site complexity

Our Recommendation: Try Before You Buy

If you are considering a sauna purchase, we always recommend experiencing an authentic wood-fired sauna first. Our Try Before You Buy program lets you rent our mobile sauna, and if you decide to purchase, we credit up to $1,000 of your rental fees toward your custom build. It is the smartest way to make sure you know exactly what you want before making a significant investment.