One of the strongest trends we've seen this year has been the growth of wellness-related features in our homes, with home saunas topping the list of items many of us are considering.
From their appearance on the list of must-have bathroom trends, through to seeing them pop up outside too, having a sauna is no longer an activity restricted to the gym, or a stay in a luxury hotel.
But, is including one in your self-build, renovation or extension as easy as it seems? There's plenty of standalone sauna cabins for sale when you search online, so we've spoken to experts to find out what's really involved in installing one in your home.
What are the main electrical, plumbing and ventilation requirements?
The level of work involved in an indoor sauna installation comes down to whether you are building a home, or trying to adapt an existing one. Older home renovations may encounter a few more difficulties, but nothing is impossible say our experts – once you know what to take into account, and make sure you plan in advance.
"The key considerations are electrics, plumbing and ventilation, and these should never be an afterthought," says Jo Wilkinson, design lead at West One Bathrooms. "A traditional sauna requires a dedicated electrical supply, typically a high-voltage circuit, so you'll need a qualified electrician involved from the outset.
"Sauna heaters draw much more power than standard household appliances," expands Jake Newport, CEO at Finnmark Sauna, which is why they need to be installed by a qualified electrician.
“Ventilation is also important," he adds, "because you need airflow through the sauna to keep the heat comfortable and allow the room to dry properly between sessions. A well-designed sauna should feel fresh and breathable rather than stuffy.
“Plumbing usually isn’t necessary for the sauna itself," continues Jake, "because it’s a dry-heat environment. The same as an outdoor sauna, in a Finnish-style sauna, you can still create löyly, the burst of steam, heat and atmosphere created by pouring water from a bucket over the hot stones, but that doesn’t require plumbed-in water."
However, if you are going for the full wellness experience and including a steam room or shower too, then you do need to add some extra work to the list.
"Steam generators, used in steam showers, require both a water supply and drainage connection, as well as a power supply," advises Jo. "Good bathroom ventilation is equally critical, particularly for steam, as moisture needs to be managed carefully to protect the structure of the room and prevent damp.
"Plumbing, waterproofing, electrics and installation quality should never be compromised when installing a sauna," emphasises Jo. "These are difficult and costly to change later. Always work with a specialist who understands the full picture from day one."
Jo Wilkinson is a Designer and Business Development Lead at West One Bathrooms, based at their Battersea showroom. With several years of experience in the bathroom industry, she brings a considered, client-focused approach to creating luxury bathroom spaces.
Jake Newport is the CEO and founder of Finnmark Sauna, the UK’s leading specialists in authentic sauna design and installation. A leading voice in the industry, Jake is passionate about bringing authentic sauna experiences to UK homes through beautifully designed wellness spaces. He is also a council member of the British Sauna Society, member of Sauna from Finland and co-host of the Sauna Twins podcast, where he shares his expertise on sauna culture and innovation.
Do saunas always need to go in or near a bathroom?
Although it's instinctive to think of putting a sauna in, or next to a spa-style bathroom, and can certainly result in a stunning design if you have the space to do so, it's not an integral requirement advise the experts. Which may help if you're trying to figure out how to squeeze one into a smaller property
"Bathrooms are a common location because the ventilation and bathroom flooring are already well-suited to heat and moisture, but indoor saunas can work in lots of different parts of the home," confirms Erin Hickman, a sauna designer at Finnmark Sauna.
“We’re increasingly seeing people install saunas in spare rooms, home gyms, garages and dedicated wellness spaces. The main thing is making sure the room has suitable ventilation, enough space around the sauna and the correct electrical setup,” she notes.
"The placement of saunas in the home is where things have become really exciting in recent years," adds Jo Wilkinson. "Technology has come such a long way that what used to be only for the very wealthy is now far more accessible. Saunas are now available in flat-pack pods that can be fitted together on-site in garden rooms, basements, bathrooms and loft conversions.
"I've recently worked on a project where a client had a sauna and steam room fitted in their loft. It's a terraced home in Wandsworth – very much a real home, not a grand country house," explains Jo. "The key requirement isn't proximity to a bathroom, it's access to the right services. Once those are in place, you have far more flexibility with location than most people realise."
Erin Hickman is a sauna designer at Finnmark Sauna, with experience across residential and commercial architecture. With a Master of Architecture, she specialises in designing bespoke sauna spaces that are carefully considered around how people want to live and use their homes.
What is the minimum space you need for a home sauna?
While there are no set rules as to the size you need for a sauna inside your home, you will of course be primarily limited by the space you have available, and whether your budget stretches to a bespoke design. Pre-fabricated options will come in standard sizes that are based on the number of people using the sauna at any given time.
“You can create a very good sauna experience in a surprisingly compact space," says Erin Hickman. "Some indoor saunas are designed for one or two people and fit comfortably within a small space, but the minimum size really depends on how someone wants to use the sauna.
"If it’s for occasional solo use, you can work with a relatively small layout. If people want to lie down fully or use the sauna socially, you naturally need more space.”
For extras such as steam showers, then you may not need any more space at all, notes Jo Wilkinson. "For a steam shower, you're essentially working within an existing shower enclosure, so space requirements are similar to a well-sized shower room, though the enclosure does need to be fully sealed, with minimal gaps to trap the steam effectively.
"A built-in seat or bench is ideal where space allows," suggests Jo. "And, as with any bathroom or wellness space, it's not just about the sauna itself – you need to consider the activity space around it. Too small and it becomes impractical, no matter how well it's designed."
How much do I need to budget for an indoor sauna?
If you're curious as to whether a sauna is in line with the budget you've set aside for your bathroom costs, then at Finnmark Saunas, for a traditional wood-fired sauna prices can start from around £3,300 says Jake Newport. Jo Wilkinson also tells us how a steam shower could also add a similar amount to your spend.
Of course, there are other alternatives such as infra-red cabins, and pre-fabricated pods, but the final cost will really be down to choosing a product that is well-made, properly installed and will last.
"For a more fully specified steam room or standalone sauna, costs can range considerably depending on the level of finish, the materials chosen and the complexity of the installation," says Jo.
"As a general steer, installation and labour is often the largest part of any bathroom project, and a wellness addition is no different," she continues. "As with any significant project, early planning is essential – installation, structural work and specialist finishes can significantly influence the final investment."
Shop for sauna pods
This infra-red sauna is suitable for up to two people, can be easily built at home and plugs into a standard wall socket.
If you're looking for a more traditional sauna this wood-fired version will seat up to three people but will need an electrician to connect it once built.
What maintenance and upkeep is involved for an indoor sauna?
To get the best out of your sauna, and a long-life span, then it's important to make sure you keep on top of the upkeep – particularly as wood needs some extra care and attention with frequent exposure to heat and water. That said, it's nothing that is overly taxing or time-consuming.
“Indoor saunas are generally very low maintenance, especially when they’re used and ventilated properly," says Jake Newport.
“Inside the sauna, the upkeep is fairly minimal. It’s mostly just making sure the space dries out properly after use, giving the benches a quick wipe down now and then, and avoiding harsh chemical cleaners on the timber.
"But," he notes, "ventilation becomes even more important with indoor saunas because the heat and moisture have less space to escape naturally than they do outdoors.”
"Maintenance is fairly straightforward as long as you keep on top of it," agrees Jo Wilkinson. "The most important thing is hygiene as poor hygiene can allow bacteria to grow.
"Regular cleaning of surfaces, benches and drainage is essential. For steam showers, the generator will need periodic descaling depending on your water hardness, and seals should be checked annually to ensure the enclosure remains properly watertight.
"For saunas, the timber interior benefits from occasional treatment to keep it in good condition. Beyond that, it's about standard checks on the electrical components and any plumbing connections – the same principle applies here as anywhere else in the bathroom: invest in quality installation at the outset, and ongoing maintenance is much more manageable."
Shop these sauna accessories
Scent your sauna with this aromatherapy and essential oil bowl that can be attached to your sauna wall.
Everything you need to enhance your sauna experience including hat, gloves, towel, bag and seat cushion.
Increase your relaxation with this breathable sauna pillow to support your head or back.
FAQs
What indoor sauna designs are popular?
“Indoors, there’s strong demand for cleaner, more minimal designs with natural timber, softer lighting and a more understated feel that works naturally within the home," says Erin Hickman
"Travertine, warm-veined marble, rustic natural wood, limestone and terracotta are all popular in bathrooms," adds Jo Wilkinson, and they suit the aesthetic of a sauna well. "We're moving away from the cooler, more clinical look that dominated for years. In terms of bathroom colours, warm neutrals and earthy tones are leading the way – khaki green, rich browns and olive greens. It feels far more considered and lived-in, like a space you genuinely want to spend time in rather than a showpiece."
Do I need building regulations for an indoor sauna?
“Building regulations can vary depending on the type of sauna and how it’s being installed," advises Jake Newport. "So one of the most important things is working with someone who has experience installing saunas specifically, rather than treating it like a standard home DIY project.
“Installing a sauna involves considerations around ventilation, electrical installation and making sure the space can properly handle heat and moisture over time. A good installer should be able to guide people through those requirements early on and make sure everything is set up safely and properly from the start.”
For more inspiration on where to place a sauna, if you have space to extend below your home, you could consider converting a basement. Or, if your garage is under-utilised and begging for a makeover, find out what's involved in a garage conversion that could become home to a gym and wellness suite.
