This won't be the answer you're looking for... but it depends. An outdoor, wood-fired sauna in a purpose-built structure begins at around $15,000 and that includes the cost of the stove and chimney installation.

Electric saunas in a house/dwelling generally have a cheaper starting point. For an electric sauna in a house that has a favorable setup for the retrofit prices start at around $8500. (However, that doesn’t include the cost of having an electrician run the wire for the stove — this must be arranged by the homeowner).

A purist might tell you a wood-fired sauna is the very best. And while there’s undeniable charm in a wood-burning stove, you can’t beat the ease and convenience of electric.

In terms of heat distribution and that perfect, satisfying sweat — both work beautifully. The key is having a sauna designed by someone who knows what they’re doing (we do).

If you’re building an indoor sauna (house or garage), it’ll almost always be electric. For outdoor saunas, either option can work — it just depends on the setting and your preferences.

Another inadequate answer, we know — how long’s a piece of string?

We do our best to have everything lined up — materials, permits, logistics — so that once we start, it’s a smooth and continuous process. That said, construction can have delays; there are always variables.

What we do promise is clear communication throughout, so you’re never left wondering or feeling taken advantage of.

Most sauna builds are below the minimum square footage requirement and don’t require permits.

But if one is needed, we’ll handle it — all those boring details are on us.

We can, yes — but it’s important to note that existing structures often don’t make ideal saunas, and it’s usually not the most cost-effective option. Still, we’re happy to take a look and advise.

Absolutely. In fact, if your modular sauna uses a wood-burning stove, we highly recommend getting a professional involved — it’s crucial to get the installation right.

We can also handle foundation prep if needed.

There are two sides to a great sauna.

First are the client’s personal preferences — wood type, layout, size, whether it’s for quiet solitude or social gatherings.

Second is the technical side: the right heater for the space, correct bench layout and ceiling height, properly placed air vents, etc. Together, these create a sauna that heats evenly, has a beautiful löyly, and feels balanced — not harsh or claustrophobic.

We know the kind of saunas you’re talking about — it’s great that there are affordable options out there. Money shouldn’t be a barrier to getting a good sweat on.

That said, it’s important to understand the trade-offs. Those lower-cost models often fall short where it matters most: the actual sauna experience. Because of the way they’re constructed and laid out, you’ll often get cold spots, drafts, and in winter, they can struggle to reach or hold temperature.

At the end of the day, many of those units are essentially sheds with a stove inside — and if that’s what fits your budget right now, go for it. But if you can invest a little more, you’ll end up with a sauna that not only looks better, but performs beautifully, year after year.