More than ever, our homes are doubling as places of restoration. And among all the wellness upgrades homeowners are making today, few deliver the impact—both visual and therapeutic—of a sauna.
Whether it’s a rustic barrel sauna tucked into a garden corner or a sleek modern cube with panoramic glass, an at-home sauna offers a space to sweat, slow down, and reset. You don’t need a luxury spa budget to create one either. With today’s range of sauna kits and p
Why More People Are Installing Saunas at Home
The sauna has long been a staple of Finnish and Swedish culture. But as the benefits become more widely known, they’re quickly making their way into homes across North America.
Regular sauna use has been shown to:
- Improve circulation and cardiovascular health
- Aid muscle recovery and reduce joint pain
- Lower cortisol and promote restful sleep
- Support detoxification and immune function
Even beyond the health benefits, the ritual of heating up, sweating out the stress, and stepping into the cool air again provides a grounding rhythm—something many of us are craving.
Sauna Styles: Choosing the Right One for Your Home
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to home saunas. What works for a couple with a small backyard might not suit someone planning a full wellness studio. Here are the most popular sauna types and their key differences:
1. Barrel Saunas – Rustic & Efficient
Barrel saunas are instantly recognizable thanks to their rounded, log-built shape. That curved form isn’t just aesthetic—it helps circulate heat more efficiently and warms up the space faster.
These models are typically made of cedar or thermowood and often come in kit form. Their compact footprint makes them ideal for backyards or cabins, and assembly is usually straightforward with two people.
Best for:
- Quick heat-up times
- Outdoor installations
- Rustic garden aesthetics
2. Cabin Saunas – Traditional Layouts with Room to Stretch
Cabin-style saunas look more like small wooden huts or sheds. They offer more interior space than barrel models and often include multi-level benching—so you can choose between hotter upper levels or cooler bottom seats.
These saunas are often chosen for indoor installations (in basements or large bathrooms) or as larger outdoor units where groups or families can sauna together.
Best for:
- Multi-person sessions
- More spacious layouts
- Customization options (windows, lighting, bench design)
3. Modern Cube & Glass Saunas – Sleek, Architectural, and High-End
Modern cube saunas are popular for their clean lines, minimalist forms, and statement-making design. Many include expansive glass fronts for panoramic views, hidden lighting, and smooth thermowood cladding.
Unlike more rustic styles, these are often installed as fully prefabricated units and craned into place—especially with higher-end models.
Best for:
- Design-forward outdoor spaces
- Contemporary architecture
- Seamless integration with pools, decks, or spas
DIY Kits vs Prefab Saunas: What’s the Right Approach?
Once you’ve chosen a style, the next big decision is how hands-on you want to be.
DIY Sauna Kits
DIY kits include pre-cut timber, benches, fasteners, doors, and usually a heater (or heater recommendations). They’re ideal for people who want to save on installation costs or enjoy building projects.
These kits are available in both indoor and outdoor configurations, and when installed correctly, perform just as well as factory-assembled units.
Consider a DIY kit if you:
- Want to customize your layout
- Enjoy hands-on projects
- Have carpentry or construction experience (or know a good builder)
Prefabricated Saunas
Prefabricated saunas come either fully assembled or in large modular panels that can be connected on-site in a few hours. They’re ideal for those who want a premium finish without the build time.
Prefab units often feature:
- Hidden insulation
- Seamless glass paneling
- Built-in lighting and ventilation
- Optional smart controls for heat and timing
Expert Insight: Christoffer Arfert, Founder of Select Saunas
“A lot of our customers begin thinking they want to build their own sauna from scratch,” says Christoffer Arfert, founder of Select Saunas.
“But what they often realize is that high-quality prefab models save a huge amount of time and guesswork, while still delivering beautiful, long-lasting results. Whether it’s a rugged outdoor setup or a designer glass-fronted sauna, it’s the quality of materials and insulation that make all the difference in how the sauna performs and how it feels to use.”
Indoor vs Outdoor Sauna: What to Know Before You Buy
| Feature | Indoor Sauna | Outdoor Sauna |
|---|---|---|
| Space needed | Fits in bathrooms, basements, or studios | Requires patio, deck, or garden area |
| Privacy | High | Depends on property layout |
| Ventilation needs | Must be carefully managed indoors | More flexible and natural airflow |
| Aesthetic value | Subtle addition | Can be a striking outdoor feature |
| Heating types | Electric or infrared | Wood-fired or electric |
For indoor installs, always ensure proper ventilation and moisture protection. For outdoor saunas, consider proximity to your home, privacy from neighbors, and access to cold exposure (e.g., showers, plunge pools).
Final Thoughts: Wellness You Can Step Into
An at-home sauna is more than a wellness upgrade—it’s a daily ritual. Whether you want the simplicity of a DIY kit or the elegance of a glass-fronted prefab, a sauna adds warmth, calm, and intention to your living space.
To explore outdoor models, barrel kits, and luxury prefab saunas from trusted European and Canadian manufacturers, visit Secret Saunas—a U.S.-based retailer dedicated to premium sauna craftsmanship.