Looking to create your own personal retreat where you can escape the stress of everyday life? Look no further than a home sauna. The former helps you relax mentally and physically, improving your health and well-being. The question remains: where should you install this luxury unit? In this article, we’ll guide you through the best places to install your home sauna. Whether you’re looking for an indoor or outdoor spot, keep reading for all the details!
Can You Put a Home Sauna Anywhere in the House?
The short answer is that it depends. In theory, you can place a sauna anywhere in your home that is spacious. However, you should consider the sauna type, flooring, ventilation, energy requirements, and privacy to pick the perfect spot.
Let’s discuss each consideration in further detail!
Sauna Type
Not all saunas have the same structure. Sure, they all provide the same health benefits, but these steam rooms operate on various heating mechanisms.
Generally, saunas fall into two categories: indoor and outdoor. The former are typically compact to fit into smaller spaces inside a house. They also use electrical heating systems.
Infrared saunas are one of the most popular choices for indoor use. However, you can still install a dry, steam, or any other sauna type as long as it uses electricity as a heating source.
Outdoor sweat rooms, on the other hand, are more spacious and use a wood-burning heating mechanism.
So, if you want to enjoy the natural wood smell and an authentic experience, opt for a traditional Finnish sauna. The best part is that outdoor saunas come in various shapes, unlike indoor ones.
Some of the popular outdoor sauna designs include:
- Barrel
- Pod
- Eagle’s nests
- Luna
Flooring Material
As you might know, sauna floors are heat-resistant and can withstand elevated temperatures without deteriorating over time. They also provide insulation to prevent heat from escaping into the surrounding environment.
For that reason, you might think any flooring material can handle a sauna. However, that’s not entirely true.
You should place the sauna on a dry, even floor that can withstand heat. That’s to prevent two problems, rot and fires.
You see, adequate floor drainage is crucial to preventing excess moisture. That’s especially true if you intend to install a traditional sweat room that requires ladling. Combined with an exterior wet floor, you provide an excellent environment for wood-destroying fungi to thrive.
As for the latter issue, most building materials, like concrete, vinyl, tiles, and even wood, can handle the sauna heat.
You only need to steer clear of carpets. Since all fabrics are flammable, high temperatures in the sweat room can reach the carpeting, causing the fibers to burn.
Electrical Requirements
Most modern saunas run on electrical heating. They generally need a power supply of 120 or 240 volts. In the latter case, the room will require a dedicated circuit with double-pole breakers.
Aside from that, the sweat room must have an electrical box nearby. To avoid the hassle of installing a new outlet or using connection wires, place the sauna near the electrical box.
Of course, consult an electrician for proper installation and to ensure all the electrical work complies with your local residential codes.
Privacy and Safety Measures
As mentioned earlier, saunas generate high temperatures. So, you have to be cautious when choosing a position.
Generally, keep the sweat room away from any flammable material, like papers, fabrics, furniture, and more. If you store gasoline or chemicals in the garage, you probably shouldn’t install the sauna there.
Aside from the safety measures, you also need to consider privacy. The former factor is only essential for outdoor saunas, especially if they have a glass door. In that case, opt for a secluded area in your backyard.
Best Places to Install Your Indoor Sauna
Some of the best places to install your indoor sauna include the basement, attic, garage, bathroom, or any spare room.
Here are the perks and drawbacks of each option:
Empty Room
Nothing is more ideal for your home sauna than an empty room. For starters, you don’t have to worry about a cramped sweat room since you’ll probably have enough space to fit a large sauna. Not to mention, it’s easy to access and provides more privacy.
You can also add a jet bath, facial steamers, luxurious bath salts, and snacks to turn the space into a spa. The only problem is that once you build the spa space, it’ll be challenging to use the room for other purposes.
Basements or Attics
Basements and attics are also popular options for home saunas, and all for good reasons. They provide privacy and close proximity to the bathroom.
Plus, these rooms are often unused. So, installing a sauna in them is an excellent way to make use of all that space. On the downside, they might not be sizeable enough and only fit compact saunas.
Garage
Instead of piling up old stuff, dust, and cobwebs, you can convert your garage into a relaxing sauna room. The former fits most of the factors mentioned earlier; it’s a secluded area with heat-resistant floors and adequate ventilation.
Dampness is the only obstacle that can stop you from installing the sauna in your garage. So, make sure to fix the excessive moisture issue before purchasing your indoor sweat room.
Bathroom
Nothing can make for a better sauna spot than a sizable master bathroom. Think about it; after enjoying a detoxifying, sweaty season, you cool it off with a cold shower.
The best part is that you don’t have to travel some distance to alternate between the two rooms; you’ve got your sauna and shower all in one place!
However, bathroom saunas can be costly. You need to have proper ventilation, waterproof flooring, and adequate electrical outlets to ensure your safety.
Top Spot for Outdoor Home Saunas
Any isolated area with even flooring is an ideal spot for outdoor saunas. So, you can place those sweat rooms in your backyard, garden, or porch.
To add a bit of rustic beauty, opt for a wooden traditional sauna. You can also install the former near the pool. That way, you can enjoy the health benefits of a cold plunge after a hot, sweaty session.
Wrapping Up
When it comes to finding the best places to install your home sauna, several factors come into play.
Considerations like sauna type, floor material, electrical requirements, privacy, and safety measures are essential for choosing the ideal spot for your sweat room. Spare rooms, large bathrooms, basements, attics, and garages are excellent options for indoor saunas.
As for outdoor saunas, the best places include your backyard, garden, or near the pool. Regardless of the location you choose, installing a house sauna will help you embark on a journey of relaxation and rejuvenation from the comfort of your home!
