DIY sauna vs kits: Pros, cons & budget breakdown
The big decision: buy something off the shelf, have someone build it custom, or build your own sauna? If you’re looking into the DIY route, you probably already have the skills to make it happen, or at least have the patience and mindset to learn. So, why do it yourself? Simply put, you’re going to get way more bang for your buck. But beyond that, here are some pros and cons, as well as some thoughts on what exactly those skills are that you need to have or learn.
Pros and cons of building your own sauna vs buying a kit
Pros — Why you should build your own sauna:
Bang for your buck— your own labor is free, so your costs are going to be much lower
Since you are saving so much, you can build way better
Higher-quality materials are possible (if sourced well)
Custom design – you get to make it exactly how you want it
Sauna kits are often limited in their size because they have to be shipped, meaning lower total height and lower bench height, which is not as optimal for your sauna experience (cold feet!)
Cons — Why a kit might be right for you:
You are limited by your own time and skills
No warranties on a DIY sauna
It’s a big time commitment to do all of the building and sourcing materials
Probably the biggest reason to build your own sauna is the price to build quality – a $9,000 DIY sauna is going to be far better built and appointed than a $9,000 kit. This means you’ll get more room, higher benches, insulation, full stud construction, metal siding and roof, and your own custom design. All of these items in a kit, or custom-built sauna will have the price climbing well above $15-20k very quickly.
That said, if you don’t enjoy the process and the project, building might not be for you. One of the biggest tasks – though we’re doing our best to help – is the preparation and sourcing of materials. Spending time gathering everything that you need, especially if you’re bargain hunting on Facebook Marketplace, can take more time than actually building! If your like us, this is all part of the fun though.
What skills do you need to build a DIY sauna?
If you are comfortable with basic framing and carpentry, or willing to learn, that is all you need! Construction-wise, a sauna is really just a shed, with a fancy interior. Skills like framing a wall, measuring and marking layout, and making some basic notch cuts are all helpful to have. Even the things that sound daunting, like building the roof, or installing metal roof and siding aren’t too hard to figure out, and there are so many resources online to learn. Many of those resources we’ll share here.
Budget examples and comparisons
DIY Build ($8,000–$12,000) – Expect to spend on lumber, insulation, cedar paneling, a stove, and basic materials. The biggest savings come from using your own labor and sourcing materials wisely. Electrical will be one of the big deciders for pricing - do you need to hire an electrician (probably) at around $1,000 - $2,000, and do you need to upgrade your electrical service for $2,000 - $5,000 (this is more of an issue with older houses with 100A service, newer houses with 200A should be fine).
Sauna Kit ($6,000–$15,000) – A solid middle ground with pre-cut materials and easier assembly, but you’ll pay more for convenience and limited customization.
Custom Build ($15,000–$25,000+) – The easiest option but the most expensive. You’re paying for expert craftsmanship, premium materials, and hassle-free installation.
What’s right for you?
Well, this decision you’ll have to make for yourself, but we’ll say that the most important factors are budget, time, and your goals. If you want a functional sauna ASAP, you might want to choose a kit. If you want to dig in to make something that will be high quality, customized to your preferences, and a project that you can be proud of, all on a reasonable budget, follow along and we’ll show you how to build your own sauna!
