The work required to install a sauna
As with any new installation in a home, work is essential. But for one sauna, this is not very complicated since it is not necessary to provide an evacuation or a water inlet. In fact, the heat from the stove produces little humidity.
On the other hand, Preliminary activities are still to be expected and depend above all on the location of the sauna, indoors or outdoors. In both cases, an air inlet and outlet are mandatory to ensure effective air renewal. In most cases, the air inlet is located under the stove while the air outlet is placed high up.
The outdoor sauna
Benefiting from all the benefits of the sauna while being in your garden is possible since a sauna cabin can be installed outside. However, certain rules must be respected. The floor must be perfectly flat and must be covered with a concrete slab or studs to guarantee excellent stability and support the weight of the cabin. If the latter takes place on the terrace, insulation must be provided between the floor and the terrace.
Then the sauna cabin will need to be protected by an airtight roof. This can be added above the sauna cabin or be part of the equipment in the case of a sauna chalet.
Finally, as a cabin measures approximately 2 m, care must be taken to do not install it under a tree to prevent branches from damaging the roof. To access it easily even when it is dark, it is wise to provide lighting guiding to the cabin.
With regard to administrative procedures, it is necessary to think about make a prior declaration of work from your local town hall for outdoor installation if the cabin exceeds 5 m². For cabins smaller than this dimension, no authorization is required. For those whose surface exceeds 20 m², the building permit becomes mandatory.
The indoor sauna
Some requirements are similar between the indoor sauna and the outdoor version. First of all, the ground must be perfectly flat and capable of supporting the weight of the installation. It is recommended to have a non-slip floor covering to prevent falls.
Then, the room where the sauna will be installed must be located not far from the bathroom or another body of water to alternate hot bath and cold shower easily and adopt the Finnish ritual.
We need to predict between 5 and 10 cm distance between the walls of the sauna cabin and the walls of the room and 15cm between the cabin roof and the ceiling to ensure sufficient ventilation.
With an indoor sauna, a ventilation system is essential for renewing the air and evacuating combustion fumes.
This time, no administrative procedure is to be expected.
When the location of the sauna cabin is chosen, you must think about the electrical connection. It is strongly recommended to call a professional because even if certain models can be plugged into a conventional mains socket, most often, the cabins will be connected to a separate circuit breaker.
The different types of saunas
There are several types of saunas to meet all needs and suit all installations.
THE finnish sauna is the traditional model which consists of a wooden cabin, several benches for sitting and lying down and an electric, gas or wood-fired stove to heat the volcanic stones. Inside the cabin, the temperature is understood between 70 and 100°C but it is impossible to burn yourself. However, as this sauna remains intense, it may not be suitable for children and the elderly.
In infrared cabinthe stove is replaced by infrared radiators which allows do not exceed 70°C. This time, it is not the air that is heated but the skin and with a much gentler heat. Sensitive people are welcome.
THE combined sauna is much more modern since it is a shower cabin in which a sauna is integrated. It is a 2-in-1 piece of equipment which has its advantages since it is no longer necessary to leave the sauna cabin to go take a shower immediately afterwards. In addition, there is no need to have two separate installations because the shower can be used every day. On the other hand, it must be resistant to high temperatures. Therefore, plastic should be avoided for walls and piping.
The budget to plan for installing a sauna at home
Having the chance to enjoy the benefits of the sauna without leaving home has a certain cost. The price depends above all on the type of sauna since an infrared cabin is more expensive than a traditional sauna. Indeed, an infrared model is equipped with multiple resistances to allow the user to fully benefit from all the benefits of the sauna.
It is also necessary to take into account the ventilation system to be installed, present in all cases, the electrical connection to be made and the plumbing to be modified. With a traditional sauna heated by a gas stove comes the cost of a carbon monoxide detector which can alert you in the event of ventilation failure.
A sauna consumes a lot of energy and its use will have a visible impact on bills. To avoid blowing up the energy budget, optimal insulation must be provided, particularly for outdoor installations. In addition, land development work is sometimes essential before being able to install a cabin outside.
Of course the size of the sauna cabin will determine its price. The larger a sauna is and can accommodate people, the more its price will rise. There are individual entry-level models offered at €800 and others from mid-range to €5,000.
For high-end facilities with a capacity of between 5 and 8 people, prices can exceed the 10,000 or even 15,000 €. Custom-made equipment with different options (LED lighting, custom-made backrests, Hi-Fi system, etc.) are offered at prices around €20,000.
Installing a sauna at home is possible and does not require major development work except in the case where the land is not ready to accommodate a cabin of this type. The different types of sauna adapt to the desires, needs and budget of users.