Sauna buying guide: which sauna is best for you

A sauna brings relaxation, recovery, and wellbeing into your daily life. Regular use helps you unwind after a long day, supports muscle recovery, and improves sleep quality. With your own sauna at home, these benefits are always within reach.

Sauna is part of a healthy lifestyle — a simple habit that supports both body and mind when used regularly.

Read more: Sauna health benefits: Why is the sauna good for you?

Traditional sauna

The authentic Finnish experience. Heated with either an electric or wood-burning heater, temperatures reach 70–100 °C. Pouring water on hot stones creates löyly, a burst of soft steam that fills the space and makes every session unique. You can enjoy it daily: intense and hot or mild and long — just adjust the heat and steam to your liking.

Infrared sauna

Infrared saunas use radiant panels to gently warm your body directly, not just the air. The lower air temperature (around 40–60 °C) makes it comfortable for longer sessions, ideal for relaxation or muscle recovery. They heat up quickly, are energy-efficient, and fit perfectly into smaller spaces.

Hybrid sauna

A combination of both worlds — infrared panels and a traditional heater in one space. Switch between quick, gentle infrared warmth or traditional löyly steam whenever you like.

Learn more: Traditional sauna or infrared sauna

An indoor sauna is ideal if you want to make sauna bathing part of your everyday routine. It fits naturally into spaces like a bathroom, home gym, or a spare room — and doesn’t require much space.

All you need is a dry, well-ventilated room with a solid floor. Make sure there’s at least 30 cm of space between the sauna roof and the ceiling, and 5 cm of clearance around the walls for airflow and safety.

A licensed electrician must complete the power connection — typically a 400 V three-phase setup for electric heaters. Proper ventilation, safety sensors in modern heaters, and the right distance to surrounding materials ensure reliable and safe operation.

Once installed, your sauna is ready whenever you need a moment of warmth and calm. You can also choose extras like WiFi control, ambient lighting, or a mobile app to preheat your sauna or track your energy use conveniently.

If you love stepping into fresh air between sessions, an outdoor sauna brings a natural, restorative atmosphere to your garden or terrace. It’s a place to relax year-round — whether alone, with family, or friends.

Outdoor saunas are easy to install. You only need a level, stable base such as a terrace, concrete tiles, or compacted gravel. Heavy foundations are unnecessary, but make sure to allow drainage and airflow around the structure.

Electric heaters usually require a 400 V three-phase power connection, installed by a licensed electrician. If you prefer a wood-burning heater, check local chimney regulations and ensure access to dry firewood.

When thinking about size, it’s not only about how many people fit in — it’s about how you like to sauna.

Ask yourself:

• Do you mainly sauna alone, with a partner, or regularly with family and friends?

• Do you want to lie down on the bench or is sitting enough?

• Do you prefer everyone on the same side, or sitting opposite for easy conversation?

Even a compact sauna can work beautifully if designed smartly. A 2-person sauna can start from around 1.5 m² of floor space, while a 4–6 person sauna offers room for more social moments.

Bench layouts affect how the sauna feels:

• L-shaped benches – allow lying down or changing positions comfortably

• Opposite benches – ideal for relaxed, social sessions

• Single bench designs – great for compact spaces or straightforward use

A well-designed sauna makes efficient use of space — even a small room can feel open and comfortable when planned thoughtfully.

The most responsible sauna is one that becomes part of your life, supports your wellbeing, and lasts for decades.

• Real use and health benefits – Choose a sauna you enjoy and feel comfortable using regularly; that’s when you truly gain its wellbeing effects.

• Safe, durable materials – Woods and materials designed for heat and humidity ensure both safety and longevity.

• Energy efficiency and insulation – The right heater size and good insulation reduce energy use and keep the heat where it belongs.

• Low maintenance – Smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces make care effortless.

• Spare parts and serviceability – Quality heaters and controls are made to be maintained, not replaced.

By keeping these principles in mind, you’ll choose a sauna that’s good for you, your home, and the planet.

There are two easy ways to bring a sauna home — assembling it yourself with a ready-to-build kit or getting professional help from a Harvia sauna dealer. The right choice depends on how hands-on you want to be and how much support you prefer.

DIY sauna kits are perfect if you enjoy practical projects and want a simple, cost-efficient way to create your own sauna. Everything comes in one delivery: wall elements, benches, door, heater, lighting, and control. With clear instructions, two people can typically complete the sauna over a weekend with basic tools.

A Harvia sauna dealer is the ideal option if you prefer a full-service experience or your sauna space requires tailored design and specific materials. Your Harvia dealer can take care of the entire process — from planning and delivery to installation and aftercare — ensuring everything fits perfectly and works seamlessly from the start.

Whichever path you choose, both options offer the same high-quality materials, comfort, and technology — so you can simply focus on enjoying the warmth and wellbeing of your own sauna.