How to Choose the Right Sauna for Your Home
Not all saunas are the same. This guide will help you understand the different types of saunas and how to choose the one that best fits your space, lifestyle, and wellness goals.
Choosing the Right Sauna
Buying a sauna is an investment in your home and your wellness routine.
The right sauna depends on several factors, including how much space you have, the type of heat experience you prefer, and whether you plan to install the sauna indoors or outdoors.
At River Rock Spas, we help homeowners select the sauna that fits both their space and their lifestyle.
Choose Your Sauna Type
Outdoor Sauna
Outdoor saunas create a dedicated sauna experience in your backyard or outdoor living space. They are typically heated with electric sauna stoves and designed to handle weather exposure. Outdoor saunas are often larger and can accommodate multiple users at once.
Best For
Infrared Sauna
Infrared saunas use infrared heating panels that warm the body directly instead of heating the surrounding air. This allows the sauna to operate at lower temperatures while still producing deep heat and heavy sweating. Infrared heat can penetrate deeper into the body and stimulate circulation and detoxification. Typical temperature: 90–120°F.
Best For
Traditional Sauna
Traditional saunas use a stove and heated stones to warm the air inside the sauna. When water is poured over the hot stones, steam is produced, increasing humidity and heat intensity. Traditional Finnish saunas typically operate between 150°F and 195°F and deliver the classic sauna experience.
Best ForChoose the Right Size
Sauna Capacity GuideChoosing the right size sauna depends on how many people will typically use it at once.
1 Person Sauna
Ideal for small spaces and personal wellness routines.
2–3 Person Sauna
Perfect for couples or small households.
4–6 Person Sauna
Great for families or homeowners who want a larger sauna experience.
6+ Person Sauna
Typically used for larger outdoor sauna installations.
Step 3
Indoor or Outdoor Installation
Indoor Saunas
Indoor saunas are often installed in:
- Basements
- Home gyms
- Spare rooms
- Wellness space
Infrared saunas are particularly popular for indoor installations because they operate at lower temperatures.
Outdoor Saunas
Outdoor saunas create a dedicated relaxation space in your backyard. They are often installed near:
- Patios
- Pools
- Lakes or waterfront properties
- Outdoor living areas
Outdoor saunas can become a focal point for backyard wellness and relaxation.
Step 4
Electrical Requirements
Most home saunas require a dedicated electrical connection.
Smaller infrared saunas may run on standard household power, while larger traditional saunas often require higher power connections depending on the heater size.
Electric sauna stoves typically range from 3kW to 9kW depending on sauna size.
Our team can help determine the electrical requirements for your installation.
Step 5
Materials and Build Quality
High-quality sauna materials are essential for performance and durability.
River Rock Spas uses sauna materials such as:
- Canadian Hemlock
- Canadian Red Cedar
- Thermo Pine
These woods are commonly used in sauna construction because they handle high heat and humidity while maintaining structural stability.
Installation
Proper installation ensures your sauna operates safely and efficiently.
River Rock Spas can assist with:
Sauna
Placement
Electrical
Coordination
Delivery &
Installation
Setup &
Testing
When to Choose Each Sauna
| Sauna Type | Best For | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Infrared Sauna | Daily wellness and detox | 90–120°F |
| Traditional Sauna | High heat sauna sessions | 150–195°F |
| Outdoor Sauna | Backyard sauna experience | 150–195°F |
Still Not Sure Which Sauna Is Right for You?
Choosing the right sauna depends on your space, lifestyle, and wellness goals.
Our team can help you select the sauna that best fits your home and guide you through the installation process.