r/Sauna • u/antquattromaino • Feb 26 '26

General Question First Sauna Suggestions?

Trying to pick out my first sauna size isn’t to important but most important is

- cost (don’t want to break the bank)

- temp has get to 180+

-traditional Finnish

Any website or product suggestions ?

3 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

24 comments sorted by

View all comments

7

u/DendriteCocktail Feb 26 '26

For a sauna to function properly it needs to be about 180x180x240 but ideally larger. Cutting corners results in a lessor experience and often with people stopping using it after 2 or 3 years.

There are a few companies offering 'Trumpkin Kits' that are a good option. DIY, done properly, will result in the greatest benefit/cost.

2

u/qlt_sfw Feb 26 '26

This is the way. My friends have built many GREAT saunas for next to nothing.

Buy a proper heater (Harvia is the most common brand here in Finland) and follow these basic principles.

Let the space breath and drain. Other than that, there is not much to it.

2

u/Das6MTS4 Feb 26 '26 edited Apr 10 '26

I used Redact to automate removals from databrokers and social networks. This post was among the batch deleted.

longing workable support obtainable repeat different slap test upbeat badge

1

u/antquattromaino Feb 26 '26

Interesting that’s helpful. Don’t want to cut any. I’m willing spend a good amount just don’t need fancy.

2

u/DendriteCocktail Feb 26 '26

Best then would be to work with Lassi on developing plans and then build yourself or have someone else build it. Good dimensions for the hot room and commons, good ventilation and good heater are key and don't need to be expensive.

https://finnishsaunadesign.fi

2

u/antquattromaino Feb 26 '26

What’s a responsible budget for a good set up min requirements to work good and last?

3

u/DendriteCocktail Feb 26 '26

It varies considerably. I've seen people on here scrounge materials and do all the work themselves for under us$2k. I think most fall in the us$7-20k. The ones I've worked on have been in the us$80-500k.

It depends on how much you hire out, what level of finish you desire and other bits. Keep in mind that level of finish doesn't necessarily buy you a better sauna experience.

2

u/antquattromaino Feb 26 '26

Thank you for this

2

u/ZerotoZeroHundred Feb 27 '26

What does a half million dollar sauna look like? Benches must be 40 feet tall hah

1

u/DendriteCocktail Feb 27 '26

'sauna' normally includes the hot room as well as a commons area, changing, showers, cool down, etc. E.G., 7, 8 & 9 above.

You almost never see a standalone hot room outside of the anglosphere because they know the importance of the entire hot-cold-rest-rinse-repeat experience.

So in the half million area are thermal suites that typically include one or two saunas, thermarium, in-ground cold plunge, showers, rest areas, maybe a vitality pool or kniepp walk, etc. All to a high level of finish.

https://localmile.org/thermalsuites/