With the holiday season behind us and spring on the near horizon, the thoughts of householders across the USA inevitably start turning to their outdoor spaces. A home sauna is the sort of luxury that everyone dreams of. 20 years ago, having a sauna in the back garden was out of most people’s price ranges. However, that has changed in recent years, with the arrival of prebuilt sauna kits on the US market.
Choosing a home sauna in prebuilt kit form brings it within an affordable price range. However, this does not mean compromising on style, especially when you choose a heritage sauna.
About heritage saunas
Over the past decade, hardy and durable heritage outdoor saunas have become a popular addition for wellness-conscious US householders. These prebuilt saunas combine bespoke design elements without the hefty price tag of having a sauna designed from scratch. 
Heritage saunas are meticulously constructed from premium materials, typically spruce, aspen, or red cedar. They are designed with usability and durability in mind. The pre-built construction design means they are straightforward to assemble, either on a DIY basis or with the help of a handyman. This type of construction also means you have the option to relocate the sauna to a different location if you wish, for example if you move house at a later date.
Types of heritage sauna
Most people associate home saunas with the traditional Scandinavian-style wooden buildings that look similar to a garden shed. These are called cabin saunas, and while they are popular in the US home sauna market, there are plenty of other design options, too. These include the following:
- Barrel saunas – as the name suggests, these are shaped like a barrel, with two circular ends joined by long wooden planks. They have a fun appearance and also offer better efficiency, as the curved shape promotes superior airflow.
- Cube saunas – this is a variation on the barrel sauna that provides more interior space, but still has rounded corners for thermal efficiency. Most cube saunas feature a large panel window on one side.
- Pod saunas – these futuristic-looking saunas are a great choice for those who favor contemporary themes in their exterior design. They have a smaller footprint, making them more compact, but have a taller roof to still give a feeling of spaciousness.
Typical costs for a heritage sauna
Buying a heritage sauna in prebuilt kit form can cost anything between $4,000 and $16,000. The main influencing factor is size. Expect to spend $4,000 to $6,000 for a two-person sauna, while $16,000 will buy one that can accommodate up to eight people in comfort.
Other factors that influence the price include the type of wood, the choice of windows and glazing, whether you opt for a wood or shingle roof and the make and power rating of the sauna heater it uses.
Also, keep in mind that most home saunas use an electric sauna heater. Even if you are able to construct the sauna yourself, the electrical installation must be completed by a qualified engineer. As well as being wise from a safety perspective, it is a legal requirement in most US states.
Adding the personal touch to a heritage sauna
The beauty of a heritage sauna is that it adds a bespoke touch to standardized prebuilt sauna choices. But adding personalization can go beyond the basic design, type of wood and so on.
Most US sauna retailers also offer design extras that add a genuinely personal touch to make the design all your own. These include everything from wellness benefits such as juniper-infused insulation that adds an aromatic fragrance while you use the sauna to multimedia systems that allow you to listen to your favorite music while you relax. You can also accessorize with small touches such as good quality mats, towels and seating to enhance the comfort and sense of luxury every time you use the sauna.
