Ready to build your dream home sauna? Discover the must-have sauna equipment that ensures comfort, safety, and an optimal experience every time.

Setting up a home sauna is more than just a luxury—it’s an investment in your well-being. Saunas are renowned for their health benefits, including relaxation, improved circulation, detoxification, and stress relief. However, achieving that perfect sauna experience requires more than a heat source and a wooden bench. You need the right equipment to enjoy the magic of sauna therapy truly. From heaters and thermometers to essential accessories, the right tools will elevate your sauna sessions to a spa-like experience. In this article, we’ll guide you through the crucial sauna equipment for creating a home sauna that’s both functional and comfortable.

Sauna Heaters: The Heart of Your Sauna

The sauna heater is the most critical piece of sauna equipment. Without it, there would be no sauna experience. The heater determines the sauna’s temperature and overall ambience, making it the heart of your home sauna. You’ll need to choose between three main types of sauna heaters:

• Electric heaters are the most common choice for home saunas due to their ease of use and precise temperature control. Simply switch them on, set your desired temperature, and the heater does the rest.
• Wood-burning heaters: For a traditional experience, wood-burning heaters offer a rustic touch. Wood crackling adds to the atmosphere, requiring more maintenance and proper ventilation.
• Infrared heaters: These use infrared panels to heat the body directly rather than the air, offering a milder, gentler heat on the skin. They are also energy-efficient and ideal for those who prefer lower temperatures.

When selecting a sauna heater, consider the size of your sauna and the type of experience you want. A poorly sized heater can overheat your sauna or leave it too cold, affecting the overall experience.

Thermometer and Hygrometer: Monitoring the Heat and Humidity

Maintaining the right temperature and humidity is critical to enjoying a sauna session. That’s where the thermometer and hygrometer come into play. These devices ensure your sauna remains within the optimal range for heat and humidity, preventing discomfort and potential health risks.

• Thermometers track the internal temperature, helping you stay within the recommended range of 150-195°F (65-90°C) for a traditional sauna.
• Hygrometers monitor humidity levels. For a traditional sauna, the humidity level should typically range from 10% to 20%. Higher humidity levels are achieved by pouring water over heated sauna rocks, but avoiding excess moisture, which could lead to mould or structural damage, is crucial.

Investing in a combination thermometer and hygrometer ensures you have accurate readings of your sauna’s climate, helping you fine-tune your environment to your liking.

Sauna Rocks: Essential for Steam and Atmosphere

Sauna rocks are another critical component of a traditional sauna experience. The sauna heater heats these stones, which generate steam when water is poured over them. It increases both heat and humidity, contributing to the overall sauna atmosphere.

When selecting sauna rocks, choose stones that are:

• Heat-resistant: Sauna rocks need to withstand extreme temperatures without cracking. Look for volcanic stones, such as peridotite or olivine, which are famous for their durability and heat retention.
• Non-toxic: Only use stones designed explicitly for sauna use, as some rocks release harmful toxins when heated. Avoid river or garden stones, as they may not be safe.
• Properly sized: Ensure the rocks are the right size for your sauna heater. Larger rocks take longer to heat up but retain heat longer, while smaller rocks heat up quickly but cool down faster.

Sauna rocks contribute to the sauna’s heat and steam and enhance its aesthetic, giving your home sauna a more authentic, traditional feel.

Sauna Benches: Comfortable Seating for Relaxation

During each session, you’ll spend most of your time on your sauna bench, so comfort and durability are essential. Sauna benches are typically made of heat-resistant wood, like cedar, spruce, or aspen, which stays cool to the touch even in high temperatures.

Consider the following when choosing or building your sauna benches:

• Multiple levels: Many saunas feature multi-level benches, allowing users to move higher or lower depending on their heat tolerance. The higher the bench, the hotter the temperature.
• Spacing and ventilation: Benches should have adequate spacing between slats to ensure proper airflow. It contributes to comfort and prevents overheating of the seating surfaces.
• Ergonomics: Benches can be flat or ergonomically shaped for extra comfort, allowing for a more relaxed seating posture during longer sessions.

A well-designed bench ensures you enjoy your sauna experience comfortably, whether sitting or lying down.

Lighting: Setting the Mood for Relaxation

Sauna lighting plays a crucial role in creating the right ambience. If it is too bright, it can feel harsh and detract from the experience. If it is too dim, using the sauna may not be practical or safe. The goal is to strike the perfect balance between functionality and relaxation.

Here are some lighting options to consider:

• Soft, indirect lighting: Use fixtures that can withstand heat and moisture in the sauna. Soft, diffused lighting enhances the relaxing atmosphere and minimises glare.
• LED lighting: LED lights are famous for modern saunas for their energy efficiency and long lifespan. Many LED lights also come with dimming options, allowing you to adjust the brightness according to your mood.
• Coloured lights (Chromotherapy): Some saunas include coloured lights as a chromotherapy feature, which is believed to promote healing and enhance mood. For example, blue light promotes calm, while red light may energise.

Proper sauna lighting ensures safety and adds to the ambience, making your sauna feel like a true spa retreat.

Conclusion

Building the perfect home sauna is about more than just heat—crafting an environment that fosters relaxation, well-being, and rejuvenation. With the right sauna equipment, from a reliable heater to comfortable benches and thoughtful accessories, your sauna can become a sanctuary of peace and comfort. Each piece of equipment plays a crucial role in shaping your experience, ensuring that your home sauna is functional and a place to unwind and restore.