Do you need a floor drain in a sauna?

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A Sauna must have a waterproof floor so that it can be easily washed and kept clean and sanitary, and free of odor. Commercial Saunas should have a floor drain to remove excess water by bathers and for cleaning purposes. Most residential Saunas do not need a floor drain, unless a water hose is used for cleaning.



Keeping this in consideration, what can I use for a sauna floor?

Concrete is always the best option for a sauna floor. You will need to make sure it has a sealer applied to it so it is waterproof. You can then finish it with ceramic tile. The tile can handle the heat of the sauna without causing you to be uncomfortable walking on it.

Also Know, how much does it cost to put in a sauna? The average sauna installation costs between $3,000 and $6,000. On average, you'll spend about $4,500. Size and material costs play the biggest roles in what you'll pay. Labor costs usually account for between $700 and $3,000 of the total price.

Also know, can you put a sauna in a basement?

Various Options: Currently, there are many options available for small home owners for sauna installation in their basement. You can buy steam made from the wood burning sauna or infrared steam sauna. You can also build this sauna in your basement or above the ground as per your convenience.

How much space do you need for a sauna?

The Right Size for a Sauna Typical room sizes are from 4 by 4 feet to 8 by 12 feet. When planning a sauna's size, figure you'll need at least 2 feet of bench space for each bather; ideally, bathers should be able to recline, so, if possible, allow 6 feet in one direction.

39 Related Question Answers Found

How do you insulate a sauna?

Insulation for your home sauna
Indoor saunas with 2"x4" studs do just fine with R13 insulation. Any exterior walls with 2"x6" studs should still have R19 insulation. Ceiling insulation should be R26 or greater. Also VERY IMPORTANT, and a step never to be skipped is covering your studs with the Sauna Foil Vapor Barrior.

How do you build a sauna floor?

  1. Step 1 - Choose a Good Area. When choosing where to put your sauna floor, consider that you will need a very flat, level floor such as a concrete slab that has been sealed.
  2. Step 2 - Tile Your Subflooring (Optional)
  3. Step 3 - Choose Your Wood.
  4. Step 4 - Install Your Duckboard Floor.
  5. Step 5 - Seal the Wood of Your Sauna Floor.

Can you use tile in a sauna?

As you can imagine, ceramic tile cannot be installed on the surfaces inside a sauna; it would be too hot to stand or sit on the tile. The interior of a sauna is typically covered with wood. On the other hand, steam rooms and showers use a steam generator to inject steam into the room.

How do you insulate an outdoor sauna?

Insulate walls with R13-rated insulation, and ceiling with R22-R26 before stapling over with a sauna aluminum foil vapor barrier. Then dress the inside with Western cedar or Oregon cedar. Cedar has an excellent aroma, lasts for ages and handles heat better than other woods.

What kind of wood is used in sauna?


Which Wood is Most Often Used in a Sauna? Cedar, hemlock, basswood and poplar are the most often used woods for saunas. Eucalyptus and sometimes pine can be used. Cedar has a rich aroma and is most often associated with a sauna.

How do I build a basement sauna?

Here's how to do it.
  1. Step 1 - Plan Your Sauna.
  2. Step 2 - Frame Your Sauna Wall.
  3. Step 3 - Install Your Heater Power Lines.
  4. Step 4 - Install Your Sauna Walls.
  5. Step 5 - Install Cedar Wood on Your Interior Walls.
  6. Step 6 - Install Your Heater.

What is Duckboard flooring?

What is duckboard flooring? It is slatted, wooden planking that is laid across muddy ground, and it is term given to slatted flooring in a genuine sauna. Our Ellipse Barrel Sauna has custom-built, removable duckboard flooring sections that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Do you need a permit for a sauna?

Structural permit for the home sauna
Commonly, an outdoor sauna and structures of 120 sq ft or less do not require permits (in the U.S.). Some counties allow larger structures of up to 200 sq. ft. without permits.

Does a sauna need a vent?

Venting is not required for any safety reasons but it does make the Sauna atmosphere more comfortable. It's best to have a lower (intake) vent and an upper (exhaust) vent in a Sauna to provide for good air circulation. The lower vent brings air in for a comfortable atmosphere, and the upper vent dispels used air.

Does a sauna add value to your home?


A sauna adds value to your home in the same way that a renovated kitchen or renovated bathroom enhances value. Today, a home sauna can be a very attractive “extra” when selling a property. Like other home improvements, a sauna may add value to your home when a potential buyer is interested.

Are saunas expensive to run?

For the traditional sauna, the sauna will run for 75 minutes per day (45 minutes heating the sauna, 30 minutes using it). At the average cost of energy, a consumer might expect to pay 0.12 dollars/kWh x 225 kWh = $27.00 per month to spend half an hour a day in the sauna.

Where do you put a sauna?

You can set your sauna on tile, concrete, carpet, laminate or wood. Make sure that your sauna is level, regardless of its location. If your sauna is placed outdoors, make sure there is adequate drainage so that water cannot pool around the base of the sauna. Do not place the sauna on grass, gravel or rock.

Does a sauna have to be cedar?

Softwoods, like eucalyptus, cedar, and basswood are all great in that regard. This is why they are perfect for sauna use. There are several types of soft wood, so it's important to choose one that works for you. Likewise, woods with excess sap in them should also be avoided.

Do home saunas use a lot of electricity?

For example, a 1000W sauna, run for one hour, will generally use 1 KWh of electricity – in the USA, this will cost you around 12c. As you can see, the cost of running your infrared sauna is relatively miniscule – most people, using their sauna for an hour a day, use less than $5 worth of electricity each week.

Which is better steam sauna or infrared?


Infrared saunas produce dry heat, whereas steam rooms create moist heat. Both infrared saunas and steam rooms boast plenty of therapeutic and wellness benefits such as detoxification, relaxation and weight loss, among others. However, their benefits differ due to their unique heating methods.

Are saunas worth it?

Using a dry sauna can leave people feeling invigorated. Since the blood vessels relax and dilate in a sauna, blood flow increases and the experience can help reduce tension in the joints and relieve sore muscles. Saunas might also help those with chronic pain and arthritis.

How do you build a dry sauna?

How to Build a Dry Sauna
  1. Design the smallest space that is practical for your needs.
  2. Frame all four walls of your sauna with your framing 2 X 4s.
  3. Bring in a licensed electrician to run power lines to one wall of your sauna for your electric heater.
  4. Sheet the inside walls of your sauna with 1/2 inch plywood, including the ceiling and the floor.