Sauna Kits: Types, Prices and How to Pick One
By Caleb Whitaker Prices checked
Sauna kits come in four main types: outdoor barrels, outdoor cabins and cubes, indoor pre-built rooms, and pre-cut liner kits for a room you frame yourself. Complete outdoor kits we checked listed from $4,485 to $9,860 on November 11, 2026.
| Type | Where it goes | Price we found | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel | Outdoors | $4,485 to $7,575 | Lowest cost per seat, fast assembly |
| Cube or cabin | Outdoors | $5,878 to $9,860 | Flat walls, more headroom, modern look |
| Pre-built indoor room | Indoors | See seller | Basements and spare rooms |
| Pre-cut liner kit | Inside a framed room | Varies with room size | Custom spaces and DIY builders |
Pick by where it will sit
Backyard, patio or deck
Choose a barrel for value or a cube for looks and headroom. Both need a level base and, for electric heat, a 240V circuit. Start with outdoor sauna kits.
Inside the house
A free-standing indoor room is the simplest route: it sits on a hard floor and needs only power and some clearance. A liner kit is for a room you frame and insulate yourself.
Pick by heat source
- Electric heater. Push a button and wait 40 to 60 minutes. Needs 240V for most sizes.
- Wood stove. No wiring, but needs a chimney, clearances and firewood. See wood-burning saunas.
- Infrared panels. Lower air temperature and lower power draw. See outdoor infrared saunas.
Do not skip the heater math
An undersized heater is the most common kit mistake. Sellers pair roughly 6 kW with a 140 to 170 cubic foot outdoor barrel. Use the heater size calculator before you order.
Building a framed, insulated room? It needs a foil vapor barrier behind the boards. Want to build it yourself? See how to build an outdoor sauna.
Common questions
Are sauna kits worth it?
For most people, yes. A kit gives a fixed price and a known parts list, and assembly takes a day. A custom build makes sense when the space is an unusual size or you want insulation and finishes a kit does not offer.
What is the cheapest type of sauna kit?
Among complete outdoor kits, 2 person barrels. The lowest price we found was $4,485 on November 11, 2026.