The beauty of saunas is that they come in all shapes and sizes. There is something for everyone, from public saunas that can hold 10–12 people to cozy, at-home indoor saunas for two. Some people have regular access to commercial saunas, which is great. 

But have you considered having a sauna in the comfort of your home, wherever that is? 

If you move homes often or enjoy saunas indoors and outdoors, the nifty prefab sauna is for you. Need more details? Read on to discover what the prefab sauna is about and why it’s right for you.

What is a Prefab Sauna Kit?

Prefab saunas, also known as prefabricated saunas, are prebuilt versions of actual sauna units. They are self-contained structures you can set up on your own. You do not need:

• Expert intervention

• Special tools

  
  

While assembling a prefab sauna, choose any location in your home or backyard. Most components needed to set up a sauna are built into the kit. This means you don't have to worry about sourcing various parts. Prefab sauna kits can be assembled in two to four hours. Their modular design kit is ideal for a fun DIY project and includes:

• Interior wall panels

• Exterior wall panels

• Ceiling panels

• Individual sauna components

  
  

The best part about prefab saunas is that they’re portable. Thanks to their adaptable features, they’re one of the best saunas for your home. 

What makes them great? Let’s look at the advantages of a pre-fab sauna kit.

Made for the Modern Sauna User:

The Advantages of Pre-built Sauna Kits

Building your sauna from the ground up can seem like a daunting task. But the modular nature of prefab saunas makes this process simple. Need more convincing? Here are some of the most compelling advantages of pre-built sauna kits.

Economical Option

Let’s face it. While saunas are the ideal place to unwind, they don’t come cheap. A high-quality in-home sauna costs anywhere from $5000 to $6000. But with prefab saunas, there is no need to worry about a price-quality trade-off. 

They are one of the most affordable saunas in the market. You can select from various sizes and styles to get one best suited to your needs and budget. 

Prefab saunas provide excellent value for money aside from their low price. There is no labor fee because they are a DIY project you can complete in a few hours.

They have pre-insulated panels, which means they use less energy to heat up. They also retain heat better, making them an excellent energy-efficient option. This translates to decreased electrical or wood fuel expenditures, depending on your choice. 

Easy to Install

Sauna installation can be a time-consuming process. Installing an in-home sauna takes at least one to two days. You also need a handyperson or a carpenter to find, cut, assemble, and install the various sauna components. This is not the case with prefabricated saunas. 

If you order a prefabricated sauna kit now, you can have it installed as soon as this afternoon! How’s that for easy installation?

Their modular kit includes panels with clips you can interlink. It also features other helpful tools, such as:

• Hardware

• Set of instructions 

  
  

Prefab saunas, unlike custom-built saunas, are not permanent fixtures. If you wish to move them indoors or outdoors, you can easily disassemble and reassemble them.

Easy to Maintain

Regular maintenance extends the life of your sauna. A prefabricated sauna kit is far easier to maintain than a custom-built sauna. Prefab saunas are also ideal for novices who are unfamiliar with sauna upkeep. They typically come with maintenance instructions. Even if damaged, they are covered by warranty, like any other in-home sauna unit.

Safe to Use

People often ask if a pre-fab sauna can compete with its peers regarding quality. Despite being available in a prebuilt configuration, they provide the same long-lasting quality as conventional saunas. 

They are safe to use and have a robust structural quality. Their panels are well-insulated and made of high-quality wood (of your choice). Like any other sauna, they are well-equipped to withstand high temperatures and humidity.

Lastly, prefab saunas have a versatile design that can fit indoors and outdoors. 

What To Consider While Choosing Prefab Saunas

Anyone can purchase and install a pre-fab sauna. Their modern-day convenience makes prefab saunas popular, especially for those with hectic lifestyles. As wonderful as they are, here are some aspects to consider before installing them.

Prefab Sauna Costs

With the different sauna types available in the market, prefab sauna kits are a practical alternative for people on a tight budget. Infrared prefab saunas are particularly popular for their low cost. They are also an excellent option for those who don’t want to deal with the hassle of a wood-burning sauna. 

A standard prefab sauna (8”x5”) accommodates two to four people and costs less than $120 per square foot. If you're on a tight budget, consider opting for entry-level saunas. They cost anywhere from $1500 to $2500. The cost will also vary based on the type of wood you select. While prefab saunas are a convenient alternative, they are not customizable.

Installation Requirements

High-quality prefab sauna kits include all the necessary supplies to complete your installation. Even so, there are a few pointers to remember when installing the kit.

When installing a sauna outdoors, setting it up on an even base is essential. The base should be of robust quality, so we recommend using one of the following two options:

1. Concrete

2. Patio pavers

   
   

If you want the unit to be easily moveable, use a wooden platform or a vinyl sheet at the base; but there are better alternatives than these. 

After installation, connect the sauna heater to an electrical outlet. Make sure you have an electrician on hand to assist you with this.

Choosing the Right Wood

Prefab saunas are available in a range of wood material options. If you plan to install one outside, choose a wood type that can endure moisture and mold. You should also select wood that can tolerate high heat without cracking and warping. 

The following are some of the best wood selections for outdoor pre-fab sauna kits:

• Cedar (western red cedar or white cedar)

• Hemlock

• Spruce

• Pine 

  
  

Both cedar and hemlock are long-lasting and have anti-fungal characteristics that make them moisture-resistant. Poplar is a good lightweight material you can consider as well.

Permit Requirements

Even if prefabricated sauna kits are not permanent fixtures, they may require special permission for installation. Before installing a backyard sauna, check the regulations in your county or neighborhood.

Choosing a Reliable Manufacturer

Sauna selection can be overwhelming. When settling on a prefab sauna best suited to your space, ensure it’s from a reliable manufacturer. A high-quality prefab sauna should include all the essential installation tools. Be wary of manufacturers that sell incomplete kits.

There are similar variants of prefab saunas in the market, such as ‘precut saunas.’ It is critical to distinguish between these to get the correct one. Let's look at the differences between precut and prefab sauna kits in more detail.

Are Precut and Prefab Sauna Kits the Same?

It's easy to mix up precut saunas and prefab saunas. While both require some assembly, the extent and installation efforts differ. 

Precut Sauna Kit

Unlike a prefab sauna kit, a precut sauna does not come in a standalone modular style. It’s designed for installation in a new construction that has already been framed and insulated. Precut saunas only include the interior components of a sauna. A framed-in room is another must for a precut sauna. Other aspects of a precut sauna are:

• It is a permanent fixture 

• Its installation requires technical know-how and carpentry skills

• It requires special tools 

• It requires tongue and groove fixes for panels

  
  

Precut saunas also take longer to build. While you can construct a prefabricated sauna in less than four hours, precut saunas can take up to two days to install. Prefabricated sauna kits are the easier and more flexible solution of the two.

FAQs About Prefab Sauna Kits

What does a prefab sauna kit include?

A prefab sauna kit includes pre-insulated exterior and interior panels and the ceiling. Interior elements include sauna benches, a heat source, floor slot panels, a duckboard, a top slot, and trim pieces.

What are the Different Types of Prefab Saunas?

Prefab saunas are available for both indoor and outdoor use. You can choose from wood-burning units, electrical units, infrared prefab saunas, and even prefab barrel saunas.

How Many People Can a Prefab Sauna Accommodate?

Unlike commercial saunas that can accommodate large groups, prefab saunas are smaller. They can accommodate between two to six people. 

Key Takeaway: Prefabricated Sauna Kits for a Comfortable Sauna Experience

Since their origin, saunas have been a wonderful respite against pain and stress. If the sauna experience is joyful and relaxing, installing one should reflect the same values.

Prefabricated sauna kits eliminate the hassle of sauna installation. Thanks to their DIY modular design, you can give them a place in your home in hours. They are also one of the most affordable sauna solutions that do not sacrifice quality.

If you’re keen on getting yourself a prefab sauna for your indoor or outdoor space, you need a trustworthy retailer. GRIM PARENT LIMITED is a reputable retailer of outdoor and indoor saunas. 

They also feature a wide range of prefab saunas you can choose from. Feel free to contact us today to know more. Our expert staff will gladly assist you with any questions you have.