A traditional home sauna can be a wonderful addition to your home, providing a space for relaxation and rejuvenation. But with so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which sauna is the best fit for you. 

In this article, we will explore some key features to look for in a traditional home sauna, so you can make an informed decision and choose a sauna that meets your needs and budget.

What You Should Look For When Buying a Traditional Sauna

From the type of wood used to the size and design, there are several factors to consider when shopping for a traditional home sauna. Here are the following:

1. A Good Shape

When shopping for a traditional home sauna, the first thing to consider is the shape that will best fit your space and meet your needs. 

Traditional home saunas come in a variety of shapes, including cabin, barrel, and other unique designs. Cabin-style saunas are a popular choice, offering plenty of room for multiple people to relax.

Barrel saunas have a more unique, visually appealing shape, that is specifically designed to offer more interior space while minimizing the entire footprint of the sauna. As mentioned, a number of unique shapes are also available, so consider what shape will best fit your space as well as what your personal preferences are.

2. The Correct Sauna Size

The size of the sauna is important to consider, as you will want to make sure it is large enough to accommodate the number of people you expect to use it at one time. Measure the space you have available and consider how many people you want to be able to fit comfortably in the sauna.

For instance, if you’d like to include family and friends in the fun, you’ll need one that is big enough to seat everyone with ease. On the other hand, if you are more into solo relaxation, a smaller home traditional saunal will certainly be better for saving space and energy.

To help you pick the right sauna for you based on size, here are some recommendations:

1-Person Sauna: Almost Heaven Logan 1-Person Indoor Sauna 

The Almost Heaven Logan 1-Person Indoor Sauna is a compact and stylish sauna that is perfect for anyone looking to relax and rejuvenate alone. 

The sauna is easy to assemble and can be placed in any indoor space (even on tight corners), making it a convenient and enjoyable addition to your wellness routine.

2-Person Sauna: Almost Heaven Hampton 2-Person Hybrid Sauna

The Almost Heaven Hampton 2-Person Hybrid Sauna is a luxurious and spacious sauna that is perfect for sharing with a partner, a family member, or a friend. 

 It is made of high-quality Western Red Cedar wood, which is known for its durability and natural resistance to rot and decay. The sauna also features a comfortable bench and a built-in heater that produces gentle heat to help you relax and sweat out toxins. 

2-3 Person Sauna: Almost Heaven Madison 2-3 Person Indoor Sauna

The Almost Heaven Madison 2-3 Person Indoor Sauna is a spacious and stylish sauna that lets you save space while also allowing you to include a few friends and family members to relax (two to three persons in particular). This sauna gives the feel of traditional indoor sauna bathing.

4-Person Sauna: Almost Heaven Cascade 4-Person Indoor Sauna

With enough room to accommodate up to four people, the Almost Heaven Cascade 4-Person Indoor Sauna (pictured below) is perfect for shared sauna sessions with friends or family. It even provides plenty of room for comfortable movement and standing.

4-6 Person Sauna: Almost Heaven Denali 6-Person Indoor Sauna

The lmost Heaven Denali 6-Person Indoor Sauna is a large and luxurious sauna best suited for individuals or groups looking to relax and rejuvenate in the comfort of their own homes. 

This sauna comes with multi-level seating and a retractable bench. The balance of horizontal & vertical lines also gives it an aesthetically pleasing effect.

6-8 Person Sauna: Almost Heaven Olympus 6-8 Person Indoor Sauna

The Almost Heaven Olympus 6-8 Person Indoor Sauna is the largest sauna size available. It allows up to 8 people to comfortably move around and relax. 

This sauna has a built-in control panel that allows you to adjust the temperature and time settings to suit your preferences. Its lower platform can also serve as a “cool-down” area

3. The Right Sauna Heater

Sauna heaters come in two main types: electric and wood-burning. 

Electric heaters are generally more efficient and easier to use, as it works with the use of electricity to operate the electric heater – no firewood required. This selection is the standard option for Almost Heaven saunas. You will also notice that electric heaters heat up your sauna faster.

On the other hand, wood-burning heaters (also often referred to as wood fire sauna) creates heat by using firewood combined with a wood-burning stove to warm rocks, offering a more calming, relaxing, and authentic sauna experience. There is no wiring needed for the heater to work properly. However, you will have to install a chimney in order for the heater to work safely.

Some sauna heaters also offer wifi control, allowing you to adjust the temperature and other settings remotely. Think about the pros and cons of each type of heater and decide which one is best for you and your needs.

4. Wood type

The type of sauna wood used in the construction of the sauna can affect its appearance and durability. The most popular option is cedar, followed by white fir, as well as the newer black-painted onyx color for Almost Heaven saunas. Consider the aesthetic qualities and performance characteristics of each type of wood to choose the right one for you.

5. Light Accessories

There are a number of light accessories available for traditional home saunas. The Almost Heaven LED Light and Bathology Himalayan Light offer a warm, relaxing glow, while a color-changing chromotherapy light can add an element of therapeutic color to your sauna experience. You may choose to include one or all of these options in your sauna.

6. Floor Kits

Many indoor saunas use the existing floor of the room as the floor of the sauna. However, if you want a seamless look or want to protect your existing floor, you may want to consider an indoor floor kit. If you have a barrel sauna, the floor may be slightly curved, in which case you may opt for a barrel floor kit to create a level floor.

7. Sauna Door

Sauna doors typically come in three styles: all-glass, all-wood, and half-glass. An all-glass door is standard, but an all-wood door offers privacy, while a half-glass door allows for more light. Some saunas also offer fading glass doors for a unique look. Consider which style will best meet your needs and preferences.

8. Windows

Some traditional home saunas offer optional windows for added light and ventilation. The Vista window is a popular choice for the back of the sauna, while front windows are also available for some models. Think carefully about whether windows are a feature you would like to include in your sauna.

9. Porch or Outside Seating Area

Some saunas come with a porch or outside seating area, providing a place to relax before or after your sauna session. Consider whether this is a feature you would like to have.

10. Unique Features

Look for saunas that offer something special that sets them apart from the competition. 

The Baia Sauna by Auroom (pictured below) features ergonomic benches, while Forever Saunas use thermally-treated wood and a handsome shingled roof, and the Dundalk Leisurecraft Panoramic sauna features a  bubble-back wall. These are all examples of unique features that can make your sauna experience even more enjoyable.