Whether you are building a sauna in your home, at the cottage, out in the garden or at your summer retreat, pre-fab sauna kits make it easier and more affordable. Sauna kits are becoming increasingly popular and many families are reaping the numerous health benefits related to sauna use. However, navigating the world of sauna kits and heaters can be difficult. With the seemingly endless brands, styles and types of kits available it is hard to compare all of your different options, let alone make a final decision.

Most of the sauna kits available can fall into two distinct but equally convenient categories. While shopping you will find material sauna kits and complete pre-fabricated sauna kits. The difference is simple, material sauna kits contain all of the materials needed to build a sauna in your home. Material kits include tongue and groove lumber, screws, doors, trim and a heater. Material kits very rarely include pre-built walls or installation, meaning you will have to take some time before purchasing a materials kit to prepare your pre determined sauna location.

Pre-fab sauna kits are quite different from material kits. Pre fab sauna kits come pre-built and take very little time to construct. When purchased, many pre-fab sauna kits will be delivered in large, pre-built sections. For example, in one shipment you will receive your four walls, the next a ceiling and the next a door, window and floor. All pre-built and ready to go.

Once you have decided on the type of sauna kit you prefer, you must also consider the two types of sauna heaters. Most traditional sauna kits will come with, what is known as a Finnish sauna heater. These are the typical sauna stoves which have been used for centuries around the world. They consist of a heat element, and hot rocks which can be used to create additional steam. Finnish sauna heaters can produce both dry heat and wet humid heat and are available in many styles to suit different sauna designs.

Infrared sauna heaters, or as they are sometimes called solar heaters or light saunas, are a less traditional choice but have grown in popularity recently. These sauna heaters can also be used with any style sauna kits but are usually a separate purchase. Infrared sauna heaters use radiated infrared heat to warm the user’s skin as opposed to the air circulating in the sauna itself. Unlike Finnish heaters, infrared heaters cannot produce humid or dry heat and are limited to only a few temperature settings.

If you see yourself purchasing sauna kits in the future, take some time and consider your own personal needs before speaking to a manufacturer. When it comes to sauna kits your choices are almost endless so have fun and find out what you need to make your own personal dream steam!