How to Build a Home Sauna in Toronto

Saunas can offer so many incredible benefits. From relieving stress to cleansing the body of toxins, they offer a cost effective solution to improve your overall quality of life. It may also be surprising where you might find one. They require minimal space and maintenance while adding an impactful touch of luxury to your home.

What are the Health Benefits of Having a Home Sauna?

Imagine stepping into the warmth of your very own sauna after a long day, where the heat and steam envelops you to ease your muscle tension and clear your mind.

Taking regular saunas can do more than just help you relax. They can also lower your chances of getting heart and brain diseases, lung problems, and even prolong your life. Plus, they have been known to help minimize the impact of arthritis, headaches, and the flu. But the benefits extend beyond physical health, offering a sanctuary for stress relief, improved sleep, and deeper relaxation. Saunas are tools for sustaining and enhancing your health rooted in centuries of tradition, yet increasingly relevant in today’s fast-paced world. We loved this CBC radio piece on the health benefits of Saunas if you would like to learn more.

Saunas are a cost effective option to add luxury to any home

With Toronto’s tight real estate market and escalating cost of living, adding a sauna to your home is an affordable way to bring a touch of luxury and wellness into your life. Unlike larger renovation projects, installing a sauna doesn’t require a lot of space, making it a feasible upgrade for homes of any size. It is also generally more affordable than a full bathroom renovation. This combination of health benefits, space efficiency, and cost-effectiveness makes building a sauna an excellent choice for enhancing your living environment and overall well-being.

Sauna Design Considerations for older Toronto Homes

Deciding on your ideal sauna begins with the choice between an indoor or outdoor location. This may depend on your available space or your personal preferences. For example:

If you have an unfinished basement or one with low ceilings and are looking for ways to add functional space without having to underpin
If you have a cold storage in your basement or you may be planning a larger basement reno, an indoor sauna can be easily added.
If you have a garage or shed, an outdoor sauna can become your quiet retreat.
Or, if you can’t repurpose an existing space, maybe there’s room in the backyard. We can build a custom structure to house your sauna or provide base and utility support for a prefab barrel sauna.

Whether installed inside or outdoors, electrical requirements and ventilation are crucial for sauna safety function and comfort, ensuring a steady flow of fresh air and appropriate temperature control. Enlisting professionals to custom build or prepare your sauna guarantees a seamless and efficient process.

1 2 3

Best Materials and Features for Building a Sauna in Toronto

Selecting the right materials is key for crafting a durable and inviting sauna. Cedar stands out for its resistance to moisture and its aromatic qualities, while pine can be a cost-effective alternative.

You will also want to consider the type of heating that suits your preferences and abides by local building restrictions. Traditional wood-burning can add a rustic feel but is often not allowed in city centres. Electric heaters provide a safe and efficient alternative, while infrared heaters provide a more gentle heat source. Today’s super-efficient heaters are much more cost effective and can provide a multitude of settings to personalize your experience from dry to steamy to anywhere in between.

You will also need effective moisture control, particularly for indoor units. The proper insulation, vapour barrier and air flow are key to supporting proper maintenance and ensure that your sauna is a haven of comfort.

Want to go big and go home? Advanced features such as programmable, wifi-enabled thermostats and LED lighting options not only cater to your personal comfort level and set the mood but can also pre-heat your unit so it’s ready when you get home! Other customizable design features may include choosing your seating layout, adding a shower in the space or accessories like glass doors, cedar headrests and water buckets, stones and essential oils.

How to Maintain Your Sauna in your House

Overall, saunas are a very low maintenance luxury. Routine cleaning using mild, natural products to preserve the wood’s integrity are recommended. And ensuring proper ventilation after each use is also key to prevent moisture build-up.

Cost of Installing a Sauna in Toronto

Investing in a home sauna is a decision that balances initial costs with long-term benefits. The total expense can vary widely based on size, materials, and the custom features you may choose.

While budget-friendly kits offer a straightforward solution, they may not fit your space. Customized saunas can be tailored to maximize your usable space and accommodate your personal preferences.

When budgeting, it is wise to consider not only the installation costs but also the changes to your long-term energy consumption and the potential need for electrical upgrades to your home. An electric sauna may require an upgrade of your electrical service. Discussing your budget with a trusted, experienced contractor can help in identifying cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or experience.

The cost to build a sauna depends on the size, location and scope of work, but on average expect to pay:

Between $10,000 and $20,000 to prepare utilities and base support and install a prefabricated barrel sauna
Between $15,000 and $50,000 to renovate or retrofit an existing interior space
Between $30,000 and $70,000 to build and provide utilities for a new, backyard structure to house a custom sauna

Reach Out to Talk About Your Toronto Sauna Project

Considering the numerous benefits and personalized options, building a home sauna in Toronto can be an exciting venture. If you’re ready to start exploring the possibilities, reaching out for professional guidance is the next step.

Contact Oriel Renovations to ensure your sauna not only meets your wellness and design expectations but is also seamlessly integrated into your home, enhancing your living space and well-being!

REQUEST A CONSULTATION

How Long Does a Home Renovation Project Take in Toronto?

in Blog, Planning, Time, time-1

Embarking on a custom home renovation project, whether to build your dream home or to freshen up an outdated space, can be both an exciting and overwhelming process as an experienced or new home owner. Whether you’re considering a full home renovation, floor-by-floor upgrades, or adding extra space to your house, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is: “How long is this major renovation going to take?”