Sauna Sizes: How to Choose the Right Dimensions for Your Home
Which size fulfills your steaming needs?
Ready to add a sauna to your home but unsure which size is best? The right sauna should fit comfortably within your chosen space while accommodating the number of people who will use it at once. Follow these steps to determine the best sauna size for your space and seating needs.
1. Choose Where You Want Your Sauna to Go
The first step to selecting the perfect size sauna is to identify the best spot for one. There are saunas suitable for indoor or outdoor use, so you can choose a spot in a room of your home or on a deck or patio space. Keep in mind that the spot you choose should also have an outlet close by for plug-in models or an electrical box for a streamlined hardwired model installation. This first step is key, as you'll need to measure the space to determine the maximum dimensions your sauna can be.
Once you've decided on a spot for a sauna, it's time to get measuring. Use painter’s tape to mark the area where you want your sauna to go. This is a great way to visualize the space and determine the maximum sauna size you can choose without obstructing doorways or furniture.
Measure Width & Depth
Using the painter’s tape as a guide, measure the depth and width of your space. This will tell you how wide the sauna can be and how far it can extend into the room without interfering with nearby furniture or walkways.
Measure Ceiling Height
Next, measure from floor to ceiling to get the total height of the space. We recommend taking measurements in multiple spots to ensure the floor and ceiling are level.
Allow for Clearance Space
Once you have your measurements, subtract 12" to 18" from each side to allow for proper ventilation, safe heat clearance, and installation access. The remaining dimensions represent the maximum sauna size that will comfortably fit in your space.
3. Decide on the Right Type of Sauna for the Space
Once you have a general sense of the sauna size your space can accommodate, consider which type of sauna best fits those dimensions and how many people you want it to hold.
Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas are space-efficient because they use slim, electric-powered panels to heat the interior. Without the need for a bulky stove or heater, they typically offer more usable seating space while maintaining a smaller overall footprint in your room.
Traditional Steam Saunas
Traditional steam saunas use a heater or stove that occupies part of the interior, reducing available seating space and often increasing the overall footprint of the unit, depending on the design.
4. Select the Ideal Sauna Capacity the Space Will Allow
You can also shop for saunas based on their seating capacities. Below, we've highlighted each seating capacity and included standard measurements for each option so you can compare it to the size of your installation spot.
1-Person Saunas
For individual use of a sauna room, a one-person sauna provides the right amount of space. The standard dimensions for a one-person sauna are 36" x 36" x 76 3/8". This sauna size allows one person to sit comfortably on the bench without being too cramped.
Measuring around 40" x 48" x 76 3/8", a two-person sauna expands to create enough space for two people to sit. This sauna room offers the right amount of space for both people to unwind and release body toxins.
If you plan to use your sauna with three people, or want a bit of extra room for two, a three-person sauna is a great fit. These models typically start around 44" W x 64" D x 76 3/8" H, with slight variations depending on the design.
For larger groups, a four-person sauna usually measures about 56" W x 72" D x 76 3/8" H, though exact dimensions may vary by brand and construction.
Need more room for guests, friends, or family? Saunas built for five or more people provide all the space you need for multiple people to use the sauna at the same time. Most five-person saunas have dimensions of 76" x 74" x 58", with larger saunas holding more than six people starting at 96" x 96" x 76 3/8".
You’ll also want to consider the sauna’s shape and orientation to ensure it fits comfortably within the space you’ve mapped out.
Corner Saunas
Corner saunas are an excellent space-saving option and have the potential to seat two to three people at a time.
Square Saunas
Square saunas are narrower than rectangular saunas, making them more space-friendly. They usually seat one to two people and can sometimes accommodate three.
Rectangular Saunas
Rectangular saunas are one of the most popular shape options because they come in a range of sizes and seating capacities. They can comfortably fit two to four people, and offer a bit more room compared to corner or square-shaped options.
Barrel Saunas
Barrel saunas take up the most space, which is why they're typically set up outside. However, their unique design makes them able to seat anywhere from four to eight people.
Tip!
Need more help choosing the right sauna? Browse these guides for even more information:
- What Is a Sauna? Your Complete Guide to Home Saunas
- How to Care for a Sauna
- A Comprehensive Guide to Home Sauna Cost
