Home Sauna Dimensions & Sizes: A Complete Guide

As a sauna enthusiast, I have seen home saunas become a lifestyle necessity of late. So much so that just about every homeowner wants to install a sauna somewhere in their home. 

And if there’s one thing that reigns high among these folks it’s the comfort and aesthetics in the sauna.

But before you start thinking about that perfect wood for sauna or your favorite ambiance, the most important thing is getting the sauna dimensions right. 

You see, the right sauna size is essential to an optimal experience. That’s because get it wrong by even an inch and you’ll miss out on the full benefits. 

Now, I know that figuring out accurate dimensions of a sauna can be a task. And that’s exactly why I’ve detailed the ideal dimensions for all sauna types along with my pro tips and tricks for accurate sauna sizing. 

So, let’s get started. 

Why do sauna dimensions matter so much?

Before I walk you through the ideal sauna sizes for different enclosures, let me tell you why these dimensions matter so much for your sauna. 

I've seen beautifully built saunas fall short simply because they were the wrong size. After all, these dimensions aren’t just numbers on paper; they directly impact your comfort, your energy bill, and how seamlessly your sauna fits into your home. 

How? 

Well, if the sauna is too cramped you’ll find it hard to relax. Also, chances are the heat will feel too overwhelming. 

Similarly, make it too large and It’ll take forever to heat. Plus, it will suck up more electricity than it should. 

And don’t even get me started on uneven heating, sauna insulation issues, or poor air circulation that can happen when you get the sizing wrong. 

This is why I’ve tried to help you sidestep these pitfalls and create that perfect sauna in the next sections. 

What are the standard home sauna dimensions by occupancy? ​

Now that you know the importance of dimensions of a sauna, let’s start with the real deal, i.e., the standard dimensions. 

For starters, home saunas come in every size from one person solo retreats to two-four person family enclosures and five-six person social spots. 

So obviously each of these sauna types have completely different dimensions altogether. 
Here are detailed standard dimensions for each of these saunas: 

1 Person sauna dimensions

When it comes to solo one person saunas, we’re talking about compact sizing. And to that end you can take 36" x 36" x 76" as your baseline dimensions. 

In fact, these are perfect for apartments, condos, or even that spare corner in your basement. 

But here’s the catch: You want just enough room to relax and not feel boxed in. Also, you might want to stretch your legs or lean back a bit. 

So, take my advice and  don’t be afraid to push that depth to 40" or even 42". Trust me, those few extra inches can make a world of difference.

Moreover, with a little extra room, you can add a small footrest or a slight slope on your sauna bench for better comfort and back support.

2 Person sauna dimensions

A 2 person sauna is where things start to feel a bit more social. And the best part is that this doesn’t take up too much space either. 

You see, typical two person sauna dimensions fall around 40" x 48" or 48" x 60". And these are ideal for couples or someone who wants a little more elbow room. 

Talking about bench layout in these saunas, suggest you go for an L-shaped bench in these dimensions. That’s because it not only maximizes usable seating space but also gives each person a little personal corner. 

Pro tip: If you're placing this sauna in a basement or unused room, make sure the ceiling is tall enough to properly accommodate heat layering.

3-4 Person sauna dimensions

Also called a family enclosure, a three-four person sauna is designed to accommodate an entire family comfortably. And if you’re looking for one such sauna, dimensions around 56" x 72" or similar should be ideal. 

These dimensions make the sauna roomy enough for three or four people to enjoy the space without stepping on each other’s toes. 

Also, it lets you experiment with more advanced layouts such as a double-tier bench setup. Here, the upper bench is the hot zone and the lower one has gentler heat for people nearing sauna age limit such as elders or kids. 

Pro tip: Always design these saunas with a small foot bench or a removable center section as it lets you stretch out if you’re solo.

5–6 Person sauna dimensions

If you're someone who loves hosting people or if you’ve got a large family, you’re likely looking at a sauna setup that can accomodate 5-6 people. 

Now, in order to do so, your sauna should have at least a 96" width and depth. 

In terms of dimensions, it will be around 96" x 96" x 84.” Think of it as the size of a small room. 

The best part: These saunas are also where you can let your creativity shine. So from wraparound benches to reclining seating and Steamist chromasense spa option lights, you can have them all here. 

Just remember, the larger the sauna the more important it is to plan your heater output correctly. That’s because more cubic feet means more power needed. 

What are the ideal sauna bench dimensions?  ​

​As someone who's installed saunas in everything from tight urban lofts to sprawling backyard cabins, I can confidently say: Get the bench dimensions right and everything else falls into place.

You see, you could have the best heater, finest wood, and perfect ambiance, but if the bench is too narrow or short, you’re going hate it. So, it’s fair to say that benches can make or break your experience.

But are there standard sauna bench dimensions, you might ask?

And the answer is a resounding yes.

Notwithstanding your sauna size or type, I always suggest you go for a standard bench depth of 20 to 24 inches. This will create a comfortable seated position and provide enough space for you to sit upright without feeling cramped.

In fact, anything shallower than this will leave your knees practically at your chest, which is not comfortable at all. 

Now, if you love to recline and stretch out during a long sauna session, then you should aim for a bench at least 72 inches long. That’s the ideal bench dimension for lying down comfortably without bending your knees or hanging off the edge. 

What’s the right sauna dimension for the ceiling?

When planning your sauna size, I suggest you don’t overlook the ceiling height. After all, it plays a massive role in how effectively your sauna heats, how comfortable it feels, and whether it meets building codes. 

Personally, I always suggest people to go for the standard 7 feet ceiling height. That’s because it is here that heat stratification works perfectly with warm air settling right where your body is. 

But what’s wrong with a high ceiling? 

Well, if you go higher than 7 feet, you’ll start losing efficiency. The heater will work harder, burning more energy just to warm the air above your head that you’ll never feel. 

On the flip side, if your ceiling is lower than 6’6”, you risk poor airflow, uncomfortable heat distribution, and possibly even violating local building codes.   

How does location impact dimensions of a sauna?

While the above dimensions are ideal for each sauna type, the location of your sauna can indeed impact it. 

How? 

You see, home saunas are usually installed either indoors or outdoors. And each location comes with their own unique requirements. 

Now, this is going to affect how much space you have and how you will approach the dimensions. 

Let’s see how it works. 

When installing indoors

Indoor saunas are more compact and efficient since they’re sheltered from the elements. So you don’t need the same level of heavy-duty insulation or
weatherproofing as you would for an outdoor model. 

This means even with the above dimensions you can focus on comfort and movement by having enough room for seating or stretching out. 

When installing outdoors

Outdoor saunas require extra planning due to exposure to the weather. Here, you’ll need to use thicker insulation of around 3” to 4” mineral wool or spray foam to protect against extreme temperatures. 

Also, you’ll have to weatherproof the space with moisture-resistant materials like cedar or thermally modified woods. 

Not to mention stairs, privacy walls, and electrical lines, all of which tend to be bulkier and take a lot of space. 

These features will take at least 6 extra inches to each side of your sauna. Meaning you’ll likely end up with lesser space with the above standard sauna box dimensions. 

The solution? 

You can go for prefabricated outdoor saunas like the SaunaLife Model E7 Barrel Sauna. Or even better, you can get custom dimensions from a sauna installation expert and go about your own DIY barrel sauna. 

How to ensure proper clearance while sizing your sauna?

You can size your sauna precisely to the dimensions I’ve detailed above and still end up with a faulty or inefficient setup if you don’t get the clearance right. 

That’s because the sauna itself is just part of the equation and what’s around it matters just as much. 

You’ll need clearance for the following: 

Door swing

Door swing is one of those tiny details that can make a huge impact on daily usability. 

You should always allow at least 24 inches of clearance in front of your sauna door to make sure it opens smoothly and fully. This is especially important if you're undertaking a DIY sauna door project that involves installing a glass door or if your sauna is in a hallway or a tight corner. 

Ventilation

You’ll want to leave about 4 to 6 inches of clearance between the sauna walls and surrounding surfaces. That’s because saunas generate a ton of heat and a bit of moisture and not just inside  but outside too. 

This little gap helps with heat dissipation and allows air to move freely, which prevents moisture from getting trapped in walls or corners.

Corner builds

When you’re building in an enclosed or irregular area, you have to be meticulous about insulation and moisture control. 

Heat loves to find escape routes and moisture can wreak havoc in a confined cavity if not properly managed. So, always start these projects with a solid thermal plan including foil vapor barrier, moisture-resistant insulation like mineral wool, and a breathable finish.

How do sauna dimensions affect heater size?

You might have heard or read that the dimensions of a sauna impact heater size. And although it sounds like science, let me tell you it’s pretty simple once you break it down. 

The key here is to calculate the volume of your sauna. After all, your heater needs to warm the entire air volume and not just the floor you’re standing on.

Here’s the basic formula I always use for heater sizing:
Sauna Volume (in cubic feet) ÷ 45 = Minimum Heater kW Size

This formula ensures that you get the right amount of heat output for the size of your space.

Let’s go through an example together:
Let’s say your sauna is 6' x 6' x 7', that’s 252 cubic feet.

Now, divide that by 45:
252 ÷ 45 = 5.6 kW

So, for a sauna of this size, you’d need at least a 5.5–6 kW heater to ensure optimal heating performance. 

Final words

By now, I am sure you know everything about home sauna dimensions. In fact, you might even have figured out the right dimensions for your sauna based on how many people are going to use it. 

Got more questions or need professional help to install a sauna in your home?
You can get in touch with us!

At Steam & Sauna Experts, we are seasoned sauna installation professionals with more than a decade of experience installing top-of-the-line saunas across South Florida and beyond. And we’ve got all your sauna requirements covered on a budget. 

Need sauna accessories instead? 

Calculate the dimensions of your sauna, shop from our online storefront featuring accessories from Delta, Mr Steam, Amerec, etc., and get free 2nd day delivery. 

Frequently asked questions

Can I install a sauna in my apartment?
Yes, you can absolutely install a sauna in your apartment! 
I’ve helped clients install saunas in everything from high-rise apartments to cozy studios. The key here is choosing the right type of sauna for your space.

Infrared saunas are your best bet for apartment living. They are compact, typically measuring around 4′ x 4′ x 6′, and they don’t require any special venting or plumbing. 

Moreover, they plug into a standard electrical outlet, which makes them easy to install.

Plus, infrared saunas work by directly warming your body rather than the air around you, so they are much more energy-efficient and faster to heat up. 

How long does it take to heat up a sauna?
This depends on the type of sauna you’re using, but here’s a general breakdown: 
Traditional saunas, which use either wood-burning stoves or electric heaters to warm the air, usually take 30 to 45 minutes to reach the desired temperature. The reason for this is that these saunas are heating the air around you, which takes more time to warm up. 

However, if you’ve got the time and love that authentic sauna experience, it’s absolutely worth the wait. 

Now, infrared saunas are a different story. They heat up much faster, usually taking between 10 and 15 minutes. That makes them perfect if you’re in a hurry or just want to squeeze in a quick session before bed. 
 
Do I need a permit for a home sauna?
This is one of those questions I get asked a lot. And whether or not you need a permit for installing a sauna will vary depending on where you live and what kind of sauna you’re installing. 

For indoor saunas, the need for a permit is typically minimal unless you're adding electrical work or modifying structural elements. 
 
However, outdoor saunas usually require a permit because they often involve more extensive work, such as installing electrical lines, dealing with plumbing, or constructing a foundation. 

It’s always best to check your local building codes before you start. 

How long does a sauna last?
With proper care and maintenance, a well-built sauna can last 15 to 20 years or more. 
In fact, the best thing about investing in a sauna is that it’s not a temporary luxury but it’s a long-term investment in your health and relaxation. 

The exact lifespan of your sauna will depend on several factors, like the materials used in construction and how frequently it’s used. 

Traditional saunas made from high-quality woods like cedar or hemlock tend to age beautifully. And if you take care of the wood, you’ll have a sauna that lasts decades. 
Infrared saunas, which have fewer moving parts, can also last a long time, typically 15+ years. More so if you keep the heating panels clean and ensure that the electrical system is well-maintained. ​​