July 30, 2026

Are Saunas Good for Colds?

Posted on July 30, 2026August 3, 2026 by Skotlanti Saunas

When the sniffles start, plenty of sauna owners head straight for the heat, convinced a good sweat will “burn out” a cold. It is one of the most common questions we hear: are saunas actually good for colds, or is it a myth? The honest answer is nuanced. Regular sauna use may help reduce how often you catch colds, and a session can ease some symptoms, but sweating won’t cure an infection, and there are times when you should skip the sauna altogether. Here is what the evidence says.

Can a sauna prevent colds?

This is where saunas look most promising. The idea that regular sauna bathing might reduce how often you catch colds isn’t just folklore, it has some support in the research. A frequently cited Austrian study found that people who used a sauna regularly over a six-month period caught significantly fewer common colds than those who didn’t, with the benefit becoming clearer in the second half of the study.

Researchers think several mechanisms may be at play: the brief rise in body temperature during a session may stimulate the immune system in a way loosely comparable to a mild fever, and the regular stress-and-recovery cycle of heating and cooling may help the body adapt over time. It is worth being measured here, the evidence base is still developing and no single study is the final word, but the general pattern points towards regular, consistent sauna use as a supportive habit for a resilient immune system, rather than a one-off fix.

As with most of the benefits of sauna bathing, consistency is the key. An occasional session is unlikely to move the needle; a regular routine, sustained over months, is where any preventative benefit is most likely to show. Having a sauna at home is what makes that kind of consistency realistic, which is one reason home saunas have become so popular, you can read more in our complete home sauna guide.

A warm, steamy session can ease congestion when you are run down.

Does a sauna help when you already have a cold?

Once a cold has taken hold, a sauna won’t cure it, no amount of sweating clears a viral infection faster, but many people find a gentle session eases how they feel. The warm air and steam of a traditional sauna can temporarily relieve a blocked nose and sinus congestion, making it easier to breathe for a while. The warmth can also soothe the aches and general heaviness that come with a cold, and the relaxation that follows a session may help you rest and sleep, which is genuinely useful when your body is fighting something off.

Think of it as symptom relief and comfort rather than treatment. If a warm, steamy sauna helps you breathe more easily and unwind for an evening, that has real value when you are run down, just don’t expect it to shorten the cold itself.

Traditional or infrared for congestion?

For a stuffy nose, the steam of a traditional sauna, created by ladling water over the hot stones, tends to give more noticeable relief than the dry heat of an infrared cabin, because the moist, warm air helps loosen congestion. Both can be relaxing, but if easing a blocked nose is your goal, steam has the edge.

A home sauna interior framed by a large window and a view.

When you should NOT use a sauna

This is the most important part. A sauna is fine for a mild head cold if you feel up to it, but there are clear situations where you should stay out:

You have a fever. If you are already running a temperature, a sauna adds more heat load your body has to manage, wait until the fever has passed.
The illness is on your chest, not just your head. A chesty cough, breathing difficulty or a flu-like illness with body aches means your body needs rest, not heat stress.
You feel dizzy, weak or dehydrated. Colds and flu can leave you low on fluids, and a sauna makes you sweat more, a bad combination.
You have a heart condition or other medical concern. Illness places extra demand on the body; if in doubt, wait, and speak to your GP.

There is also common courtesy to consider: if you use a shared or public sauna, going in with an active cold risks passing it on to others. A cold is one of the better arguments for having your own sauna at home.

How to use a sauna sensibly when run down

If you have a mild cold, feel well enough and have no fever, a gentle session can be part of feeling a little better. A few sensible rules:

Keep the session shorter and the heat gentler than usual.
Drink plenty of water before and after, hydration matters more than ever when you are ill.
Listen to your body and step out the moment you feel dizzy, faint or worse rather than better.
Rest afterwards, and don’t use a sauna as a reason to skip the sleep your recovery actually needs.
Never combine a sauna with alcohol, and especially not when you are unwell.

The bottom line

Saunas are best thought of as a preventative wellness habit rather than a cold remedy. Used regularly, they may help support your immune system and reduce how often colds strike. When you already have a mild head cold, a gentle, steamy session can ease congestion and help you relax, but it won’t cure the infection, and you should stay out entirely if you have a fever, a chest infection or feel genuinely unwell. As with every benefit of sauna bathing, the real payoff comes from making it a consistent part of your routine.

If a home sauna sounds like a habit worth building, explore our indoor saunas for year-round convenience, browse the full range on the Skotlanti homepage, or get in touch to talk through your space.

Sauna and colds FAQs

Can you sweat out a cold in a sauna?

No. Sweating doesn’t clear a viral infection or shorten a cold. A sauna may ease symptoms like congestion and help you relax, but it isn’t a cure.

Is a sauna good for a blocked nose?

The warm, steamy air of a traditional sauna can temporarily relieve a blocked nose and sinus congestion, making it easier to breathe. The effect is comfort and short-term relief rather than a fix.

Should you sauna with a fever?

No. If you already have a raised temperature, avoid the sauna, it adds extra heat load your body has to cope with. Wait until the fever has passed.

Do saunas boost your immune system?

Some research suggests regular sauna use may reduce how often people catch colds, possibly by supporting immune function. The benefit is linked to consistent, long-term use rather than one-off sessions.

This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice. If you have a health condition or are unsure whether sauna use is right for you, please speak to your GP.

How Much Does a Sauna Cost in the UK? (2026 Prices)

Posted on July 30, 2026August 3, 2026 by Skotlanti Saunas

“How much does a sauna cost?” is the first question most people ask, and the honest answer is: it depends. A small flat-pack cabin and a bespoke garden sauna house are both “saunas,” but they sit thousands of pounds apart. This guide gives you realistic 2026 UK prices for every type of sauna, explains what actually drives the cost, and covers the running costs and installation extras that are easy to overlook, so you can budget properly before you buy.

Sauna cost at a glance (2026 UK prices)

Here is a realistic overview of what different saunas cost in the UK. Treat these as guide ranges, exact prices depend on size, materials, heater and finish.

Barrel and small kit saunas: from the low thousands
Infrared cabins (1-2 person): low-to-mid thousands
Mid-range garden cabin saunas: mid-to-high thousands
Larger premium kits: high thousands to low five figures
Bespoke garden sauna houses: five-figure investment; our custom builds start from around £35,900

The gap between the cheapest and most expensive options is large because you are really paying for three things: how well the sauna is made, how much it is designed around your space, and how long it will last. A cheap cabin squeezed into an awkward corner is a false economy if it rarely gets used or needs replacing in a few years.

Size, materials and finish drive most of what a sauna costs.

What affects the cost of a sauna?

Six factors do most of the work in setting the final price.

1. Size and capacity

The single biggest driver. A two-person sauna needs less timber, a smaller heater and a smaller footprint than a six-person cabin with a changing area, so it costs considerably less. Be realistic about how many people will actually use it, oversizing adds cost to both the build and the running.

2. Type of sauna

Infrared cabins are generally the most affordable to buy and run. Traditional barrel saunas are the entry point for the authentic experience. Cabin and bespoke garden saunas cost more but deliver more space, better looks and greater longevity.

3. Kit vs bespoke

A kit (flat-pack) sauna is cheaper upfront and quick to install, but you accept its fixed dimensions, standard materials and generic look. A bespoke sauna is designed around your space, your household and your budget, covering everything from timber selection to heater, glazing and lighting, which is why it costs more and holds its value better.

4. Materials and timber

Timber quality has a big effect on both price and lifespan. Premium sauna woods look better, feel better and age more gracefully. Glazing, benches, doors and external cladding all add to the cost, but they are also what make a sauna a pleasure to use for decades.

5. Heater choice

Electric heaters (typically 6-9kW) are convenient and give precise control but add to your electricity use. Wood-fired stoves avoid running costs entirely but cost more to install safely. Infrared panels are the cheapest to run. We compare these in detail in our garden sauna guide.

6. Installation and groundwork

The sauna itself is only part of the budget. Almost every installation needs a firm, level base, and many need electrical work, costs that are easy to forget when comparing headline prices.

Don’t forget installation and running costs

Two categories of cost sit outside the sticker price, and both deserve a line in your budget.

Installation extras

Groundwork: A concrete pad, paving slabs or a deck to sit the sauna on.
Electrical supply: An electric heater usually needs a dedicated circuit installed by a qualified electrician.
Delivery and assembly: Kit saunas may be self-assembled or professionally installed; bespoke builds include installation.
Flue and clearances: Wood-fired saunas need a safe flue and clearance from fences and branches.

Running costs

Running a sauna is cheaper than most people expect. An electric heater draws 6-9kW and takes 30-45 minutes to heat up, so a typical one-hour session costs only a few pounds at current UK electricity prices. Infrared cabins cost less again thanks to lower power draw and faster heat-up. Wood-fired stoves have no electricity cost at all, your only outlay is dry logs. Across a year of regular use, the running cost of a home sauna is modest compared with regular spa or gym visits.

How much does a sauna cost to run per session?

As a simple rule of thumb: heating an electric sauna for a session typically costs a few pounds, an infrared session costs less, and a wood-fired session costs only the price of the logs you burn. The exact figure depends on your heater size, how long you run it and your electricity tariff, but sauna running costs are rarely the deciding factor, the upfront investment and build quality matter far more over the life of the sauna.

A quality build is a long-term investment in daily wellbeing.

Is a home sauna worth the money?

For regular users, a home sauna quickly changes the maths. A single spa visit can cost a significant amount, and a home sauna turns an occasional treat into a daily routine with no booking, travel or membership. Beyond the direct saving, a well-built sauna is increasingly seen as a desirable wellness feature that can add appeal to a property when it is time to sell.

The key is to buy the right sauna once, rather than the cheapest sauna twice. As a rule of thumb, the more a sauna is designed around your specific space and how you will actually use it, the more value it holds over time. That is the thinking behind our bespoke sauna service, which covers design, build and installation across the UK.

Getting an accurate quote

Guide prices are useful for setting a budget, but the only way to know what your sauna will cost is a proper quote based on your space, size, heater and finish. When comparing quotes, make sure each one includes groundwork, electrical work and delivery, so you are comparing like for like rather than headline cabin prices alone.

If you would like a realistic figure for your project, tell us about your space and how you plan to use it, and we’ll advise on the options and costs. You can explore our full range on the Skotlanti homepage, or read our complete home sauna guide for the wider picture before you commit.

Sauna cost by type: a closer look

It helps to see how the numbers stack up type by type, because each sits in a different place on the price-versus-longevity curve.

Barrel saunas are the cheapest way into an authentic wood-heated sauna. The rounded shape uses less material and heats efficiently, which keeps both purchase and running costs down. The compromise is interior space and a fixed look, you take the barrel as it comes.

Infrared cabins are the most affordable to run and among the cheapest to buy in their compact sizes. They plug into a standard socket, heat up in minutes and suit indoor spaces, but they deliver a gentler, dry-heat experience rather than the traditional high heat and steam.

Cabin and panoramic garden saunas occupy the middle-to-upper range. You are paying for usable interior space, better glazing, changing areas and a finish that looks intentional in the garden. This is where most buyers who want a genuine, lasting sauna end up.

Bespoke sauna houses sit at the top because everything is made to measure, the layout, the timber, the glazing, the heater and the way the cabin relates to your home and garden. The upfront cost is higher, but a bespoke build is designed to last decades and to hold its value, which changes the true cost per year of ownership considerably.

How to keep sauna costs down

Spending less doesn’t have to mean buying worse. A few sensible moves keep the budget in check without landing you with a sauna you regret:

Size it honestly. Every extra person of capacity adds timber, heater power and running cost. Buy for how you’ll really use it, not the biggest cabin you can fit.
Choose the right heater for your habits. Infrared and efficient electric heaters keep running costs low if you’ll use the sauna often; a wood-fired stove removes electricity costs entirely if you don’t mind the ritual.
Get the groundwork right first time. A proper, level base protects your investment and avoids costly problems later, skimping here is a false economy.
Prioritise build quality over features. Good timber and construction are what determine whether a sauna lasts decades. Fancy extras can wait; a sound cabin can’t be added later.
Buy once. The most expensive sauna is the cheap one you replace in a few years. Investing a little more in the right sauna usually works out cheaper over its lifetime.

Sauna cost FAQs

What is the cheapest type of sauna?

Small barrel saunas and compact infrared cabins are the most affordable to buy, starting in the low thousands. Infrared is usually the cheapest to run as well, thanks to its lower power draw.

How much does a bespoke sauna cost?

A fully bespoke, architect-quality build is typically a five-figure investment. Our custom builds start from around £35,900, with the final figure depending on size, materials, glazing and features.

Are saunas expensive to run?

No. A typical electric session costs a few pounds, infrared costs less, and wood-fired saunas cost only the price of logs. Running costs are modest compared with the upfront investment.

Does a sauna add value to my home?

A quality, well-built sauna is increasingly viewed as a desirable feature, particularly on premium properties. As with any garden building, build quality determines whether it reads as an asset.

Ready to budget your project properly? Get in touch for a tailored quote, or browse the portfolio to see what’s possible at different price points.

Garden Saunas: The Complete UK Guide

Posted on July 30, 2026August 3, 2026 by Skotlanti Saunas

A garden sauna is the most popular way to bring authentic sauna culture home in the UK. A standalone cabin at the bottom of the garden gives you a dedicated wellness space without sacrificing a room indoors, and modern designs are a world away from the basic barrel sauna, think panoramic glass, changing areas, LED lighting and a wood-fired stove crackling on a winter evening. This guide covers everything you need to know about garden saunas in the UK: the types available, how to choose the right one, siting and planning, heaters, realistic costs and maintenance.

What is a garden sauna?

A garden sauna is a purpose-built, heat-insulated cabin installed outdoors in your garden, heated to around 70-100°C by an electric or wood-fired stove. Unlike an indoor sauna built into a spare room, a garden sauna is a standalone structure, effectively a small, beautifully finished outbuilding designed entirely around the sauna experience. It gives you privacy, a proper sense of occasion, and the ability to step straight out into cool garden air between rounds, which for many people is the whole point.

Garden saunas have become the default choice for UK homeowners because they add a wellness space without eating into the house, and because a well-designed cabin becomes a genuine feature of the garden rather than a shed you hide away.

A standalone garden sauna set among mature planting.

Types of garden sauna

Garden saunas come in several forms, and the right one depends on your budget, your garden and how much you value a bespoke finish.

Barrel saunas

The classic entry point. A barrel sauna’s rounded shape heats up quickly and efficiently, and the compact footprint suits smaller gardens. They are affordable and characterful, though the curved walls limit interior layout and bench space.

Cabin and cube saunas

Traditional square or rectangular cabins offer the most usable interior space and the most flexibility for benches, changing areas and glazing. A cabin sauna can be as simple or as luxurious as you like, and larger designs can include a covered porch, a separate changing room and full-height glass doors overlooking the garden.

Panoramic and glass-fronted saunas

For gardens with a view, a glass-fronted sauna turns the session into an event, watching rain, snow or a sunset from inside a warm cabin. These are increasingly popular in the UK and are usually part of a bespoke or premium build.

Bespoke garden sauna houses

At the top end, a bespoke sauna is designed around your exact space, household and taste, covering everything from timber selection to heater, glazing and lighting. If you want the cabin to complement your home’s architecture, fit an awkward plot or last for decades, a bespoke build is the better investment. You can see real examples in our sauna portfolio.

How to choose the right garden sauna

A few practical questions will narrow the field quickly:

How many people? A two-person sauna is compact and efficient; a family or entertainer will want a four to six-person cabin with room to lie down. Size drives everything from footprint to heater power.
Electric or wood-fired? This is the biggest decision after size, more on it below.
Kit or bespoke? A kit sauna is cheaper and quick to install but comes with fixed dimensions and standard materials. A bespoke build is designed around your space and finished to a higher standard.
What finish and features? Glazing, changing areas, lighting, benches and external cladding all shape both the experience and the price.
How long do you want it to last? Quality timber and construction are what determine whether a garden sauna ages gracefully for decades or starts to look tired within a few years.

If you are still weighing up an outdoor cabin against an indoor installation, our complete home sauna guide compares the two in detail.

A well-sited garden sauna becomes a feature of the garden.

Where to put a sauna in your garden

Siting matters more than people expect. A well-placed sauna is a pleasure to use year-round; a badly placed one gets used for a month and then forgotten. Consider:

Distance from the house: Close enough for a comfortable walk in a towel on a cold night, but far enough for privacy. A covered path or nearby door helps in winter.
Level ground and a solid base: Saunas need a firm, level foundation, a concrete pad, paving slabs or a purpose-built deck. Groundwork should be sorted before the cabin arrives.
Privacy and outlook: Position the cabin (and any glazing) to face a pleasant view rather than the neighbours’ windows.
Access for services: An electric sauna needs a suitable power supply; a wood-fired sauna needs safe clearance from fences and overhanging branches for the flue.
Boundaries: Keep the height and position within permitted-development limits (see below) to avoid planning complications.

Do you need planning permission for a garden sauna?

In most cases, no. A garden sauna usually falls under permitted development in England and Scotland, provided it is single-storey, sits below the height limits, typically 2.5m where it is within two metres of a boundary, and covers less than half the total area of your garden. There are important exceptions: listed buildings, conservation areas, and some flats and maisonettes have tighter rules, and a wood-fired stove near a boundary needs sensible clearances.

The golden rule is to check with your local planning authority before you build, especially for a larger or wood-fired cabin. A reputable sauna builder will flag any planning considerations during the design stage, so you are not left to work it out alone.

Garden sauna heaters: electric vs wood-fired

The heater defines the character of your sauna, so it is worth understanding the trade-off.

Electric heaters

An electric sauna heater is the convenient choice: flick a switch (or use an app or timer), wait 30-45 minutes, and your sauna is ready. Electric heaters typically draw 6-9kW, need an appropriate power supply, and give precise temperature control. They suit people who want to use the sauna spontaneously and often, and they are the easier option for compact urban gardens.

Wood-fired stoves

A wood-fired stove delivers the authentic experience, the crackle of the fire, the deep enveloping heat, and no electricity costs at all. The trade-off is a little more effort: you need to lay and light the fire, allow longer to heat up, and store dry logs. For many sauna purists, that ritual is part of the pleasure, and a wood-burning garden sauna feels a step closer to a lakeside cabin in Finland.

Both can produce steam, the löyly, when you ladle water over the hot stones. If you can’t decide, it is worth trying both before you buy.

A bespoke garden sauna glowing against the evening light.

How much does a garden sauna cost in the UK?

Garden sauna prices vary widely with size, materials, heater and finish. As a broad guide for 2026:

Barrel and small kit saunas: Entry-level flat-pack cabins start in the low thousands.
Mid-range cabin saunas: Larger kits with better timber, glazing and heaters sit in the mid-to-high thousands.
Bespoke and premium builds: A fully bespoke, architect-quality garden sauna is typically a five-figure investment. Our custom builds start from around £35,900.

As a rule of thumb, the more the sauna is designed around your specific space and how you will actually use it, the more value it holds over time, both in enjoyment and as a desirable feature should you ever sell. Running costs depend on your heater: an electric session costs a few pounds at current UK prices, while a wood-fired stove avoids electricity costs entirely. For a full breakdown across every sauna type, see our dedicated sauna cost guide, and our outdoor sauna range shows what is possible at different budgets.

Looking after a garden sauna

Garden saunas need surprisingly little maintenance. Air the cabin after each use, wipe the benches occasionally with mild soap, and check the stove and stones periodically. Externally, quality timber will weather gracefully; some owners choose to treat the outside cladding to keep a particular finish. A well-built cabin, properly sited on a solid base, will age beautifully and give you decades of use.

What timber is best for a garden sauna?

Timber is the heart of a sauna, it shapes how the cabin looks, how it feels to sit in and how long it lasts. The best sauna woods share a few qualities: they stay comfortable to touch at high temperatures, resist warping and moisture, and age gracefully rather than splitting or discolouring. Softwoods such as spruce and pine are common and cost-effective, giving that classic pale Nordic look, while denser and more stable timbers are often chosen for benches and premium builds because they handle heat and humidity so well.

For a garden sauna, the external cladding matters as much as the interior. It has to stand up to British weather year-round, so quality and proper detailing are what keep the cabin looking good for decades rather than seasons. In a bespoke build you can choose the timber to complement your home and garden, which is part of why a made-to-measure cabin holds its value so well.

Cooling off: the other half of the ritual

A garden sauna isn’t only about the heat, the cool-down between rounds is central to the whole experience, and it is something a garden setting does better than any indoor cabin. Stepping out into cold air, rinsing under a cold shower, or simply sitting on a covered porch to let your body settle is what makes the next round feel so good. Many owners design in a cooling area from the start: a nearby cold shower, a covered deck, or space for a plunge tub. It is worth thinking about this early, because a good cool-down spot turns a sauna into a proper wellness ritual rather than just a hot room.

Garden sauna vs hot tub

Garden saunas and hot tubs are often considered together, and they suit different priorities. A hot tub is sociable and easy to jump into, but it uses water that must be heated, treated and maintained continuously, which means ongoing running costs and upkeep. A sauna heats only when you use it, needs very little maintenance, and offers the deeper heat-and-recovery benefits that come with traditional sauna bathing. For many UK homeowners focused on wellness, sleep and recovery, and on lower long-term running costs, a garden sauna is the more rewarding investment.

Garden sauna FAQs

How long does it take to install a garden sauna?

Once the groundwork is complete, a prefabricated garden sauna can often be installed in a matter of days. Bespoke builds vary with complexity, and your builder should give you a fixed timeline at the design stage.

Can you use a garden sauna in winter?

Absolutely, winter is when many people enjoy a sauna most. The contrast between the hot cabin and cold garden air is exactly the experience Nordic saunas are built around. Good insulation and a properly sized heater keep the cabin warm whatever the weather.

Do garden saunas add value to a property?

A well-built sauna is increasingly seen as a desirable wellness feature, particularly on premium properties. As with any garden building, the quality of construction is what determines whether it reads as an asset rather than a liability.

What size garden sauna do I need?

For occasional solo or couple use, a two-person cabin is efficient and quick to heat. For families or entertaining, a four to six-person sauna with room to lie down is worth the extra space and heater power.

Ready to explore a sauna for your garden? Browse our outdoor saunas, see real builds in the portfolio, or tell us about your space and we’ll advise on what’s possible.

What Is an Infrared Sauna? Benefits & Costs

Posted on July 30, 2026August 3, 2026 by Skotlanti Saunas

Infrared saunas have gone from a niche wellness gadget to one of the most-searched sauna types in the UK, and for good reason: they are gentler, cheaper to run and easier to fit indoors than a traditional sauna. But they also work in a fundamentally different way, and that difference matters when you are deciding what to install at home. This guide explains what an infrared sauna actually is, how it compares to a traditional Finnish sauna, what the benefits and drawbacks are, whether they are safe, and what one costs in 2026.

What is an infrared sauna?

An infrared sauna is a heated cabin that uses infrared heaters to warm your body directly, rather than heating the air around you. Where a traditional sauna warms a room to 70-100°C using a stove and stones, an infrared sauna runs at a much lower air temperature, typically 45-60°C, while infrared panels emit radiant heat that your skin absorbs directly. The result is a session that feels milder and less intense, but that still raises your core temperature and makes you sweat.

Infrared is the same type of gentle radiant warmth you feel from the sun on a cool day, or from a hot radiator across a room, without any harmful UV. Most home infrared cabins use carbon or ceramic panels built into the walls, bench and floor, so the heat surrounds you from several directions at once.

A traditional sauna interior, heated by a stove and hot stones.

Infrared vs traditional Finnish saunas

The simplest way to understand the difference is this: a traditional sauna heats the air, and the hot air heats you; an infrared sauna heats you directly and barely warms the air at all. That single distinction drives every other difference in how the two feel and perform.

Temperature: Traditional saunas run at 70-100°C; infrared saunas at 45-60°C.
Heat-up time: Infrared panels reach working temperature in 10-15 minutes; a traditional stove usually needs 30-45 minutes.
The experience: Traditional saunas let you ladle water over hot stones for steam (löyly) and a powerful heat ritual. Infrared saunas are a dry, quiet, lower-intensity heat with no steam.
Running cost: Infrared draws less power, so it is cheaper per session.
Fit: Infrared cabins are compact and plug into a standard socket, making them well suited to indoor spaces.

Neither is objectively better, they suit different people. If you want the authentic, social, high-heat sauna experience and have the space, a traditional Finnish sauna is hard to beat. If you find intense heat uncomfortable, want quick sessions, or need something that fits a spare room or garage, infrared makes a lot of sense. We cover this trade-off in more depth in our complete guide to home saunas in the UK.

Are infrared saunas any good? The benefits

Infrared saunas have a genuine following, and much of the appeal comes down to how approachable they are. Because the heat is milder, many people who can’t tolerate a 90°C traditional sauna can happily sit in an infrared cabin for 30-45 minutes. The most commonly reported benefits include:

Relaxation and stress relief: Like any sauna, the warmth encourages your body to unwind, and a quiet infrared session at the end of the day is a reliable way to switch off.
Muscle recovery: Gentle, sustained heat helps ease tired and aching muscles after exercise, which is why infrared cabins are popular with runners, cyclists and gym-goers.
Better sleep: Many regular users find that an evening session helps them wind down and sleep more deeply.
A gentler sweat: Because you can sit comfortably for longer at a lower temperature, infrared sessions produce a steady sweat without the breath-taking intensity of a hot Finnish sauna.
Low commitment: Fast heat-up and low running costs make it easy to use an infrared sauna daily rather than saving it for special occasions, and consistency is where the real wellness benefit of any sauna lies.

It is worth being honest about the evidence. Most long-term sauna research has been done on traditional Finnish saunas, where regular use is associated with better cardiovascular health, sleep and stress levels. Infrared research is younger and smaller in scale, so while early findings and user experience are positive, it is best to view an infrared sauna as a wellness and relaxation tool rather than a medical treatment.

A home sauna interior with full-height glazing and a view.

Are infrared saunas safe?

For most healthy adults, infrared saunas are very safe when used sensibly. The infrared used in home saunas is far-infrared radiant heat, the same gentle warmth you feel from the sun without the UV, and the lower operating temperature means there is less risk of overheating than in a traditional high-temperature sauna. A few common-sense rules keep sessions safe:

Stay hydrated, drink water before and after your session.
Start with shorter sessions of 15-20 minutes and build up gradually.
Don’t use a sauna after drinking alcohol.
Step out if you feel dizzy, faint or unwell.

If you are pregnant, have a heart condition, low blood pressure or any other medical concern, speak to your GP before starting sauna use. Children and older adults should use saunas with care and supervision. Used within these limits, an infrared sauna is a low-risk addition to a home wellness routine.

How much does an infrared sauna cost in the UK?

Infrared saunas span a wide price range depending on size, build quality and where they are installed. As a rough guide for 2026:

Compact one to two-person cabins: Entry-level flat-pack infrared cabins typically start in the low-to-mid thousands.
Larger and premium cabins: Three to four-person units with better timber, controls and panels sit higher up the range.
Bespoke and built-in infrared rooms: A sauna designed around your space, with quality materials and a proper finish, is a larger investment but delivers far more in longevity and the way it complements your home.

Running costs are one of infrared’s biggest advantages. Infrared panels draw less power than a 6-9kW traditional heater, and with the short heat-up time a typical session costs only a small amount at current UK electricity prices. Over years of daily use, that difference adds up.

As with any sauna, the more it is designed around your specific space and how you will actually use it, the more value it holds over time. A cheap flat-pack cabin squeezed into an awkward corner rarely gets used; a well-considered installation becomes part of your daily routine. Our indoor sauna range includes options for exactly these tighter, year-round-use spaces, and our custom builds start from around £35,900 for those who want something designed from the ground up.

Is an infrared sauna right for you?

An infrared sauna is an excellent choice if you want a gentler heat, quick and low-cost sessions, and something that fits comfortably indoors, in a bathroom, garage, basement or spare room. It suits people who find high heat uncomfortable, anyone focused on recovery and relaxation, and homes without garden space for a standalone cabin.

If, on the other hand, you are drawn to the full traditional experience, steam, high heat and the social ritual of a Finnish sauna, or you have the garden for a standalone build, a traditional sauna is usually the better long-term investment, both for the experience and for property value.

The best way to decide is to feel the difference for yourself. You are welcome to try both a traditional and an infrared sauna at our Glasgow showroom before committing, and our team can advise on what will work best for your space.

Infrared sauna FAQs

Do infrared saunas make you sweat?

Yes. Although the air temperature is lower than a traditional sauna, infrared warms your body directly and raises your core temperature, so you will still sweat, usually after 10-15 minutes, in a steadier and more comfortable way.

How long should an infrared sauna session last?

Most people use an infrared sauna for 20-45 minutes. Beginners should start at the lower end and build up as they get used to the heat.

Can you put an infrared sauna indoors?

Yes, this is one of infrared’s main advantages. Cabins run at lower temperatures, plug into a standard socket and are compact, making them ideal for indoor rooms where a traditional stove would be impractical.

Is infrared better than a traditional sauna?

Neither is universally better. Infrared is gentler, cheaper to run and easier to fit indoors; traditional saunas offer higher heat, steam and the authentic ritual, and have the deeper base of long-term health research. The right choice depends on your space, your tolerance for heat and the experience you want.

Thinking about a sauna for your home? Explore our indoor saunas, browse the portfolio, or get in touch to talk through your space.