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How to Pay for a Home Sauna Kit

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How to Pay for a Home Sauna Kit

Buy your sauna in early spring and split the $3,000 cost into monthly chunks without adding interest to the bill.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $3,000 before anything else
Across the 0% window $166.67/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $3,000 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Walking into your backyard for a steam changes how you sleep and how your joints feel. Setting one up takes a weekend of work, but getting it delivered in early spring means you have it ready before the summer heat hits. Most kits arrive as a flat-pack on a pallet, so you just need a level spot and some basic tools.

Prices for decent cedar kits hover around $3,000. We want to buy during the late winter or early spring sales when manufacturers clear out last year's stock. Get at least three quotes from different suppliers because shipping costs for heavy wood vary wildly depending on where the warehouse is located.

The 0% rate is a timed window, not a gift. If you still have a balance after the 18 months, the standard interest rate kicks in on whatever is left, which makes the sauna much more expensive.

The steps

  1. 01

    Clear the ground

    Find a level spot in your yard. You might need a concrete pad or a sturdy deck to support the weight. Check your local building codes to see if you need a permit for a small outdoor structure.

  2. 02

    Compare the shipping

    Prices look similar until you add freight. One company might charge $500 for delivery while another includes it. Ask for the total price to your driveway before you commit.

  3. 03

    Use the 18-month window

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you turn a $3,000 kit into payments of $166.67 a month. You get the unit now without paying interest for a year and a half.

  4. 04

    Hire an electrician

    Most saunas need a dedicated 220v line. Call two or three pros in early spring before they get busy with air conditioning repairs. Have them wire the spot before the kit arrives.

  5. 05

    Assemble with help

    Do not try to build this alone. Use a friend to help hold the walls while you screw them in. Taking two days instead of one prevents mistakes that lead to heat leaks.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Does a sauna use a lot of electricity?

It depends on how often you use it. Most people see an increase of $20 to $40 on their monthly bill if they run it three times a week.

Can I put a sauna on grass?

No, the wood will rot and the ground will shift. You need a stable base like pavers, crushed stone, or a concrete slab to keep the structure level.

What is the best wood for an outdoor sauna?

Western Red Cedar is the standard because it handles heat and moisture without warping. Hemlock is a cheaper alternative but it usually does not last as long outdoors.

Do I need a floor drain?

For a standard backyard kit, you do not need a floor drain. You just need to wipe down the benches after use to keep the wood clean.