Can you put a sauna in an apartment?
Yes, and thousands of people do. The constraints are power, weight, moisture, noise and your lease. Here's how to work through each, and which saunas fit.
What works in an apartment
| Option | Price | Power | Weight | Footprint | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sauna blanket | $350-$700 | Standard outlet | 15-25 lb | Rolls up in a closet | Easiest option; one person |
| Portable infrared pod or tent | $600-$2,300 | Standard outlet | 20-40 lb | Folds flat | Head out, sit on a stool |
| 1-person infrared cabin | $1,500-$4,000 | Standard outlet | 250-350 lb | About 36 x 36 x 75 in | Permanent-feeling but moveable |
| 2-person infrared cabin (120V) | $2,500-$7,000 | Standard outlet, dedicated circuit ideal | 350-500 lb | About 48 x 42 x 77 in | The most popular apartment sauna |
| Traditional sauna | $4,000+ | 240V | 500+ lb | Large | Rarely practical in a rental |
The five things to check
Power
Stick to 120V models. One- and two-person infrared cabins from Sun Home, Sunlighten, Peak and JNH all plug into a normal outlet. Ideally use an outlet on its own circuit so you don't trip breakers when the microwave runs. No 240V work is possible in most rentals.
Weight and floors
A 2-person cabin weighs 350-500 lb spread over about 14 square feet, roughly 30-35 lb per square foot. That's within what residential floors are designed for (40 lb/sq ft live load), and less than a loaded bookshelf or a waterbed. Upper floors in wood-frame buildings are fine; if you're unsure, place it near a load-bearing wall.
Moisture
Infrared saunas run dry (no water, no steam), so humidity is a non-issue for the room. You will sweat onto the bench, so wipe it down and leave the door open afterward. Don't bring a steam tent indoors without a plan for the condensation; they're happier on a balcony or in a bathroom.
Noise and smell
Infrared cabins are nearly silent apart from a small fan or the Bluetooth speakers. New cedar smells strongly for the first few weeks; hemlock, basswood and eucalyptus cabins have little scent if you or a neighbour is sensitive.
Your lease and your landlord
A plug-in sauna is an appliance, like a treadmill, and most leases don't prohibit it. Check for clauses on heat-producing appliances or anything "permanently installed." Nothing is drilled into the walls or floor; cabins click together and come apart for moving. If you're on good terms, a quick heads-up avoids surprises.
Getting it in the door
Cabins ship flat-packed on a pallet. The biggest panel is typically the back wall or roof, 6 feet by 4 feet or so. Measure your front door, hallway corners, elevator and stairwell turns before ordering. Delivery is usually curbside; getting a 400 lb pallet up three flights is on you, so budget for a helper or ask about white-glove delivery.
Where to put it
Bedroom corners, home offices and walk-in closets are the common spots. You need about 6 inches of clearance behind for airflow, room for the door to swing, and a ceiling at least a couple of inches taller than the cabin (most are 75-78 inches). A bathroom works if it's large enough; the fan helps with the post-session humidity from you, not the sauna.
Our picks for apartments
- Cheapest: MiHIGH blanket, $349.
- Best portable: Relax Sauna pod; 170°F, packs away.
- Best 2-person 120V cabin: Sun Home Equinox II or Peak's 2-person; both tester favourites. See best 2-person saunas.
Moving to a house later? Infrared cabins disassemble in an hour and reassemble just as fast; it's a real advantage over a built-in.