Glass-front sauna with refined lighting and steam

Sauna FAQs

Common Questions About Custom Sauna Design & Installation

Answers to the questions clients often ask before starting a custom, modular, indoor, outdoor, or infrared sauna project.

A sauna project comes with a lot of decisions — from cost and timeline to materials, heaters, electrical, ventilation, and whether custom or modular is the right fit. This page is here to help you understand the basics before starting the conversation.

Serving Boise Metro, Idaho & Eastern Oregon

Before You Begin

The right sauna starts with the right questions.

Every sauna project is different. The best solution depends on the space, the intended use, the budget, the timeline, and the overall experience you want to create.

Les Bois Sauna & Leisure helps clients think through these details before recommending a path forward — whether that means a fully custom sauna, a modular sauna, an infrared solution, an outdoor sauna, or a broader wellness space.

Quick Answers

Start here — the four questions clients ask first.

Short answers to the most common starting points. Scroll on for the full set of design, installation, and material questions.

  • How much does a sauna cost?

    Most residential sauna projects range from $15,000–$50,000+, depending on size, materials, heater selection, glass, lighting, and whether the sauna is custom-built or modular.

  • Custom or modular?

    Custom saunas offer the most flexibility. Modular saunas can be a smart option for faster timelines and lower overall investment.

  • Traditional or infrared?

    Traditional saunas heat the air with a heater and stones. Infrared saunas use radiant heat panels to warm the body directly at lower temperatures.

  • Indoor or outdoor?

    Saunas can be designed for bathrooms, basements, gyms, wellness rooms, backyards, pool areas, rooftops, hospitality spaces, and more.

Questions + Answers

Sauna Design & Installation FAQs

Use the list below as a starting reference. If your question isn’t covered here, we’ll walk through the specifics of your project during a consultation.

  • Yes. Les Bois Sauna & Leisure is based in Boise and designs and installs custom indoor, outdoor, infrared, and modular saunas throughout the Boise Metro and the Treasure Valley, including Eagle, Meridian, Caldwell, Middleton, Kuna, and Nampa. We also serve Idaho and select high-end residential and commercial projects throughout Idaho and Eastern Oregon.

  • We regularly work on projects across the greater Boise Metro — Boise, Eagle, Meridian, Caldwell, Middleton, Kuna, and Nampa — as well as throughout Idaho. If you are outside the immediate metro, reach out and we can let you know whether your project is a fit.

  • For Boise-area projects, modular sauna installations are typically completed in 1–2 days once the unit arrives on site. Custom indoor and outdoor saunas usually take several days to about two weeks of on-site installation, with overall project timelines driven by design approvals, material lead times, and the readiness of the space.

  • Most residential sauna projects range from $15,000–$50,000+, depending on size, materials, heater selection, glass, lighting, and whether the sauna is custom-built or modular. We offer solutions for a wide range of budgets and help clients determine the best fit for their goals.

  • It depends on your space, budget, and timeline. Custom saunas allow us to maximize every inch of space and create a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Modular saunas are a great option for clients looking for a faster installation timeline and a lower overall investment while still achieving an incredible sauna experience.

  • Traditional saunas heat the air around you using a heater and stones, creating the authentic Finnish sauna experience. Infrared saunas use radiant heat panels that warm the body directly at lower temperatures. Traditional saunas typically reach higher temperatures and allow for steam by pouring water over the stones.

  • Absolutely. Many of our projects are installed inside primary bathrooms, home gyms, basements, wellness rooms, and dedicated spa spaces.

  • Yes. Outdoor saunas are one of the fastest-growing wellness trends and can be installed in backyards, pool areas, rooftops, hospitality spaces, and wellness facilities.

  • Yes. Many modular saunas are specifically designed for indoor installation and work well in gyms, spare rooms, wellness rooms, and basements.

  • Yes. We offer outdoor modular sauna options that are designed to withstand the elements while providing a premium sauna experience.

  • Most modular sauna installations can be completed in 1–2 days once materials arrive. Custom projects vary depending on complexity, but installation typically ranges from several days to two weeks. Overall project timelines depend on design approvals, material lead times, and site readiness.

  • The most common sauna woods include cedar, hemlock, aspen, and thermo-aspen. Each offers a different look, feel, and budget. We help clients select the right material based on aesthetics, performance, maintenance, and overall project goals.

  • The best heater depends on the size of the sauna, desired experience, and budget. We regularly work with premium manufacturers including HUUM, IKI, and Harvia, and help clients select the right heater for their specific project.

  • Most saunas require a dedicated electrical circuit. Requirements vary depending on the heater size and sauna type. We coordinate directly with homeowners, builders, electricians, and contractors to ensure everything is properly specified.

  • Yes. Proper ventilation is one of the most overlooked parts of a successful sauna. Good airflow improves comfort, heater performance, and overall longevity of the sauna.

  • Not always, but it depends on the location. Indoor saunas located in bathrooms, wellness areas, or wet environments may require waterproofing considerations. We review these requirements during the design process.

  • In many cases, yes. We regularly design saunas for existing spaces and can often find creative solutions that homeowners may not have considered. A consultation helps determine the best use of the available space.

  • Traditional saunas typically operate between 160°F and 195°F, depending on user preference and heater type. Infrared saunas generally operate at lower temperatures, usually between 120°F and 150°F.

  • Very little. Regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and occasional inspections of the heater and controls are usually all that is required. High-quality sauna materials are designed to perform for many years with minimal maintenance. If something happens, our team can provide service support.

  • Absolutely. Many of our projects involve collaboration with builders, architects, interior designers, developers, and project managers. We enjoy being part of the team and helping ensure the sauna integrates seamlessly into the overall project.

Still Have Questions?

Have a Sauna Question We Didn’t Answer?

Tell us about your space, goals, and vision. We’ll help you understand what is possible, what details matter, and the best next step for your project.