Home saunas are among the top trending home upgrades for US homeowners and I am sure it won’t be long before that hits the UK! What was once just Americans living in northern states such as Wisconsin and Minnesota, saunas are now gaining popularity across the US and the home sauna market is expected to be worth more than $340 million by 2030.
Home saunas are available in a range of styles, including barrel saunas, pod saunas and square saunas. But by far the most popular style is the cabin sauna, a classic Scandinavian design typically made of cedar, spruce or aspen that will blend in to any garden or outdoor space. Here are five reasons you need a cabin sauna in your life.
1) Cabin sauna kits are so affordable
If you thought a home sauna would be prohibitively expensive, think again. Prebuilt cabin sauna kits from recognized US retailers are extremely affordable, and can be bought and installed for about a quarter the cost of having one designed and built on a bespoke basis.
Prebuilt kits are designed with DIY home assembly in mind, but it is important to keep a few key points in mind:
- You will need some basic tools such as a drill, hammer, screwdrivers and so on.
- You will also need to know how to use them. Assembling a sauna is within the scope of someone with DIY skills but probably not the best first project for a complete novice.
- Even if you are skilled at DIY, it is best to enlist the help of an assistant as some of the components are large and awkward.
- Remember that electrical installation should be delegated to a licensed professional to stay safe and legal.
2) A cabin sauna provides a sanctuary from the outside world
Research by Gallup has revealed that modern day life is more stressful than ever. Almost 50 percent of Americans reported feeling stressed in the latest surveys, compared with 33 percent 20 years ago. A similar percentage said they have trouble sleeping.
The heat from a sauna triggers the release of endorphins, the “feel good” hormones. It also eases tension in the muscles. These factors combine to relieve stress and help improve both quality and quantity of sleep.
3) Health and wellness benefits
As well as helping your psychological wellbeing, time spent in a cabin sauna can help your physical health. Regular sauna use has been linked to a whole host of wellness benefits including the following:
- Detoxification through sweating
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Stronger immune system
- Easing inflammation
- Pain relief
A sauna is not a panacea, but when used in conjunction with other therapies and in accordance with medical advice, it can help alleviate many medical conditions, including respiratory conditions, arthritis, fibromyalgia and eczema.
4) Distraction-free family time
In the digital age, family time often involves people sitting in the same room but all focused on their own electronic devices. Getting together in the sauna presents an opportunity for genuine quality family time without any distractions or smartphone notifications.
Saunas are traditionally places for bonding with family and friends, and this is a valuable routine to introduce in your household when you have a cabin sauna in the back yard. It’s the perfect way to connect, share stories and enjoy each other’s company.
5) Improve your home’s marketability
A decade ago, a home sauna would have been considered an unusual home upgrade with niche appeal, especially outside the northern US states. However, that is no longer the case as sauna culture has spread across the nation. In consequence, installing a home sauna can be a shrewd investment when the time comes to sell your home.
That’s not to say it will necessarily increase the market value of your property. However, it will undoubtedly give your home an edge over similar properties on the market and could be the factor that helps you to achieve a faster sale.
