Short answer: a hand-built cedar outdoor sauna from Metch's costs $12,900 to $22,500 plus tax, depending on size and whether it has a porch or a change room. That price includes a Harvia wood stove, cedar inside and out, insulated walls, one window, and delivery fully assembled within 30 miles of Bemidji, Minnesota.
Metch's sauna prices
| Model (ft) | Standard layout | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 6.5 × 9 | 2 ft front porch | $12,900 |
| 6.5 × 12 | 4 ft front porch | $15,000 |
| 6.5 × 16 | 5–6 ft change room + 2–3 ft deck | $19,500 |
| 8 × 12 | 4 ft front porch | $16,500 |
| 8 × 14 | 4 ft change room + 2 ft deck | $21,000 |
| 8 × 16 | 4–5 ft change room + 2–3 ft deck | $22,500 |
All prices plus sales tax. See full model details.
What drives the cost of a sauna
1. Size
More square footage means more cedar, more insulation and more labor. Going from a 6.5 ft to an 8 ft width adds bench length and headroom for a bigger group; going longer adds room for a porch or a change room.
2. Porch or change room
An open porch is the simplest add. An enclosed change room is essentially a second small room with its own walls, door and benches, which is why the change-room models (6.5 × 16, 8 × 14 and 8 × 16) sit at the top of the range.
3. Heater
A Harvia wood stove is included in every price. Upgraded wood stoves and water jackets add cost. Electric heaters, available on the two smallest models, also need a dedicated circuit run by your electrician, which is a separate cost.
4. Options and finish
Extra windows, lighting, exterior stain, an attached woodshed, a shingle roof, storage benches and shelving are all priced individually. Your quote lists each one so you can decide what is worth it.
5. Delivery distance
Delivery is free within 30 miles of Bemidji. Farther than that, we charge a distance-based delivery fee and include it in your quote before anything is built.
Custom-built vs. kit vs. DIY
Kits and DIY builds can look cheaper on paper, but the comparison is only fair once you count everything:
- Kit: you still buy or supply the stove, chimney, foundation and sometimes insulation, then spend days or weeks assembling it. Many kits are thinner-walled and built for milder climates.
- DIY from scratch: lumber, cedar paneling, insulation, foil vapor barrier, roofing, door, window, stove, chimney kit and hardware add up quickly, and the build takes most people a full season of weekends.
- Custom-built (Metch's): one price covers materials, labor, the installed stove and delivery. It arrives finished, insulated for Minnesota winters, and ready to fire.
Costs to budget for beyond the sauna
- Site prep. A level, well-drained base such as compacted gravel or pavers, plus clear access for a trailer.
- Permits. Check with your township, city or county, especially near lakeshore.
- Electrical, only if you choose an electric heater or add lighting.
- Sales tax on the sauna price.
Ongoing costs
A wood-fired sauna runs on firewood, and a well-insulated room uses less of it. Beyond that, upkeep is light: keep the interior clean and dry, and refresh exterior stain every few years if you want to keep the cedar's color.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Metch's sauna cost?
Our six standard models run from $12,900 plus tax for a 6.5 × 9 with a 2 ft porch up to $22,500 plus tax for an 8 × 16 with a change room and deck. Prices include cedar inside and out, an installed Harvia wood stove, and free delivery within 30 miles of Bemidji. Custom sizes and upgrades are quoted individually.
What costs should I plan for beyond the sauna itself?
Sales tax, delivery beyond 30 miles of Bemidji, and a level spot to set the sauna. If you choose an electric heater, you will also need an electrician to run power to it. Wood-fired saunas need nothing but firewood.
Do you deliver outside Bemidji?
Yes. Delivery is free within 30 miles of Bemidji. Beyond that we deliver across Minnesota for a distance-based fee, which we include in your quote.
