For Finns, a sauna is more than just a place to wash — it's a place for relaxation, socializing and tradition. It's no wonder that sauna renovation is one of the most common home improvement projects in Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and all over Uusimaa. A well-planned and executed sauna renovation extends the life of the space, improves comfort and increases apartment value.
In this article we'll go through everything involved in a successful sauna renovation — step by step from planning to material choices, lighting, maintenance and current trends. If you need help with other renovation work such as bathroom renovation or toilet renovation, contact our experts.
Meaning and tradition of sauna
The sauna has centuries of tradition in Finland. Previously, the sauna was a place not only for washing but also for childbirth and treating the sick. Today, the sauna is primarily a space for wellbeing and relaxation, but its cultural significance remains strong.
This is also reflected in the demand for sauna renovations: almost every Finn wants a sauna in their home, and even small one-room apartments are built with their own steam rooms. Renovation can combine traditions and modern solutions — for example, the natural warmth of wood combined with glass walls and atmospheric lighting. Often bathroom renovation and sauna renovation are done simultaneously.
Why renovate your sauna?
Sauna structures and surfaces are constantly under heavy stress: heat, humidity and repeated use quickly wear out materials. On average, a sauna needs renovation every 15–25 years, but individual needs can vary depending on usage habits.
Renovation is not just about updating appearance — it's also about safety and durability. Proper vapor barrier, appropriate insulation and careful installation prevent moisture damage and ensure the sauna stays healthy for decades. At the same time, renovation can make the sauna more personal and tailored to the user's wishes.
Sauna renovation steps
1. Creating budget and plan for sauna renovation
The first step is to define the budget and create a realistic plan. Sauna renovation costs are affected by materials, scope of work and possible additional structures such as glass walls or special lighting. At the planning stage, it's also important to consider whether to keep some of the old equipment or renew everything at once.
2. Material choices: panels, benches and heater
Materials play a decisive role in both the appearance and service life of the sauna. Wood panels, benches, stone surfaces and lighting together form a whole. Nowadays, thermally treated woods (e.g., thermally treated aspen, thermally treated pine) are very popular, but more unusual solutions such as charcoal-black panels or combinations of wood and stone are also used.
Bench ergonomics and design are important for comfort. Options range from traditional straight bench sets to custom-made complete solutions.
3. Execution and demolition work
The actual renovation begins with demolition work, where old panels, benches and possible insulation are removed. At this stage, the condition of structures is also checked. During work, other spaces should be protected from dust and moisture, and demolition waste should be properly recycled.
Installation proceeds step by step: insulation, vapor barriers, paneling, benches, lighting and finally the heater. If the sauna has a bathroom, tile installation is done professionally. Professional execution ensures all structures remain tight and safe.
4. Commissioning and finishing
When the sauna is ready, it's important to check that all technology works flawlessly. Heater connections, lighting solutions and ventilation should be tested before the first sessions. Finally, surface treatments and protective treatments are done that make maintenance easier in the future.
Trends and styles in sauna renovation
In recent years, several trends have appeared in sauna interior design:
- Dark tones and black panels bring a modern look.
- Glass walls and doors make the sauna more spacious and connect it to the bathroom.
- Indirect lighting and fiber optic lights create a spa-style atmosphere.
- Design heaters have emerged alongside traditional models, combining efficiency and aesthetics.
However, traditional solutions haven't been abandoned — many still want light aspen paneling and classic stepped benches that create a bright and traditional sauna look.
Most popular materials and solutions
- Panels: aspen, thermally treated aspen, thermally treated alder, spruce, radiate pine. Panels can also be tinted, for example white or black.
- Benches: ready-made bench solutions or custom-made work. A large lower bench with heater recess is a popular solution in small saunas.
- Glass walls and doors: bring space and modern look but require a more powerful heater.
- Stones and tiles: natural stone and tiling provide contrast to wood surfaces.
- Lighting: LED and fiber optic lights create atmosphere, and dimmable lights increase practicality.
Modern lighting solutions for sauna
Good lighting is irreplaceable in a sauna. Combine general lighting, task lighting and atmospheric lighting. LED lights and fiber optic lights create a spa-style atmosphere, and dimmable lights increase practicality.
Housing association and cottage sauna renovations
Sauna renovations aren't limited to just single-family homes and apartment buildings. Housing association common saunas and cottage saunas often require special expertise. If the renovation also involves kitchen renovation, it's done simultaneously.
In a housing association, renovation should be planned carefully considering the needs of the entire community, and often it's a larger project where multiple saunas are renovated at once. In cottage environments, on the other hand, closeness to nature, wood-fired heaters and durable materials that withstand variable weather conditions are emphasized.
Ecological solutions and energy efficiency
More and more people planning renovations are also paying attention to eco-friendliness. In sauna renovation, this is reflected, for example:
- In energy-efficient heaters that consume less electricity.
- In thermally treated wood materials with long service life.
- In recycling, as old benches and panels can be used, for example, as firewood.
- In LED lighting that consumes less energy and lasts long.
Ecological solutions reduce environmental impact and often also save money in the long run.
Sauna renovation duration and costs
Sauna renovation timeline depends on the scope of work. A professional simple sauna renewal can be completed in about a week, but if the renovation also includes bathroom or changing room renovation, the project takes longer.
Costs are affected by material choices, glass solutions and the heater. At the cheapest, renovation can be done with basic solutions, but individual design benches and special lighting can significantly increase the price. However, costs can be reduced with tax deduction.
Maintenance and upkeep
After renovation, the sauna's service life increases significantly when properly maintained.
- Washing benches and oil treatment 1–2 times a year.
- Heater stone replacement depending on use, at least every 1–2 years.
- Panel cleaning with water without strong chemicals.
- Regular ventilation checks.
- In summer, maintenance tasks such as bench drying and treatment work best outdoors.
Summary
Sauna renovation is an investment that brings both value and wellbeing to your home. With the right material choices, careful planning and regular maintenance, a sauna will last for decades even under heavy use. Whether in Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa or elsewhere in Uusimaa, renovation can be done in many different styles — from traditional to modern, from minimalist to luxury.
When the sauna is renovated properly, it becomes again a place where you can relax, enjoy the steam and continue the Finnish sauna tradition at its best. If you need help with other renovation work, contact our experts.
Need sauna renovation in your city? Check out our services: Sauna Renovation Helsinki, Sauna Renovation Espoo, Sauna Renovation Vantaa or general sauna renovation information.