An outdoor sauna is a freestanding structure that is designed to provide dry or wet heat sessions in an outdoor space to create an outdoor wellness retreat that is dedicated just for wellness and separate from the main home.
Whether you decide to go full traditional and use a wood-fired model, a modern infrared heater or the convenience of a prefabricated barrel sauna, an outdoor sauna can help you enjoy the healing properties of heat therapy, whilst also connecting you with nature.
Before making such an investment in an outdoor home sauna, it is important to know the different types, the sizing requirements, planning permissions, and options for heating to make sure you are buying the best unit for your climate and lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- Outdoor saunas are available in traditional, infrared, steam and barrel models
- You can purchase outdoor sauna kits or create your own outdoor sauna
- Climate is important- choices vary UK, Canada, Australia and Ireland
- A 2 person outdoor sauna is the most popular for home use
- Proper flooring, insulation and heater selection are crucial
- Outdoor sauna cost is widely varied depending on size, materials and heating type
What Is a Sauna?
Before we get into outdoor models it is good to answer a simple question what is sauna?
Sauna is a heated room that is used to increase the body temperature, promote sweating and circulation. Traditional saunas utilize hot stones and dry heat, whereas steam and infrared saunas work differently. A sauna bath has been used for centuries (especially in the Nordic cultures) for relaxation, detoxification, muscle recovery, and stress relief.
What Is an Outdoor Sauna?
An outdoor sauna is a freestanding building that is installed in a garden, backyard, deck or remote outdoor area. Unlike indoors, outdoor saunas are designed to endure weather conditions and can offer a more immersive and peaceful experience.
Types of Outdoor Saunas Explained
When you are browsing around for the best outdoor sauna, the first choice you will have to make is the method of heating.
1. Traditional Outdoor Saunas
These are what most people tend to imagine when they think of a sauna bath. These may be wood fired (with a wood burning stove) or electric.
- Pros: High Heat, Tends To Sweat A LOT, The ritual of adding water to stones (steam room effect if desired) and a true to scent aroma.
- Cons: Increased energy use (if electric) and the requirement for increased clearance safety distances for the stove.
2. Outdoor Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas have a lower temperature (typically between 50 degrees and 60 degrees Celsius) but have a deeper penetration into the body.
- Pros: More comfortable to breathe in for people who hate stifling heat while operating costs are often reduced, and usually plug into the standard outlets.
- Cons: They do not have that atmospheric steam and great heat that purists love.
3. Outdoor Steam Sauna
While less common in the typical backyard set up, an outdoor steam sauna is more of a steam room (100% humidity and reduced temperatures). This requires a dedicated steam generator that is capable of outdoor conditions.
4. The Outdoor Barrel Sauna
The outdoor barrel sauna is a favorite, for aesthetic as well as efficiency’s sake. Its barrel shape enables it to circulate the heat very quickly and shortens the heating time. It also has less internal volume to heat, and is therefore energy-efficient.
- Design: Usually made with cedar or spruce staves, similar to that of a barrel.
- Space: It is good for corner or space in the garden that is not being used.
5. Cabin Style Saunas
These look much like small cabins or sheds. They provide more usable floor space and vertical room, where upper and lower benches can be installed. Redwood outdoor sauna or a Western Red Cedar model are common materials in the construction of these structures because of their resistance to rot and heat.
DIY v Kits: How to Build an Outdoor Sauna
For the enthusiasts, the desire to build your own retreat is strong. You can search the Internet for many outdoor sauna plans pdf files that have blueprints, material lists and cut lists. Building from scratch allows you to have full control over dimensions and style.
However, for many, outdoor sauna kits are the sweet spot. These kits are provided with pre-cut lumber, pre-hung doors, windows, and the heater.
DIY Build vs. Buying a Kit
| Feature | DIY Build (Using Plans) | Outdoor Sauna Kits |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Generally lower material cost | Higher initial price, but saves labor hours |
| Time | Weeks to months | Days to a weekend |
| Skill Level | Advanced carpentry required | Moderate DIY skills required |
| Customization | Infinite | Limited to manufacturer options |
| Weatherproofing | You are responsible | Usually guaranteed by manufacturer |
If you go the DIY route, planning for a outdoor sauna construction is the first step in your research. Make sure that your plans include the outdoor sauna floor. The floor must be water-resistant and able to drain the water, in case you intend to throw water on the rocks. Concrete pavers or a wooden deck with good drainage are popular options.
Sizing Your Sauna, Small to Multi-Person
1. Small Outdoor Sauna & 2 Person Options
There is often a lot of space at a premium in backyards. A small outside sauna or an outside sauna 2 person model is ideal for couples or for individuals. These units fit very well onto patios or decks.
- Tip: When examining 2 person outdoor sauna, pay attention to the arrangement of the bench. Is it an L-shape? Does it fit two big adults comfortably?
- Regional Note: In the UK the 2 person outdoor sauna UK market is huge with many of them specially sized to fit small British gardens.
2. Larger Units
If you entertain a lot you may need a 4 6 person unit. However, do keep in mind that a larger sized sauna needs more time to heat up. An outdoor home sauna designed to serve a family should be sized so that the size and the heating capacity of the stove are in balance.
3. The Outdoor Sauna Foundation and Floor
One of the most neglected is the base. This is the outdoor sauna floor that bears the brunt of weight as well as the moisture.
- Crushed Stone/Gravel: Great for drainage beneath the sauna, but you still need a good platform to make the walls.
- Concrete Slab: The most durable option It forms an absolutely flat foundation.
- Pressure treated wood decking: Decking is very popular because of its appearance, but it needs to be level and sturdy.
Whether you are building a redwood outdoor sauna from scratch or assembling a kit, be sure your foundation is square and level.
4. Where To Buy; Discover an Outdoor Sauna Near Me
If you are looking for outdoor sauna for sale, you basically have three options:
- Big Box Retailers: Stores such as Costco are likely to stock seasonal inventory. An outdoor sauna Costco find can be a great deal and they usually concentrate on barrel kits or rudimentary infrared models. However, stock fluctuates and customization is poor.
- Specialty Retailers: These are online stores that are specialty sauna retailers. They have the best outdoor sauna choices such as high-end outdoor infrared sauna models and custom outdoor traditional sauna cabins.
- Local Builders: A search for “outdoor sauna near me” could result in some local carpenters that build custom-made units. This is often the most expensive route and results in a unique, site specific result.
Regional Considerations UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland
1. Outdoor Sauna UK & Ireland
The market for an outdoor sauna UK and outdoor sauna Ireland, is booming. The climate in these regions is actually ideal for saunas – there is nothing quite like sitting in 80C heat while it rains or snows outside.
- Regulations: Check local planning permission. In the UK, an outbuilding such as a sauna is normally covered by “permitted development”, although size and proximity to boundaries is a factor.
- Heating: Electric heaters are very common here, they are clean and efficient.
2. Outdoor Sauna Canada
With harsh winters, an outdoor sauna Canada purchase is almost a way of life. Canadians sometimes favor the outdoor barrel sauna as the wind will easily slide over the rounded form to retain heat.
- Insulation: If you have a cabin style sauna, make sure that it has proper roof and wall insulation (R-value) in Canada to retain heat in -20C weather.
3. Outdoor Sauna Australia
Unlike the latter, the outdoor sauna Australia market has different facets.
- Cool Down: Much Attention Paid to the Cool Down Period Many Australian owners install their saunas close to pools or beaches.
- Specific Models: The outdoor infrared sauna Australia market is strong due to the ability to use infrared in slightly warmer ambient temperatures without being stifling. However, the best practices in outdoor infrared sauna still recommend good ventilation.
Cost Analysis – Outdoor Sauna Kits & DIY Cost
The price of the outdoor sauna varies up and down wildly depending on size and materials.
Outdoor Sauna Estimated Cost Ranges (USD)
| Type | Size | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| DIY Build (Materials Only) | 2 Person | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Outdoor Sauna Kit (Basic) | 2 Person | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Outdoor Sauna Kit (Premium) | 4 Person | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| Pre-built/Mobile Unit | 2-4 Person | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| Custom Build (Labor + Materials) | Any | $10,000+ |
Note: Prices vary according to wood selection (Cedar vs. Spruce vs. Redwood) and heater selection (Wood vs. Electric vs. Infrared).
Maintenance and Care
To keep your outdoors sauna looking great:
Wood Treatment If the exterior is untreated, put on a UV protectant stain every year to prevent graying. If you like the silvered look allow it to weather naturally.
- Cleaning: Vacuum the benches on a regular basis. To wash the floor using mild soap and water.
- Heater Maintenance: For wood stoves, have the chimney cleaned annually of creosote. For electric heaters, dust the elements on a periodic basis.
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FAQs
Do I need a permit for an outdoor sauna?
In many locations, the home outdoor sauna is classified as a temporary building or an outbuilding. However, you must always check local zoning laws. In the outdoor sauna UK market, for example, there are different laws about placement and height.
Can I place a sauna on a deck?
Yes, but the deck has to be able to support the weight. A 2 person outdoor sauna can be 500-800 lbs. or weigh more. You also have to shield the deck from the runoff of moisture.
What is the best wood for an outdoor Sauna?
Western Red Cedar and Hemingway are the most popular. A redwood outdoor sauna is further excellent but could be more costly. These woods are rot and warp resistant in high heat.
Is it better to have infrared saunas outdoors?
An outdoor infrared sauna is good to use outside but needs to be rated for outdoor use. The cabin must be well-insulated in order to retain the heat inside because the infrared heaters do not heat the air as aggressively as traditional stoves do.
Is it cheaper to build my own or a kit?
If you have the tools and experience a DIY build using plans for outdoor sauna construction can be cheaper. However, for most people, the best value is outdoor sauna kits, due to the lower labor time and precision cut parts.
Where can I get something cheap?
Sometimes browsing an outdoor sauna Costco listing or browsing second-hand marketplaces may produce deals. However, beware of the quality of heaters on cheaper unbranded kits.
Final Thoughts
Investing in an outdoor sauna is investing in your health and your property. Whether you are in the market for a small outdoor sauna to fit into a cosy corner or the best outdoor sauna that money can buy, the market has never been more diverse.
Take your time to be able to assess your space. Do you need a do-it-yourself outdoor sauna project to keep yourself busy or do you need the quick assembly of a kit? Are you the type of person seeking the extreme heat of a conventional unit or the mild warmth of the outdoor infrared sauna best models?
No matter which way you go – from the snowy gardens of outdoor sauna Canada to the sunny backyards of outdoor infrared sauna Australia – the result is the same: a personal haven of heat and relaxation right in your backyard.
