A Complete Guide to Outdoor Saunas: Benefits, Types & How to Choose the Right One

As well-being trends influence home improvement choices, outdoor saunas are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. The UK sauna market is expected to exceed £200 million by 2026 as people increasingly integrate health practices into everyday life. Residential installations account for 60 per cent of the market.

An outdoor sauna offers advantages over an indoor sauna, as it creates a dedicated destination and is often more spacious and visually integrated into the home environment. This guide discusses the benefits of different types of outdoor saunas and our very own guide to making a good choice for your investment.

The ‘3-Zone Framework for Choosing a Sauna’ helps simplify the decision-making process by breaking it down into three key areas. The Wellbeing Goals Zone focuses on what you want to get out of your sauna, whether that’s relaxation, recovery, or overall health. The Property Integration Zone looks at how the sauna will fit into your space, including size, climate, and visual appeal. Finally, the Lifestyle Commitment Zone considers how much time, budget, and maintenance you’re willing to commit. Taking all three into account helps ensure your sauna choice suits your needs and is something you’ll enjoy using long term.

What Health and Well-being Benefits Does Regular Sauna Use Offer?

Regular sauna use provides a range of health and well-being benefits, including cardiovascular health, stress relief, and muscle recovery. People who used the sauna frequently (4–7 times per week) had significantly lower risks of cardiovascular events in a 2018 meta-review.

A 2017 study of more than 1,600 Finnish men found that attending the sauna 2-3 times weekly reduces the risk of hypertension by 24%. That risk reduction increased to 46% for those attending the sauna 4–7 times weekly.

Cardiovascular Health: Sauna bathing promotes vasodilation, improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure, with regular use linked to lower risks of cardiovascular disease and sudden cardiac death.

Detoxification and Immune Support: Intense sweating helps the body eliminate toxins, while the heat stress can boost immune cell activity.

Mental Well-being: The relaxing environment of a sauna significantly reduces stress, improves mood, and contributes to better sleep quality.

Muscle Recovery and Pain Relief: Heat therapy aids in muscle relaxation, reduces post-exercise soreness, and can alleviate chronic pain for active individuals.

What Are the Main Types of Outdoor Saunas Available?

The market offers several outdoor sauna types, each with unique features catering to different preferences and property aesthetics. Residential saunas account for 60% of the UK market share, indicating a strong homeowner interest in diverse options.

The choice often depends on desired heat type, capacity, and architectural style.

Traditional Finnish Saunas: Wood-Fired and Electric Options

Traditional Finnish saunas provide an authentic, high-heat experience, typically operating between 70–100°C (160–212°F). These saunas are known for their intense heat and the ability to create “löyly” (steam) by pouring water over hot rocks.

Wood-Fired: A wood-fired oven offers a rustic experience with crackling fire and works independently of electricity. Wood sourcing and ash removal require additional maintenance. 

Electric: An electric stove offers convenience, quicker heating times (30-60 minutes), and accuracy with temperature settings. It needs a dedicated electrical circuit of 240V.

Infrared Saunas: How They Work and Who They’re Best For

Infrared saunas use advanced technology to heat the body directly with infrared light, rather than heating the air around it. They operate at lower temperatures, typically 49–60°C (120–140°F), making them suitable for individuals sensitive to high heat.

Direct Heat Penetration: Infrared heat penetrates deeper into body tissues, supporting circulation and muscle relaxation.

Energy Efficiency: They use less energy than conventional saunas and cost 60–75% less to run than traditional electric models.

Best For: Ideal for people seeking gentler heat, deep-tissue relief, or support for chronic pain and fatigue.

Barrel Saunas: Space-Efficient Design and Aesthetic Appeal

Barrel saunas are distinctive for their cylindrical shape, which minimises unused air space and allows for efficient heat distribution. Their unique design is also a significant aesthetic draw for outdoor spaces.

Efficient Heating: Round shape enhances convection for rapid and efficient heating.

Space-Saving: A compact design suitable for a variety of home sizes.

Aesthetic Appeal: A rustic design that blends naturally with outdoor landscapes.

Cabin-Style Saunas: Customisation and Capacity Options

Cabin-style saunas resemble small wooden huts and offer the most flexibility in terms of size, features, and customisation. They can be designed to match existing home architecture or serve as a standalone garden feature.

High Customisation: Layouts, configuration of benches, and placement of windows.

Greater Capacity: Can hold far more users, making them ideal for families or entertaining.

Versatility: It can be used with both traditional and infrared heating systems.

What Key Features Should You Consider When Choosing an Outdoor Sauna?

Selecting an outdoor sauna requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure it meets your specific needs and environmental conditions. 

Size and Capacity: Determine if the sauna is for solo relaxation, couples, or larger groups/entertaining.

Heating Method: Choose between wood-fired for a traditional experience, electric for convenience, or infrared for gentler, deeper heat.

Material Quality: Opt for woods like Western Red Cedar or Canadian Hemlock for natural weather resistance and durability; thermally modified woods offer enhanced stability.

Weather Resistance and Insulation: Ensure the sauna is built to withstand local climate conditions, with adequate insulation for energy efficiency and longevity.

What Are the Installation Requirements and Considerations for an Outdoor Sauna?

Installing an outdoor sauna involves several steps and associated costs beyond the unit purchase. 

Site Preparation: This includes creating a level foundation (gravel, concrete slab), ensuring proper drainage, and trenching for the electrical lines, if necessary. Costs usually vary between £300 and £1,500.

Electrical Needs: Traditional electric saunas demand a 240V connection to your home’s consumer unit (fuse board). An installation can cost from £500 up to £1,500. However, infrared saunas will just plug into a normal outlet or may need very little wiring. 

Permit Requirements and local authority (planning department) considerations: Check with your local building inspector and HOA. Most areas require building permits for permanent outdoor structures, especially if any electrical work is involved. Smaller units (around 10–11 m²) may not require structural permits. It is crucial to obtain clearance from your local building department and local authority (planning department).

How Can You Maximise Your Outdoor Sauna Experience?

Optimising your outdoor sauna experience involves more than just stepping inside; it requires understanding how to use it, the ambience, and safety. For cardiovascular health, experts recommend 15–20 minute sessions at 160–185°F, 4–7 times per week.

Beginners should start with shorter durations and lower temperatures.

Optimal Temperature and Duration: The correct temperature and timing may differ for various types of sauna. Regular sauna bath likely takes place at temperatures of 160–195°F (70–90°C) for about 10-20 minutes. Whereas infrared saunas are best used at 120–140°F (49–60°C) for 20–45 minutes.

Creating the Right Ambience: Use soft lighting, essential oils (if suitable for your sauna type), and comfortable accessories such as headrests and towels. Make sure to ventilate well for fresh air.

Seasonal Use Tips: Try contrast therapy in winter by taking a cold plunge after a sauna session. A focus on hydration is key to shorter sessions during summer.

Safety Considerations: Drink plenty of water before and after sessions. Don’t drink alcohol and see your doctor if you have health problems.

Conclusion: Making Your Outdoor Sauna Investment

Investing in an outdoor sauna can enhance both personal well-being and your home. The 3-Zone Sauna Selection Framework helps homeowners consider their well-being goals, property integration, and lifestyle commitment when choosing a sauna that adds lasting value to their property.

This is a collaborative post.