The Essential Outdoor Sauna Guide

Dec 27, 2025

Garden life feels better with Outdoor Saunas. This outdoor sauna guide gives the short answer: yes, they’re worth it for UK homes. From Finnish and infrared options to installation, garden fit, and year-round comfort, keep reading to see which sauna suits your space and lifestyle best.

Planning Your Garden Sauna Strategy

Creating a peaceful spot in your back garden is easier than ever with an outdoor sauna.
For UK homeowners, an outdoor sauna can enhance both lifestyle and property value. It offers a calm space to step away from daily pressures.

Adding a sauna to your garden works best with some upfront planning. Garden size, layout, access, and privacy all play an important role. These factors help determine the right sauna style and placement. This is especially important in typical UK outdoor spaces where room may be limited.

Light wooden barrel sauna with open door set in landscaped garden.

Choosing Your Sauna Type: Barrel, Cabin, or Infrared?

Outdoor saunas come in several popular formats.
Each option offers different benefits depending on space, budget, and heat preference.

Barrel Saunas: Best for Quick Heating and Air Circulation

Barrel saunas heat quickly due to their curved design.
This shape encourages efficient air circulation inside the sauna.

Their compact footprint makes them well suited to smaller UK gardens.
They are often chosen for simplicity and faster heat-up times.

Traditional Cabin Saunas: Maximising Interior Space and Views

Cabin-style saunas provide more usable interior space.
They also allow greater flexibility in bench layout.

Larger windows can be included, which works well in gardens with attractive views.
These saunas suit homeowners with more outdoor space available.

Infrared vs. Traditional Electric: Which Heat Is Right for You?

Traditional Finnish saunas deliver higher temperatures with lower humidity.
This creates intense heat that promotes deep sweating.

Infrared saunas warm the body directly rather than the surrounding air.
They operate at lower temperatures and are often more energy efficient.

Essential Site Prep: Foundations, Electricity, and Permits

Proper preparation ensures your outdoor sauna remains safe and efficient.
It also helps ensure compliance with UK regulations.

Groundwork: Concrete Pads vs. Paving Slabs vs. Timber Frames

A stable, level base is essential for any outdoor sauna.
Concrete pads offer long-term durability and strength.

Paving slabs provide flexibility and easier installation.
Timber frames can suit lighter sauna structures if correctly treated.

Power Requirements: 13-Amp Plug-and-Play vs. 32-Amp Hardwiring

Some smaller saunas operate using a standard 13-amp power supply.
Larger heaters usually require 32-amp hardwiring.

This work should always be carried out by a qualified electrician.
Correct installation is key for safety and performance.

Outdoor sauna pod beside hot tub and seating area in garden setting.

UK Planning Permission: The 2.5m Height Rule for Boundaries

Most outdoor saunas fall under permitted development.
This applies when height limits are respected.

In most cases, structures near boundaries must not exceed 2.5 metres.
Local council guidance should always be checked before installation.

Installation, Costs, and Ownership

Installing an outdoor sauna is a long-term investment.
Both upfront and ongoing costs affect overall value.

Budgeting for 2025: Purchase Price vs. Total Investment

Costs extend beyond the sauna unit itself.
Groundwork, electrical work, delivery, and installation should be considered.

Planning these expenses early helps avoid unexpected costs later.

Estimating Initial Costs: Budget Kits vs. Bespoke Builds

Budget sauna kits are more affordable and faster to install.
They are a popular option for first-time sauna owners.

Bespoke builds cost more but offer full customisation.
This includes size, materials, and internal layout.

Running Costs: Monthly Electricity vs. Firewood Expenses

Electric saunas offer predictable monthly running costs.
They are convenient and easy to manage.

Wood-fired saunas rely on a steady firewood supply.
These appeal to off-grid users seeking a traditional experience.

Outdoor wooden barrel sauna on raised deck beside modern house and garden.

Authentic Sauna Use and Maintenance Best Practices

Correct use and regular care protect performance and hygiene. They also help extend the sauna’s lifespan.

The Art of “Löyly”: Proper Ventilation and Steam Usage

Löyly refers to the steam created by pouring water over hot stones.
Good ventilation improves comfort and air quality.

Proper airflow also protects internal materials from excess moisture.

Annual Maintenance: Treating Exterior Wood and Heater Care

Weather-resistant woods such as cedar or spruce benefit from annual treatment.
This helps protect against the British climate.

Heater checks, stone replacement, and regular cleaning are essential.
These steps keep the sauna safe and enjoyable year-round.