What To Know Before Buying An Outdoor Sauna
An outdoor sauna sounds blissful—until it’s wedged into your garden like a hot wooden shed. Outdoor Saunas work best when size, materials, planning permission, power, weatherproofing, installation, and maintenance are right. Short answer: plan properly. Keep reading to avoid costly, sweaty regrets.
Essential Site Logistics and Technical Requirements
Getting an outdoor sauna can really improve your home and health. However, it’s important to think through a few practical details before you buy. This ensures the sauna fits your space, lifestyle, and budget.
Choosing the right outdoor sauna can feel overwhelming. There are many options, materials, and technical considerations. Understanding these early helps you make a confident, long-term decision.
Electrical Demand and Utility Planning
Before buying an outdoor sauna, it’s important to understand how it will be powered. Electric and wood-fired saunas have very different requirements. Planning this early helps avoid unnecessary delays or extra costs later.
13-Amp vs. 32-Amp: Understanding Your Power Supply Needs
Electric outdoor saunas require a suitable electrical connection. Smaller models may operate on a 13-amp supply. Larger heaters usually need a 32-amp connection.
A qualified electrician should always confirm what your property can safely support. This also ensures compliance with UK electrical regulations.
Trenching and Armoured Cable (SWA): Getting Power to Your Garden
If your sauna sits away from the house, power often needs to be run underground. This is typically done using armoured (SWA) cable. Trenching must be completed safely and correctly.
Professional installation helps ensure durability and long-term safety. It also prevents issues caused by moisture or ground movement.
WiFi and Smart Controls: Ensuring Connection for Remote Pre-Heating
Many modern outdoor saunas include smart controls or WiFi-enabled heaters. These allow you to pre-heat the sauna remotely. A stable connection is essential for this to work reliably.
Good signal coverage in the garden improves convenience and energy efficiency.
Foundation, Drainage, and UK Planning Laws
A proper base is essential for both safety and longevity. Planning rules and ground conditions should be considered before installation begins.
Base Options: Concrete Slabs vs. Compacted Gravel vs. Timber Decks
Outdoor saunas need a flat, stable foundation. Concrete slabs provide the most solid base. Compacted gravel offers good drainage and flexibility.
Timber decks can also work if they are reinforced. The right choice depends on sauna weight and garden conditions.
The 2.5m Height Rule: Staying Within Permitted Development Boundaries
Many outdoor saunas fall under permitted development rules. This usually applies if the structure is under 2.5 metres in height. It must also not be permanently fixed.
Local planning authorities can confirm whether permission is required. This is especially important in conservation areas.
Why “Natural Airflow” Under the Base Prevents Structural Rot
Allowing airflow beneath the sauna helps prevent trapped moisture. This reduces the risk of timber rot over time. Proper drainage is particularly important in the British climate.
A well-ventilated base supports long-term structural integrity.
Choosing the Right Materials and Long-Term Investment
Selecting the Best Wood and Heater Technology
The materials and heating system directly affect performance and maintenance. They also influence how the sauna feels during use.
Canadian Red Cedar vs. Thermowood: Durability for the British Climate
Canadian Red Cedar naturally resists rot and insects. This makes it a popular choice for outdoor saunas. It also has a distinctive, natural appearance.
Thermowood is heat-treated for added stability. It resists warping and performs well in damp UK conditions.
Traditional Wood-Fired vs. Electric vs. Infrared Heating Systems
Wood-fired saunas offer a traditional experience but require regular firewood and chimney maintenance. Electric heaters are easier to control and require less upkeep. They also provide consistent temperatures.
Infrared systems focus on gentle, direct heat. However, they offer a different experience to traditional sauna bathing.
Löyly and Stones: Why the Heater Type Dictates Your Experience
Löyly refers to the steam created by pouring water onto hot stones. This is a key part of the traditional sauna experience. Only wood-fired and electric stone heaters support this.
Infrared systems do not use stones. As a result, they do not produce löyly.
Calculating Total Cost and Maintenance Realities
Understanding the full cost helps avoid surprises. The purchase price is only one part of the investment.
The “Sticker Price” vs. Total Investment (Install, Base, Electrics)
The sauna itself is only the starting cost. Installation, electrical work, and foundations can add significantly. Optional upgrades may also affect the final price.
Planning for these costs upfront makes budgeting easier.
Monthly Running Costs: Energy Efficiency and Firewood Expenses
Electric saunas vary in running costs based on insulation and usage. Efficient heaters help keep energy bills manageable. Wood-fired saunas require ongoing firewood purchases.
Usage frequency also plays a role in monthly costs.
Annual Upkeep: Timber Treatment and Heater Maintenance Schedule
Regular maintenance protects your sauna from weather damage. Timber treatments help preserve the wood. Heater inspections ensure safe operation.
Seasonal checks are especially important in the UK climate. Proper upkeep extends the sauna’s lifespan.
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