How to Choose and Install an Outdoor Sauna

Heat bathing is an old practice that is still going strong. Outdoor saunas are becoming increasingly popular worldwide as more and more people are drawn to this relaxing and refreshing activity. 

Thank goodness it's now very easy to buy and set up an outdoor sauna at home. Many builders and stores now sell outdoor saunas and sauna kits that are already put together and can be sent right to your door. You can buy the saunas on this list online. They come in easy-to-follow kits with simple tools that can be put together in a few hours. 

This guide tells you everything you need to know to buy and build a home sauna. After we review the basics, we will answer some of the most common questions and give you some advice based on our years of experience and knowledge.

How We Chose the Best Outdoor Saunas

When compiling this list, we aimed to provide a high-quality option for every kind of user. We explored a range of saunas, taking into account their prices, sizes, styles, and materials.

Size and capacity are important factors to consider when choosing a sauna. We have included options perfect for couples, families, or small groups. The simplicity of assembly also played a significant role in our decision-making process.

We also took into account additional features that shoppers may find appealing, like a stereo system, chromotherapy lights, or a traditional bucket with sauna rocks. In addition, we took into account the durability and weather resistance of each option. We aimed to provide a wide range of styles to cater to every user's needs, be it for their backyard, deck, or patio.

1. Sun Home Luminar™ Outdoor 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna

When it comes to outdoor infrared, the future has arrived. The 2024 Sun Home LuminarTM is the only outdoor infrared sauna in the world that is designed to be durable throughout all four seasons. It was awarded the title of finest outdoor sauna by Sports Illustrated.

High-quality carbonized wood is used in the construction of the insulated sauna, which helps to ensure that the temperature outside remains at the ideal level. Additionally, the next-generation outdoor sauna features a panoramic double-pane glass façade that allows for unrestricted views of the surrounding environment. 

• Ultra-low EMF/ELF protection and powerful full-spectrum infrared heating technology
• Carbonized wood that has been heat-treated for a longer life
• Mobile-app-enabled method for controlling
• A Bluetooth surround sound system with high-quality speakers built-in
• LED lights for medical-grade chromotherapy are included.

Read more at: Sun Home Luminar™ Outdoor 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna

2. Muskoka Outdoor Cube Sauna

Discover the Muskoka Outdoor Cube Sauna and immerse yourself in the rustic cottage lifestyle. The Muskoka Outdoor Cube is a truly one-of-a-kind and handcrafted piece of art that can take any house to the next level. There is a substantial amount of headroom available thanks to the straight walls, and the unit has a show-stopping look thanks to the gently rounded corners. 

In addition to being an excellent option for a luxury sauna, the Muskoka sauna is also an excellent addition to your property because it is the right combination of an amazing style and usage.

• Huum DROP commercial-grade electric heater Huum digital control panel 
• The control panel features a 60-minute timer plus a 10-minute to 12-hour delay timer.
• Tempered glass with two panes
• Outside and inside, real cedar wood
• The heater comes with volcanic stones.
• Light that is resistant to explosions
• Analog thermostat that is non-toxic
• bucket and ladle
• Doorknob made of wood
• Sandglass timer of superior quality
• For best comfort, choose a bench that is both wide and deep.
• Towel holder

Read More at: Muskoka Outdoor Cube Sauna

3. Panoramic Cedar Outdoor Sauna

Unlike any other sauna, the Panoramic Outdoor Sauna features a tinted acrylic dome window that offers a level of immersive viewability that has never been seen before in a sauna. An elevated home and garden can be achieved with the help of the Panoramic Outdoor Sauna, which is a one-of-a-kind and handcrafted piece of art. 

The barrel form not only increases the capacity for heating, but it also offers a look that is both distinctive and traditional. Because of its flawless design and use , the Panoramic sauna is an excellent option for a premium sauna and a valuable addition to your house. 

• An acrylic dome with a tint 
• Electric heater Huum DROP 6KW business grade 
• Digital control panel for Huum 
• Havia Xenio digital control panel 
• 6KW commercial-grade Huum DROP heater 
• The control panel features a 60-minute timer plus a 10-minute to 12-hour delay timer.
• Tempered glass with two panes
• Outside and inside, real cedar wood
• The heater comes with volcanic stones.
• Light that is resistant to explosions
• Analog thermostat that is non-toxic
• Bucket and ladle
• Doorknob made of wood
• Sandglass timer of superior quality
• For the best comfort, choose a bench that is both wide and deep.
• Towel holder

What are the Benefits of an Outdoor Sauna?

Benefits to one's physical and mental health can be gained from using an outdoor sauna. It is true that they are, first and foremost, a place to relax, but they are capable of providing a great deal more.

The release of beta-endorphins and norepinephrine, which are the body's natural painkillers, results in a sensation that is comparable to that of a runner reaching a high. When you are spending time in the outdoor sauna, your heart rate quickens, your breathing rate quickens, and your blood circulation rate increases.

On account of this, saunas are comparable to light exercise or a cardiovascular workout for your heart, which results in an improvement in your general health. Sauna sessions cause you to sweat, which in turn causes you to burn calories.

Benefits from saunas also include:

• Improved circulation
• Lowered blood pressure
• Stress relief
• Glowing skin
• Stronger immune system
• Muscle relaxation
• Improved mood

Materials Needed to Build an Outdoor Sauna

Your sauna will need several things. Depending on your layout and the site, the materials list will vary. First, I will list the necessary items:

1. 2 x 4’s for walls. (2x2s if your are building an internal sauna)
2. Rock Wool Insulation
3. Aluminum Breather membrane
4. Sauna Heater
5. Sauna heater rocks (olivine diabase)
6. Wood boards for internal and external siding
7. Wood for benches
8. Ventilation system
9. Accessories (e.g., bucket, ladle, thermometer, hygrometer)
10. Door with wooden handles
11. Chimney system (if going with wood heater)

Constructing your Outdoor Sauna

It's time to put on the toolbelt and get to work after getting the tools together. To begin, you should make a three-inch concrete block base. Next, frame the walls and roof with the salvaged wood. Be careful not to go over a seven-foot ceiling height. At the top, on the floor, and above the heater, there should be three air flow holes. Also, build a small drain in the floor.

Next, make a normal opening for the sauna that is two feet wide and six feet long. Build the top and lower chairs so that they are 18 or 24 inches deep. Before putting up a sauna aluminum foil air barrier, insulate the walls with R13 insulation and the roof with R22–R26 insulation. Then, use Western or Oregon wood to cover the inside. Cedar smells great, lasts a long time, and is better at handling heat than other woods.

Remember to cover and hide any nail heads because they let heat pass through them. For the wiring, make sure you hire a registered technician. Find out from your county if you need a building permit too.

Conclusion 

As you go through the process of using and enjoying your brand-new backyard sauna, you will come to the realization that your investment is not only beneficial in terms of functionality, but also peaceful and restorative. 

As a result of the many health advantages that are associated with saunas, both indoor and outdoor saunas will leave your body feeling revitalized after each and every peaceful session.

Due to the fact that outdoor saunas are available in a wide range of sizes and forms, it will not be difficult for you to discover a choice that is tailored to your specific requirements completely. 

When selecting your outdoor sauna, it is important to keep in mind that the main characteristics that differentiate the numerous outdoor saunas from one another are the design, the size, and the source of heat.