🧖♂️ The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Saunas
Thinking about adding a sauna to your home but unsure whether to place it inside or out? This complete guide breaks down everything you need to know about backyard saunas—styles, benefits, heating options, maintenance tips, and more.
🔥 What is an Outdoor Sauna?
Outdoor saunas are specially designed to handle weather conditions and temperature changes while offering a peaceful wellness retreat in your backyard. They promote relaxation, detoxification, and recovery—plus the added benefit of fresh air, beautiful scenery, and spacious layouts.
🏡 Popular Outdoor Sauna Styles
Whether you want rustic charm or modern minimalism, there's an outdoor sauna style for every taste:
-
Barrel Sauna: Fast heat-up time, efficient airflow, and timeless design.
-
Pod Sauna: Unique teardrop look with more headroom and a cozy, modern vibe.
-
Luna Sauna: Sleek, square frame with 2-tier benches and large windows.
-
Kota & Cabin Styles: Durable, traditional cabins—perfect for families or entertaining.
🔧 Heat Source Options
Choose your heating method based on experience and goals:
-
Traditional Steam: Uses wood-burning or electric heaters. Add water to hot stones for that authentic steam.
-
Infrared Heating: Heats your body directly at lower temperatures. Ideal for detox, joint relief, and more gentle sessions.
🪵 Best Woods for Outdoor Saunas
Thermally modified wood is the gold standard—super durable, rot-resistant, eco-friendly, and great for extreme climates. It holds up better than untreated cedar or hemlock over the years.
👥 Sauna Sizes for Every Setup
-
1-Person: Compact and perfect for solo relaxation.
-
2–4 Person: Ideal for couples or small families.
-
6–8 Person: Host friends or larger households with comfort and space.
📍 Why Choose an Outdoor Sauna?
-
Frees up space inside your home
-
Enhances your backyard with spa vibes
-
Adds resale value to your property
-
Pairs beautifully with a cold plunge or swimming pool
🧼 Sauna Maintenance Tips
Before Each Use:
-
Shower and clean your feet
-
Sit on a towel to protect benches
Monthly Cleaning:
-
Wipe wood with warm water and baking soda
-
Vacuum or sweep floors
-
Lightly sand scuff marks if needed
Exterior Care:
-
Use UV-protecting stain or penetrating oil
-
Low-pressure wash as needed
Heater & Stones:
-
Wipe stones after heavy use
-
Replace cracked stones
-
Check screws, latches, and vents seasonally
🚫 Who Should Avoid Sauna Use?
-
Pregnant individuals (consult your physician)
-
People with POTS or unstable blood pressure
-
Anyone on medications that inhibit sweating or raise heat sensitivity
✅ Final Takeaway
Investing in an outdoor sauna is one of the best choices for your health, home, and daily relaxation. Whether you prefer the authentic feel of a steam sauna or the modern convenience of infrared, there’s a perfect setup waiting for you.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.