Bringing the authentic Finnish spa experience into your own garden is a dream for many. An outdoor sauna is not just a luxury; it is a dedicated wellness retreat that stands apart from the home, creating a physical and mental distance from daily chores and stresses. However, the market for garden saunas has exploded in recent years, offering a dizzying array of shapes, sizes, heating methods, and timber types.
Should you choose a rustic barrel or a modern cube? Is infrared better than a traditional stove? And what are the hidden costs of installation? This complete buyer’s guide will navigate you through the options, helping you find the perfect sauna to suit your space, your budget, and your health goals.
1. Choosing the Shape: Barrel, Cabin, or Pod?
The shape of your sauna isn’t just about aesthetics; it affects heating efficiency and comfort.
The Barrel Sauna:
This iconic cylindrical design is the most popular for a reason. Its round shape eliminates “dead corners” where heat can get trapped. This allows for excellent air circulation and faster heating times (often ready in 45 minutes). The curved walls also naturally shed rain and snow, making them incredibly durable in the UK climate.
The Cabin / Cube Sauna:
These offer a more traditional room-like feel with vertical walls. The main advantage is headroom; you can stand up fully throughout the space, and they often feature multi-level benching (upper and lower benches), which allows you to choose your heat intensity. They fit well in modern, landscaped garden settings.
The Sauna Pod:
Shaped like a raindrop or an igloo, pods offer more headroom than a barrel but retain some of the curved aesthetic. They often feel more spacious and are a great middle ground.
2. The Heating Source: Wood vs. Electric
This is the most critical decision you will make.
Wood-Fired Stove:
For purists, this is the only way. A wood stove provides a soft, humid heat and a crackling atmosphere that electricity cannot replicate. It requires no wiring, meaning you can place the sauna anywhere in the garden. However, it requires effort: chopping wood, lighting the fire, and cleaning ash. You also need to consider smoke regulations in your area.
Electric Heater:
The convenient choice. Flip a switch (or use a Wi-Fi app) 30 minutes before you want to bathe, and it’s ready. It holds a constant temperature perfectly. However, running a high-power electric cable (often requiring 3-phase power) to the bottom of the garden can be expensive to install.
3. Sizing: How Big Do You Need?
Saunas are measured by length.
2-Person (approx. 1.6m – 2m): Compact and heats up fast. Ideal for couples. Note that in a 1.6m barrel, you cannot lie down flat; you must sit.
4-Person (approx. 2.5m – 3m): The sweet spot. Allows two people to lie down fully on opposite benches or four people to sit. Often includes a small porch area for cooling down.
Family Size (4m+): These often include a changing room (vestibule) inside the structure. This is invaluable in winter, giving you a warm place to undress without exposing the hot room to freezing air every time the door opens.
4. Materials Matter: Spruce vs. Thermowood
The longevity of your sauna depends on the wood.
Nordic Spruce: The traditional, affordable choice. It is bright and smells fresh. However, raw spruce is susceptible to rot and warping if not treated regularly with oil or stain on the exterior.
Thermowood: This is timber that has been heat-treated at high temperatures. The process removes moisture and resin, making the wood incredibly stable, resistant to rot, and better at insulating. It has a darker, richer colour. While more expensive upfront, it lasts years longer with less maintenance.
5. The Real Costs
When budgeting, don’t just look at the kit price.
The Kit: A quality barrel sauna ranges from £3,000 to £8,000 depending on size and wood. Check current sauna prices here.
The Base: You need a flat, hard surface (concrete pads, paving slabs, or decking). Installing this can cost £200-£1,000.
The Electrician: If choosing an electric stove, running armoured cable and connecting it safely can cost £500-£1,500 depending on the distance from the house.
The Accessories: Buckets, ladles, thermometers, and backrests often add another £100-£200.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need planning permission for a garden sauna?
In the UK, outdoor saunas usually fall under “Permitted Development” if they are under 2.5m tall (at the eaves) and not in a front garden or listed building grounds. However, always check with your local council, especially if you live in a conservation area.
How much does it cost to run?
A wood-fired sauna costs the price of a bag of logs (approx. £5-£8 per session). An electric sauna (6-9kW) runs for about £1.50 – £3.00 per hour depending on current electricity rates.
Can I build it myself?
Yes, most saunas come as flat-pack kits. A barrel sauna can be assembled by two competent DIYers in a single day. You will need basic tools like a drill, hammer, and spirit level.
Conclusion
Buying an outdoor sauna is an investment in your health and your property. By choosing the right shape for your garden, the right heater for your lifestyle, and the right wood for longevity, you create a sanctuary that will serve you for decades. Take your time, measure your space, and get ready to sweat.