Best Outdoor Sauna Kits: How to Choose the Right Size, Style, and Setup
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Quick Summary
This blog is all about how to select your outdoor sauna kit by size, style, heater and site. It looks at how the glass, the size of the room and the layout of the room will all have an impact on what you need. It shows you what you should decide on prior to ordering so that everything goes smoothly on delivery day
Introduction
Shopping for the best outdoor sauna kits is a bit of a muddle really. You've got barrels, you've got cubes, you've got cabins and you've got pods all promising you a great little retreat in the garden. The problem is they all vary massively in headroom, footprint, glass area and the amount of site work involved. This guide is all about the key decisions you need to make. Who is the sauna for? What style will work in your garden? What heater is right for the room? What site work will you need to do prior to delivery? Use it to shortlist your options before you go wandering through the various outdoor sauna kits at Heatison
Match the Best Outdoor Sauna Kits to Your Group Size
Start with how many people are going to be in the sauna at any one time. The manufacturers will give you a capacity figure in terms of seated adults but that's not necessarily the real answer as bench depth, bench height and floor space all have an effect on actual comfort. Look at the interior dimensions on each product page rather than just the capacity. If you're going to be hosting friends quite often then go up one size.
Then measure your yard. Work out the footprint of the unit plus the walking space around the door and add in any clearances as specified in the heater manual.
Size also dictates your heater choice. To get a room volume you multiply length by width by height in feet. Glass makes it more complicated. A full glass front or a large window will lose more heat than an insulated wall so a glass front cube will require more heater capacity than a solid wall kit of the same floor plan.
Barrel, Cube, Cabin or Pod? Which style is right for you?
Each style has its strengths and weaknesses. Use the table as a starting point.
| Style | Best suited for | Main advantages | Things to check |
| Barrel | Smaller yards and first-time buyers | Rounded shape sheds rain and snow; compact footprint | Headroom near the walls; bench layout |
| Cube | Modern designs and garden views | Flat roof; often a full glass front | Extra heater demand from glass; roof sealing |
| Cabin | Larger groups and flexible layouts | Traditional building shape with more usable floor space | Bigger footprint; more foundation work |
| Pod | Buyers who want a rounded look with more headroom | Blends barrel and cabin shapes | Fewer layout options; confirm exact dimensions |
Wood is important as well. Cedar and thermally modified woods are common in the outdoor kits so you'll want to check the species, wall thickness and roof construction as listed for each model.
Pick a Heater That Fits the Room
Electric heaters are the most common choice for most backyard installations and provide reliable, controllable heat. Many will require a dedicated 240v circuit so check the heater manual to confirm this requirement and get a licensed electrician to do the wiring. If you don't have power in the yard you can go the wood burning route and avoid the electrical run entirely, though this does mean you're going to have to provide clearance, a chimney and ventilation. Just follow the manufacturer's instructions and your local code in either case.
Harvia's guidance is that average heater demand is around 1kW per m3 of sauna volume and that each square metre of glass or stone is equivalent to 1.2m3. In practice that means a glass front kit will require a larger heater than the floor plan would indicate. (Harvia support)
One sq m is roughly 11 sq ft and 1.2 cu m is roughly 42 cu ft. Check each heater's stated volume range and go for the middle of that range rather than the extremes (Harvia's advice). Once you're ready to look, browse the electric sauna heaters, the wood burning sauna heaters, and the heater controls.
Plan the Setup Before You Order
Outdoor kits need a flat stable base that will drain water away. The usual options are a compacted gravel pad, pavers on a gravel base, a concrete slab or a deck built to carry the weight of the kit. Check the shipping weight in the specs and get a professional to confirm that any deck you have will be capable of carrying it.
Next, call your local building department before you buy. Permit, setback and zoning rules differ from place to place and electrical work will almost certainly require a permit and inspection. If you're in an HOA you'll need to check out their rules as well.
Finally measure your gate, path and delivery area. Large crates will need a clear route to the build site. Once the sauna is standing you can easily add on upgrades such as glass doors [INTERNAL LINK NEEDED], LED lighting [INTERNAL LINK NEEDED] and replacement parts [INTERNAL LINK NEEDED].
Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing by capacity only. Compare bench layout and internal dimensions.
- Overlooking glass. Large glass fronts are fine in terms of appearance but will increase your heater demand.
- Ordering before the site is ready. Need to get the foundations, power and permits sorted first.
Final Thoughts
The best outdoor sauna kits are going to be the ones that suit your group size, your yard and your power situation. Work out those three factors first, then pick a style and a heater that's the right size for it. Once you've got that sorted, it's time to start looking at the outdoor sauna kits at Heatison.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much clearance do I need around my outdoor sauna kit?
Plan the footprint, have a clear walkway to the door and check the heater manual for any clearances. Wood burning heaters and chimneys have more stringent requirements so be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and the local code.
Do outdoor sauna kits come with a heater?
It varies from kit to kit. Some kits come with a matched heater, others will sell it separately. You need to read the listing very carefully before you go and order.
Can I use an outdoor sauna kit in winter?
Lots of kits are designed for all year round outdoor use so check that rating with the manufacturer. Keep the snow off the door and off the roof and of course follow the manufacturer's care instructions for the wood.
Do I need a permit for an outdoor sauna?
Often yes (particularly if it's going to involve electrical work or a permanent foundation). The rules will vary from place to place so it's worth checking with your local building department prior to purchase.
Which wood is best for an outdoor sauna?
Cedar is a fairly common choice for outdoor kits and thermally modified wood is another. You'll need to compare the species, thickness and finish recommendations for each model.