Choosing Your Outdoor Sauna
Navigating through the vast world of outdoor saunas can open up a variety of sensory experiences, each with its unique offerings and distinct benefits. Let’s delve into the defining characteristics of different types of backyard saunas to better understand their nuances and help you to chose the best outdoor sauna for sale.
Types of Sauna
Outdoor Barrel Saunas
Barrels are one of the best outdoor sauna options, notable for their unique, cylindrical design, typically crafted from cedar or other thermally treated woods. The rounded barrel shape is not merely an aesthetic choice but a functional one as well, as it efficiently circulates heat by minimizing corners, allowing for an even distribution of warmth. While providing a visually pleasing element in an outdoors setting, barrel saunas also offer a compact and efficient sauna experience. These are most commonly sold as DIY self build kits.
Outdoor Cabin Saunas
Cabin Saunas are the typical design for an outdoor Finnish sauna, bringing forth a rich cultural and wellness tradition from Finland, emphasizing a dry heat environment. Usually ranging between 70°C and 100°C, these saunas employ either a wood burning sauna stove or electric heater to warm up the space. The heat, which can be modulated by throwing water onto hot stones, provides a blend of dry and wet heat, offering both relaxation and potential health benefits. These are typically come as outdoor cabin saunas kits.
Outdoor Cube Saunas
Similar to the cabin in terms of function, the cube sauna provides a modern twist on the traditional sauna. The design can allow for a full glass front in the SaunaLife Cube models with a range of different seating options. Most of these models however are only compatible with electric sauna heaters.
Outdoor Pod Saunas
Providing similar efficiency in heat distribution as a barrel sauna, the pod sauna design offers the benefits of a flat floor and a protective roof that covers the whole sauna and provides better protection from harsh weather.
Sauna Wood Types
Thermowood undergoes a thermal treatment process that enhances its durability and resistance to decay. This treatment ensures the wood lasts longer, making it a low-maintenance choice that can withstand the elements, often outlasting cedar by twice as long.
Cedar, particularly Western Red Cedar, has a long history of use in traditional saunas. Known for its natural resistance to decay and moisture, cedar not only offers durability but also emits a soothing, aromatic scent that creates a relaxing spa-like atmosphere. Its rich, warm tones also add aesthetic appeal, making it a favorite for those who want both beauty and function in their sauna.
Choose Thermowood for longevity or Cedar for that authentic sauna experience.
Customization Options
Wood Fired Sauna Stoves
Do you like the cozy feeling of sitting by a campfire? If so, then a wood-burning sauna might be right for you. It gives you that traditional Finnish sauna vibe with the crackling sound of wood and the smell of smoke. Sure, you'll need to chop wood and clean up ashes now and then, but the special experience it offers is totally worth it.
Electric Sauna Heaters
Now, if you're someone who likes things easy and quick, electric sauna heaters might be your thing. Just push a button, and you're good to go! These heaters are super easy to handle and don't need as much upkeep as the wood ones. Plus, you can set the exact temperature you want and enjoy the best outdoor sauna experience without any fuss.
Lighting and Sound
Adding ambient lighting can help set the mood for perfect mood. All our SaunaLife Models come with LED dotless lights whether you prefer a calming glow or more practical task lighting for evening use. Also consider adding WiFi speakers to bring your favorite music or podcasts into the sauna. These can be either installed internally or as a portable speaker.
Glass Front or Panoramic Windows
Glass front doors or panoramic windows bring the outside in, offering stunning views of your outdoor space while maintaining a sense of openness and connection with nature. These options are available on all of our SaunaLife models.
The Benefits of Outdoor Saunas
1. Connection with Nature
Outdoor saunas offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. Surrounded by fresh air, trees, and the sounds of the outdoors, these saunas provide a deeper sense of relaxation. The natural setting helps reduce stress and creates a more open, freeing environment compared to indoor saunas, which can feel more confined. Studies show that being in nature lowers cortisol levels, enhancing the calming effects of sauna use.
2. Respiratory Health
Breathing in fresh air while using an outdoor sauna can improve respiratory health, especially for those with asthma, allergies, or sinus issues. Unlike indoor saunas, where air can become stagnant, outdoor saunas allow for continuous airflow, helping clear your airways and making each session feel more revitalizing.
3. Improved Circulation and Muscle Recovery
Outdoor saunas improve circulation by increasing blood flow and dilating blood vessels, which aids in muscle recovery and alleviates pain in stiff joints. They are also perfect for pairing with cold plunges, a practice known to further enhance circulation and boost the immune system by alternating between heat and cold therapy.
4. Mental Health and Stress Relief
Saunas naturally help reduce stress and anxiety, but the outdoor setting adds another layer of tranquility. The combination of heat and being in nature promotes the release of endorphins, leaving you feeling euphoric and relaxed long after your session. The open, natural environment makes it easier to unplug from daily life, easing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
5. Social Connection
Outdoor saunas provide a perfect space for connecting with others. Whether enjoying a quiet moment with family or hosting friends, these saunas offer a comfortable and relaxed setting that encourages meaningful conversation and bonding. In an era where social connection is more important than ever, an outdoor sauna can create moments that matter.
6. Improved Sleep Cycles
An often overlooked advantage of outdoor saunas is the exposure to natural light. Daytime sauna sessions can help reset your circadian rhythm, which improves sleep quality. Natural sunlight signals to your body when it's time to sleep, and outdoor saunas provide that benefit, making them a great tool for those struggling with irregular sleep patterns.
Installation and Placement
Assembly of most of our sauna kits can be done within 1-2 days by two people with an additional couple of hours for an electrician to wire in the heater.
If you're using an electric heater, keep in mind the distance from your house for safe and easy wiring. For wood-burning sauna heaters, consider any nearby neighbors—smoke can drift, so it's best to position your sauna in a location where it won’t cause disturbance.
Many of our saunas come with glass doors or large window options. Consider placing the sauna in a position where you'll get privacy from being seen or where you'll get the best view of your garden or the surrounding nature.
We have some of the best outdoor saunas for sale, if you're unsure what to chose, please give our sauna experts a call on (844) 933-2021.
