Choosing an outdoor sauna is a great way to enjoy relaxing moments in the open air, but there are several factors to consider to make an informed choice. Here’s a complete guide to help you choose the right outdoor sauna:
1. Type of Sauna
🔹 Traditional Sauna (Finnish)
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Operates with an electric or wood-burning stove.
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High temperature (70–100°C) with low humidity.
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Authentic experience, very popular for outdoor use.
🔹 Infrared Sauna
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Heats the body directly through infrared rays.
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Lower temperature (40–60°C).
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Less energy consumption, heats up faster, but less suitable for outdoor use due to sensitive electronics.
➡ For outdoor use: the Finnish sauna is recommended.
2. Wood Type: A Key Quality Criterion
Choose a wood that is weather-resistant, heat-resistant, and resin-free.
🔸 Red Cedar
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Very durable, naturally resistant to mold.
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Repels bacteria.
Red cedar (often called Western Red Cedar) is one of the best woods for building outdoor saunas. It’s prized not just for its beauty, but also for its exceptional technical properties.
Detailed Benefits:
1. Natural Weather Resistance
Red cedar contains natural oils (thujaplicins) that:
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Make it naturally resistant to fungi, mold, and insects (no chemical treatment required),
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Ensure excellent durability outdoors, even in damp or cold climates,
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Extend its lifespan to 30–40 years without major degradation.
2. Optimal Thermal Performance
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Very good thermal insulation: it retains heat well inside the sauna,
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Doesn’t get scorching hot to the touch, even at high temperatures — comfortable to sit or lean on,
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Heats quickly, which improves the sauna’s energy efficiency.
3. Excellent Sound Insulation
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Red cedar absorbs sound well, which:
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Creates a calmer, more relaxing atmosphere in the sauna,
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Reduces echo and resonance inside (important in small enclosed spaces).
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4. Dimensional Stability
Unlike some more reactive woods:
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Red cedar barely expands or contracts with temperature/humidity changes,
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Does not crack easily in hot/cold or dry/moisture cycles,
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Slightly flexible wood, making installation easier and increasing durability.
5. Pleasant Fragrance
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Red cedar emits a distinctive woody, soft, and resinous scent:
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Naturally soothing effect,
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Adds to the sensory experience of the sauna (natural aromatherapy),
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Unlike other woods, its scent remains pleasant over time.
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6. High-End Aesthetic
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Naturally warm color, ranging from reddish-brown to golden blond,
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Fine, uniform grain with often striking veining,
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Ages well: if untreated, develops a silver-gray patina outdoors (beautiful for Nordic- or designer-style outdoor saunas).
7. Lightweight
Despite its strength, red cedar is a relatively lightweight wood, which:
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Makes sauna installation easier,
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Reduces stress on structural supports.
3. Heating System
🔥 Wood-Burning Stove
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Offers autonomy and an authentic feel, ideal for remote setups,
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Requires a chimney and wood storage.
⚡ Electric Stove
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Easier to use and control,
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Requires a 220V electrical connection.
➡ The wood-burning stove is often preferred for off-grid, nature-based use.
4. Insulation and Strength
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Make sure to check the quality of thermal insulation (walls must be thick and tightly fitted to support the wood structure).
5. Size and Capacity
Ask yourself:
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How many people will use the sauna at the same time?
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Do you have enough space in your garden?
Examples:
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2–3 people: compact, heats up fast.
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4–6 people: family-sized.
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6+ people: more spacious, great for social use.
6. Design and Placement
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Barrel-shaped design: quick to heat, rustic aesthetic.
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Cabin-style design: more spacious, can include a changing area or lounge zone.
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Placement: on a stable slab, ideally near a water source and protected from the wind.