backyard sauna guide
Can you put a sauna in your backyard The complete backyard sauna guide
Wondering if you can put a sauna in your backyard and turn part of your garden into a private wellness retreat This guide from Thermal Sanctum walks through what to check first, how much a backyard sauna usually costs, and how to choose the best outdoor sauna for your property, climate, and goals.
why backyards are ideal
A backyard sauna separates your wellness space from the main house, adds privacy, and lets you relax with fresh air and garden views.
what this guide covers
Planning a sauna in the backyard, zoning and permits, foundations and utilities, weatherproofing, cost ranges, and key buying decisions.
how Thermal Sanctum helps
Curated outdoor and backyard ready saunas plus friendly guidance from our sauna specialists when you want help choosing the right model.
Why choose a backyard sauna
A backyard sauna turns relaxation from an occasional spa visit into a steady ritual woven into your daily routine. Regular heat therapy can support circulation, ease tight muscles after training, calm the nervous system, and promote deeper sleep. Placing the sauna outdoors adds its own unique advantages.
- Keep your indoor rooms free Enjoy a dedicated wellness space without giving up a bedroom, office, or part of your living room.
- Built in separation and privacy Stepping out into the garden instantly creates a sense of retreat, away from screens, noise, and household tasks.
- Natural scenery and fresh air Positioning the door or glass front toward trees, the sky, or a plant filled corner makes each session feel like a mini escape.
- Flexible size and design options Outdoor barrel saunas, cabin saunas, and modern cube designs can sit on patios, decks, or concrete pads and are often easier to fit than indoor units.
- Potential property appeal As more people discover sauna benefits, a well built backyard sauna can become a selling point when it is time to move on.
Can I put a sauna in my backyard
In many cases the answer is yes. Most properties can support a sauna in the backyard once a few basics are in place. Thermal Sanctum always advises checking details with your local authority, your installer, and a qualified electrician, but these points will help you judge feasibility early.
Zoning and permits
Some areas treat a backyard sauna as a small accessory structure. Others require permits for new electrical circuits or buildings above a certain size. A quick call to your local planning office or installer will tell you what rules apply.
HOA or neighbourhood rules
If you have a homeowners association, there may be guidelines for outbuildings, roof shapes, colours, and visibility from the street. Checking first avoids unpleasant surprises after your sauna arrives.
Safety and clearances
Electric heaters and wood burning stoves both need safe clearances from walls, trees, and fences. Your chosen sauna and heater will include manufacturer guidance that your installer should follow closely.
Access for delivery
Panels or prebuilt cabins must pass from the driveway to the installation site. Make sure gates, paths, and side passages are wide enough, and factor in slopes or steps.
Once these essentials look positive, you can move on to planning the exact location, foundation type, and the style of backyard sauna that suits you best.
Site requirements for a backyard sauna
A well chosen site keeps your backyard sauna safe, comfortable, and easy to maintain. The checklist below covers the fundamentals most projects have in common.
Foundation and drainage
Saunas need a stable, level base that will not collect standing water. Concrete pads, compacted gravel with pavers, or deck block foundations are all common choices for backyard setups.
Aim for a spot that naturally sheds water away from the cabin and does not sit in a boggy part of the garden.
Electric supply and utilities
Most electric outdoor saunas need their own dedicated line sized to the heater. Infrared models may run on lower voltage, while larger traditional heaters often require higher voltage service.
A licensed electrician can confirm what your existing panel supports and design a safe route to the backyard sauna location.
Space and clearances
Leave a comfortable amount of space around the sauna for access, airflow, and maintenance. Keep doors clear so they can swing fully and safely.
If you plan to add a cold plunge, outdoor shower, or seating area, sketch those elements now so the layout feels intentional.
Privacy, views, and wind
Think about how exposed you want the sauna to be. Fencing, trees, or screens can increase privacy while still keeping a view toward the best part of your garden or skyline.
In windy climates, sheltering the cabin from prevailing winds can improve comfort as you move in and out of the heat.
Weatherproofing and making your backyard sauna last
A common question is whether a sauna can live outside year round, especially in rainy, snowy, or coastal climates. With the right build and a little care, a sauna in the backyard can handle the elements for many years.
- Choose cabins that use durable woods such as thermally treated spruce, aspen, or cedar which resist moisture and movement better than basic softwood.
- Look for roof designs with enough slope, drip edges, and quality shingles or metal coverings so rain and snow shed cleanly away from the structure.
- Stainless steel fasteners and hinges offer better protection against rust, especially if you live near the coast or in a humid region.
- Plan on refreshing exterior oils or stains according to the manufacturers guidance to preserve colour and water resistance.
- Keep vegetation trimmed back from the walls so air can move freely around the cabin and surfaces dry after storms.
How much does a backyard sauna cost
Backyard sauna prices cover a wide range based on size, materials, and how customised the build is. At Thermal Sanctum you can explore different price levels so you match your investment to your goals.
Typical investment range
Many homeowners spend somewhere between a few thousand and tens of thousands on a quality backyard sauna. Compact entry level kits sit at the lower end of that range, while large designer cabins with glass fronts and upgraded heaters sit at the top.
What influences backyard sauna cost
- Size and capacity A one or two person sauna uses fewer materials and smaller heaters than a six or eight person cabin.
- Material and build quality Thermally treated wood, thicker wall profiles, and premium glazing increase cost yet also improve comfort and longevity.
- Design complexity Barrel shapes, panoramic windows, and custom glazing packages cost more than simple cabin silhouettes.
- Heat source and controls Wood burning, electric, and infrared systems vary in upfront and ongoing costs. Smart controls and WiFi features also add to the total.
- Installation and site work Simple DIY friendly kits on an existing pad cost less than large custom builds that require excavation, new decking, or long electrical runs.
- Accessories and extras Lighting, sound systems, cold plunge tubs, and outdoor showers all enhance the experience and should be factored into your budget.
How to choose the right sauna for your backyard
Choosing the best backyard sauna is easier when you break the decision into a few key steps. Use the questions below as a framework, then explore specific models that fit your answers.
1. Start with space, siting, and views
Walk your garden and note the spots that feel naturally calm and private. Ideally the sauna should sit close enough to the house for easy access in cold weather, while still having a pleasing view when the door or glass front is open.
2. Decide on electric, wood burning, or infrared
Each heating style shapes the experience.
- Electric outdoor saunas Convenient, predictable, and widely used. Good temperature control and straightforward daily operation.
- Wood burning backyard saunas Traditional ritual with soft heat and the scent of burning wood. Best where smoke, chimney clearance, and wood storage are easy to manage.
- Infrared outdoor saunas Radiant panels warm the body directly at lower air temperatures and can reach operating temperature quickly. Often more energy efficient.
3. Choose capacity and layout
Think about how you will use your backyard sauna most often. Solo recovery after training feels different from regular family sessions or evenings with friends. Capacity labels provide a quick guide when browsing:
1 person outdoor sauna · 2 person outdoor sauna · 3 person outdoor sauna · 4 person outdoor sauna · 6 person outdoor sauna
Designing a backyard wellness zone around your sauna
With a little planning, your sauna in the backyard can anchor a full outdoor wellness zone rather than standing alone. Focus on simple, calming elements that make the area a joy to visit in every season.
- Add a path of pavers, gravel, or decking from the house to the sauna so you can walk out comfortably with bare feet or slippers.
- Layer soft, indirect lighting along the path or around the cabin to keep the atmosphere gentle and inviting after dark.
- Use plants, planters, or small hedges to create privacy without feeling boxed in. Greenery pairs beautifully with natural wood.
- Consider a cold plunge tub, outdoor shower, or simple hose station nearby for contrast therapy and easy cooldowns.
- Keep towels, robes, and accessories organised on hooks, benches, or in weather resistant storage so the area feels composed rather than cluttered.
- Explore sauna accessories like thermometers, ladles, aroma bowls, and backrests to fine tune your ritual.
Quick answers about backyard sauna projects
Do I need permission to put a sauna in my backyard
Requirements vary by area. Many regions allow small outdoor saunas with minimal paperwork, while others ask for permits for new electrical work or structures above a certain size. Your local planning office or installer can clarify what applies to your property.
Can a backyard sauna stay outside all year
High quality outdoor saunas are designed for year round use. Weather resistant woods, proper roofing, and regular maintenance help the cabin handle rain, snow, and sun. In colder climates you may simply need a little extra warm up time before each session.
How do I maintain a backyard sauna
Let the cabin dry between sessions, wipe benches and backrests regularly, and keep the floor free of standing water or debris. Follow the cleaning and care instructions provided with your sauna, including any guidance on reapplying exterior finishes and checking hardware.
Ready to plan your backyard sauna
Explore Thermal Sanctums curated selection of outdoor and backyard sauna cabins, then reach out to our team for guidance on sizing, layout, and installation considerations. We are here to help you turn part of your garden into a calm, enduring wellness sanctuary.
