Do I need wood-burning heaters for my outdoor sauna?

Most outdoor saunas use wood-burning heaters, but you can also buy some that use an electric heater.

Can I get my sauna installed?

Summer House 24 offer an installation service with each of our outdoor saunas. Get in touch today, and we can explain how we can help in more detail.

Buy Outdoor Sauna Online, UK | Free Delivery

Q: Are garden saunas a good investment?

From a mental health and well-being perspective, garden saunas are an excellent investment. In many cases, they also add additional value to your home, or you can dismantle them and take them with you when you move.

Experience Outdoor Sauna in Style FAQ

Choosing the Right Sauna for Your Space!

Are you considering purchasing an outdoor garden sauna cabin for your courtyard?

If you’re contemplating adding an outdoor sauna to your garden in the UK, you’re on the path to enhancing your home’s relaxation and wellness space. Whether you have ample space in your new property, are intrigued by the health benefits of regular sauna use, or have already spotted the ideal sauna for your garden, here’s what you need to consider before making your purchase.

Space and Size: Assess the space available in your garden. Whether it’s a cosy corner for a barrel sauna or a more expansive area for a rectangular model, ensure there’s enough room for installation and access.

Sauna Type: From traditional barrel saunas that offer a unique aesthetic and efficient heat distribution to modern rectangular saunas that might fit your garden layout better, choose a style that complements your outdoor space and meets your needs.

Material Quality: Look for saunas made from durable wood like Nordic spruce or cedar, which are known for their longevity, resistance to rot, and ability to withstand the UK’s varied climate.

Heating Option: Decide between a wood-fired heater, offering that authentic sauna experience, infrared or an electric heater, which provides convenience and ease of use with the flip of a switch.

The Benefits of an Outdoor Sauna

Regular sauna use has numerous health benefits, including stress relief, improved circulation, detoxification, and support for muscle recovery. It’s a commitment to your long-term health and well-being.
Although it seems like the best cold month therapy, it is exceptionally beneficial in summer days too to enjoy some cool breeze with drinks outside the sauna.

Types of Outdoor Sauna

Garden Sauna

The most common type of garden sauna comes in variety. Utilise the entire summer house as a home spa, capitalising on a veranda in the hot weather or relaxing on the sofa inside when the weather turns.

Outdoor Barrel Sauna

If you are short on space or want an outdoor sauna without the additional features, garden barrel saunas might be the option for you.

A barrel garden sauna is much smaller than a normal outdoor sauna but uses the same system as normal outdoor saunas.

How to Look After Your Garden Sauna

Quality is Key

Think about it this way. By investing in a high-quality outdoor sauna, you will not have to do as much maintenance in the future to ensure it keeps working.

Lower-quality outdoor saunas require more maintenance and costs down the line.

All of our outdoor saunas and barrel saunas are made to the best possible quality to ensure your outdoor sauna can withstand all the elements.

Prep your sauna

Before you use your garden sauna for the first time, ensure it is prepared properly. Ensure each wooden surface is treated and ready to do. At Summer House 24, we provide our saunas with all the timber pre-treated to ensure the moisture does not lead to rotting.

Wipe down every surface and ensure your sauna is dry and clean before use. Next, set your sauna at the maximum temperature for an hour, then pour a litre of water onto the stones to ensure they are clean.

Keep it clean

Occasional sweeping, wiping, and vacuuming will ensure your outdoor sauna remains in top condition.

If you don’t use your outdoor sauna regularly, it is best you clean it before each use. Cleaning it regularly will prevent mould and other issues that can damage your sauna.

Take precautions

When you invest in an outdoor sauna, you want to look and feel new for as long as possible. Therefore you should take precautions such as washing your feet before entering and sitting on a towel, for example.

When you are done using your sauna, wipe down the floor and seating area, and let the sauna dry before closing it.

Heaters

Looking after your heater is pretty straightforward. Ensure you rinse out the rocks before placing them in the wood stove heater, as this will remove any small particles and prevent them from getting into the mechanisms and damaging your sauna.

If cared for properly, you shouldn’t need to do any maintenance on your heater for many years.

What is the best heat source for a sauna?

Most outdoor saunas use wood-burning heaters, as they emit smoke but you can also use an electric heater or an infrared one. Usually one with a chimney in sauna cabins lets you use wood-fired heaters.Whereas, the best heat source for your sauna aligns with your preferences for convenience, traditional experience, and operational costs.
Here are the most commonly used sauna heat sources:

1. Electric Heaters
2. Wood-Burning Stoves
3. Infrared Panels
4. Gas Heaters

How long should you stay in a sauna?

Experts suggest that an ideal sauna session should lasts between 15-20 minutes. However, if you’re new to sauna bathing, it’s advisable to begin with shorter sessions of 5-10 minutes. The sauna’s temperature and type significantly influence how long you should spend inside. For more detailed information, check out the guide on sauna temperatures.

Do I need a changing room for the perfect outdoor sauna?

An additional changing room is not a necessary requirement for an outdoor sauna. Barrel saunas, for example, do not typically come with one.

However, if you do opt for an outdoor sauna with no changing room, ensure you think about how you plan to change and get into your outdoor sauna while also keeping it clean. or you can also explore Oliver timber sauna cabin with changing room& shower room.

What do you put under an outdoor sauna?

When installing an outdoor sauna, choosing the right foundation is crucial for its longevity, stability, and overall performance. Here’s what you can put under an outdoor sauna to ensure it stands firm and functions efficiently:
1. Concrete Pad
2. Pavers or Flagstones
3. Gravel Base
4. Decking
5. Pressure-Treated Wood Frame
6. Pre-made Sauna Bases

What preparation is must before installing a sauna?

Preparation and Considerations before setting up a sauna:
Drainage: Ensure the site(garden space) has good drainage to prevent water accumulation under the sauna, which could lead to wood rot and structural issues.
Level Surface: The foundation must be perfectly level to prevent uneven settling, which could distort the sauna structure over time.
Accessibility: Consider the ease of access for both installation and regular use when deciding on the foundation’s location.

Are garden saunas a good investment?

Yes, garden saunas are considered a good investment for several reasons:

Health Benefits: Regular sauna use offers numerous health advantages, including stress reduction, improved cardiovascular health, detoxification, and muscle recovery.

Property Value: Installing a high-quality garden sauna can increase your property’s value and appeal to potential buyers seeking wellness amenities at home.

Cost-Effective Wellness: Owning a garden sauna provides a private wellness retreat, saving money on spa visits and memberships over time.

Versatility: Garden saunas can be used year-round, offering a warm, relaxing space during colder months and a tranquil retreat in warmer weather

Where is the best place to put an outdoor sauna?

Here are some tips to help you find the ideal location to install your outdoor sauna in your garden:

1. Privacy
Your sauna should be a private retreat where you can relax without feeling observed. Look for a spot in your garden that offers seclusion or can be easily screened from neighbors’ views.

2. Accessibility
Place your sauna in a location that is easily accessible from your house, even in bad weather. A path that remains clear of snow, mud, or leaves can ensure year-round enjoyment.

3. Orientation and Views
Consider the direction your sauna faces. A sauna with windows can benefit from a beautiful view of your garden, enhancing the relaxation and enjoyment of the space. Additionally, think about the sauna’s exposure to sunlight; morning sun can warm the sauna pleasantly for use later in the day.

4. Proximity to a Shower or Pool
Position your sauna near a shower, swimming pool, or natural water source. This allows for a refreshing plunge or shower after your sauna session, which is an essential part of the sauna experience for many enthusiasts.

5. Ground Stability
Choose a location with stable and level ground. Your sauna will need a solid foundation to ensure it remains safe and structurally sound over time. This may involve preparing a concrete base or using pavers to create a level surface. Checkout different bases to know more!

6. Wind and Weather Considerations
Think about the prevailing wind direction and weather patterns in your area. Placing your sauna in a sheltered spot can protect it from strong winds and reduce heat loss, making it more efficient to heat.

7. Compliance with Local Regulations
Before deciding on a location, check local building codes and regulations to ensure compliance, especially regarding distances from property lines and any requirements for permits or planning permission.

8. Integration with Outdoor Space
Consider how the sauna will integrate with existing outdoor features, such as decks, patios, gardens, or landscaping. The sauna should complement your outdoor living area both aesthetically and functionally.

By carefully considering these factors, you can select the best place for your outdoor sauna, creating a tranquil and convenient oasis that maximizes your enjoyment and the health benefits of sauna bathing.