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.

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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.

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What makes Summerhouse24 outdoor saunas different

Summerhouse24 designs and manufactures its saunas in Estonia – Finland’s closest cultural neighbour and a country with the same deep-rooted sauna tradition. Every model in the range is developed with the help of local specialists with a practical, lifelong understanding of how a sauna should perform – not just how it should look in a brochure.

Cross-section comparison of Nordic spruce timber — Summerhouse24 (left) showing dense growth rings, versus competitor timber (right) with wider, less dense grain.

One of the biggest factors in outdoor sauna quality – and the one that accounts for most of the price difference between a good sauna and a poor one – is timber density. The image above shows a cross-section of Summerhouse24 Nordic spruce (left) alongside a competitor’s timber (right).

The tight, closely spaced growth rings on the left are the result of slow growth in Nordic conditions – producing wood that is denser, more dimensionally stable, and significantly more resistant to moisture and movement over time. The wider rings on the right indicate faster-grown timber that will expand, contract, and degrade more readily under the heat and humidity cycles of regular sauna use.

This is why we manufacture with responsibly sourced Nordic spruce for our contemporary and traditional sauna cabins, and thermally treated pine for the Fjord Series – both chosen for longevity in real UK conditions, not just for appearance.

The result is a sauna that feels just as right a decade from now as it does on day one.

Types of outdoor sauna

Summerhouse24 offers four distinct types of outdoor sauna, each suited to different garden sizes, budgets, and styles.

Traditional sauna cabins are our largest and most feature-rich structures – house-style builds in 70mm Nordic spruce with substantial interior space and options with a changing room, veranda, or lounge area. Most models can be customised and we also offer bespoke saunas.

Models such as the Oliver, Nora, Devon, and Karina range from compact two-person cabins up to 40m² garden spa complexes. If you want a permanent, architecturally considered outdoor sauna that becomes a genuine feature of your garden, this is where to start. From £8,125.

Contemporary outdoor saunas are built from thermally treated pine – a material that resists moisture and decay without any painting, staining, or annual treatment. The modern flat-roof design suits high-spec gardens where a traditional log cabin aesthetic would feel out of place. This group includes the Fjord Series, our range of outdoor sauna kits designed for DIY installation in 1–2 days, complete with toughened safety glass and optional veranda. Models include the Lyngen, Geira, and Nord. From £6,975.

Barrel saunas use a cylindrical form – typically 225cm in diameter – that heats quickly and distributes warmth efficiently due to the curved walls and reduced air volume. They have a compact footprint, making them well suited to smaller gardens or as a secondary sauna alongside a cabin. Available in standard, large, and contemporary deluxe variants, with terrace and canopy options. From £4,700.

Sauna pods – including our oval outdoor saunas and igloo-style pod saunas – offer a distinctive shape that stands apart from more conventional designs. Compact and efficient, they suit gardens where space is limited but character matters. From £5,225.

Sauna heater options

All Summerhouse24 outdoor saunas are supplied as standard without a heater – giving you the choice of heat source to suit your preference and garden setup.

Electric heaters are available as an optional extra across the range. Our log cabin style saunas are compatible with Tylo electric heaters in 6kW or 8kW output – sufficient for most cabin sizes up to around 15m³. Electric heaters are reliable, precise, and heat a sauna in 30–45 minutes.

One important note: all electric sauna heaters require hard-wiring to the mains by a qualified electrician. This is not included in our standard installation service.

Wood-fired stoves are available on our barrel saunas and selected cabin models from the Tesler range. A wood-burning stove delivers the traditional sauna experience – the ritual of lighting the fire, the natural radiant heat, the sound and smell of burning wood. There are no electricity running costs, though you will need to account for chimney installation and ash disposal. Temperature control requires more attention than electric, but for many sauna enthusiasts that is part of the appeal.

Infrared heaters are not available from Summerhouse24, but are widely available from specialist suppliers if that’s your preferred heat source. Infrared saunas operate at a lower temperature than traditional saunas and work through direct radiant heat rather than warming the air – a meaningfully different experience that suits some users better.

Planning permission and installation

In most cases, an outdoor sauna in the UK falls under permitted development rights and does not require planning permission, provided it meets the following conditions: it covers less than 50% of the total garden area; it is for domestic use only; if positioned within 2 metres of a boundary, it is no taller than 2.5 metres; and if positioned further from the boundary, no taller than 4 metres with a pitched or apex roof (3 metres with a flat roof). We recommend checking with your local planning authority if your garden is in a conservation area, a listed building curtilage, or has existing restrictions – permitted development rules can vary.

For the base, your sauna will need a solid, level foundation. The most common options are a concrete pad, paving slabs, compacted gravel, or a pressure-treated timber deck. The surface does not need to be concrete specifically, but it must be level and stable before installation begins.

Summerhouse24 offers a professional installation service across the UK. All of our outdoor sauna kits are also designed for confident DIY installation and can typically be completed in 1–2 days. Call +44 20 3807 0369 to discuss installation options for your chosen model.

What size outdoor sauna do I need?

For two people, a compact barrel sauna or small cabin sauna (around 2×2m) is sufficient. For a family or group of four, most of our mid-range cabin saunas from around 4×3m offer comfortable bench space and room to move. If you want a sauna with a separate changing area or an adjoining lounge, models from around 6×4m upwards give you that flexibility. If you are unsure, our team can help you match a model to your garden footprint – call +44 20 3807 0369.

Do I need planning permission for a garden sauna in the UK?

Most outdoor saunas fall under permitted development and do not require planning permission. The key conditions are that the structure covers less than 50% of your garden, is for domestic use, and meets the relevant height restrictions relative to your boundary.

Conservation areas and listed buildings may have additional rules. Make sure to check with your local planning authority, as requirements will vary. You can consult our planning permission guide for garden buildings for more details and adivce

What is the difference between a sauna cabin and a barrel sauna?

A sauna cabin is a rectangular, house-style structure with more interior space, better options for benching, and the ability to add features such as a changing room or veranda. A barrel sauna is a cylindrical structure – typically 225cm in diameter – with a smaller footprint and faster heat-up time due to the reduced air volume. Cabins suit those who want a more permanent, feature-rich installation; barrel saunas suit those with smaller gardens or those who prioritise simplicity and efficiency.

Are outdoor saunas weatherproof?

Yes. Our thermowood saunas do not need additional treatment for weatherproofing, traditional Nordic spruce saunas need to be treated immediately after installation to ensure they can withstand the elements.

Our Fjord Series kits are built from thermowood – this is pine that has been thermally treated to significantly increase its resistance to moisture, decay, and dimensional movement.

How much does an outdoor sauna cost in the UK?

Summerhouse24 outdoor saunas start from £4,300 for a compact garden sauna cabin and go up to £18,125 for a large garden gym and spa complex. The main factors driving price are size, wall thickness, timber type, and the inclusion of features such as a changing room, veranda, or lounge area. Contemporary thermowood models and the Fjord Series DIY sauna kits sit in the mid-range, while traditional 70mm log cabin saunas represent the largest and most permanent builds.

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 needed before installing an outdoor 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