How to choose the ideal garden sauna for you

This article sets out the main factors to consider when choosing a garden sauna that meets your needs and expectations.

What types of garden sauna are available?

Finnish sauna

A Finnish sauna is the traditional type, with temperatures of 70–100 °C. It has dry air and suits people who prefer intense sauna sessions.

Steam sauna

A steam sauna, also known as a steam room, operates at a lower temperature of around 40–60 °C with high humidity. It suits people with respiratory problems or those who prefer gentler conditions.

Infrared sauna

Infrared saunas use infrared radiation to penetrate the skin and warm the body without heating the air. This option suits people who do not tolerate high temperatures.

What materials are best for a garden sauna?

Choosing suitable materials is essential for durability and comfort. These are the most popular options:

Timber

Timber is the most commonly chosen sauna-building material. The best species include:

• Spruce: An economical, popular choice with good thermal insulation and an attractive appearance. With suitable treatment, it resists moisture well.
• Aspen: One of the most popular timbers for sauna interiors. It releases no resin, has a smooth surface and stays relatively cool, making it comfortable to use.
• Abachi (Ayous): A tropical African timber valued for its exceptionally low thermal conductivity. It remains pleasant to touch even at high temperatures, so it is often used for benches, headrests and backrests.
• Lime: Lightweight, dimensionally stable and pleasant to touch. Because it stays relatively cool, it is often used for benches and interior finishes.
• Larch: A durable timber with increased weather resistance, often used for garden sauna cladding.
• Thermally modified timber: Timber treated at high temperatures in a special thermal process. This improves resistance to moisture, fungi and deformation, increases dimensional stability and gives it an elegant, darker colour. It is increasingly used for both interiors and exterior cladding in modern garden saunas.

Composite materials

Composite materials offer greater weather resistance and need less maintenance than timber, making them suitable for people looking for lower upkeep. In practice, they are most often used for exterior cladding. Sauna interiors are still made from natural timber for comfort and its thermal properties.

Which features are worth considering?

When choosing a garden sauna, consider additional features that can make it more comfortable:

Audio system

Some saunas have an audio system so you can listen to music or relaxing sounds during a session.

LED lighting

LED lighting creates a pleasant atmosphere and makes the sauna convenient to use in the evening.

Ventilation system

A well-designed ventilation system provides fresh air and a comfortable sauna experience.

What are the requirements for a sauna’s location?

Consider several factors when choosing where to position a garden sauna:

• Access to water and electricity: Make sure water and an electrical supply are available nearby.
• Shelter from the wind: Choose a sheltered spot for a comfortable sauna experience.
• Compliance with regulations: Check local rules for installing garden saunas to avoid legal problems.

How should I look after a garden sauna?

Regular maintenance helps your sauna last for many years:

• Cleaning: Clean the interior regularly to remove sweat residue and dirt.
• Timber treatment: Treat the timber every few years to protect it from moisture and pests.
• System checks: Check the heater and ventilation systems regularly.

Summary

Choosing the ideal garden sauna means thinking through its type, materials, features and location. A sauna is an investment in health and relaxation, so take time to find the model that best meets your expectations. These guidelines will help you make an informed decision and enjoy your sauna for many years.

Invest in your health and comfort by choosing a garden sauna that becomes your ideal place to relax.