An outdoor sauna is the latest luxury wellness upgrade for UK homeowners, and has fast become more popular even than adding a pool or a hot tub to your luxury property. As the understanding around the benefits of living a lifestyle that supports optimal wellness grows, we’re seeing a shift away from spa or gym memberships to home wellness alternatives, with affluent homeowners prizing convenience and accessibility above all else in today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world.
Thanks to the increasing availability of pre-built sauna kits on the market, it’s now easier than ever to have your own heat haven installed at home. The choice of outdoor saunas for sale in terms of size, style and price is at an all-time high, but the increased accessibility hasn’t made them any less exclusive, with top-of-the-range luxury offerings still reserved for the elite and offering a next-level experience you can’t put a price on.
Choosing the right sauna is partially a question of aesthetics, but also depends on where, how often and by whom it will be used. Before you decide on the size and heat source, the first thing to nail down is the design. Here are some of the most popular outdoor sauna types and what you should know about them.
Cabin saunas have a time-honored design
The most common type of outdoor sauna is the cabin sauna, which has a classic look and feel and is constructed using tongue and groove red cedar logs. As the name suggests, a cabin sauna looks a little like a miniature log cabin, and is square or rectangular in shape, with either a flat or pitched roof.
This type of sauna is ideal for buyers who like their home luxuries to be understated and shy away from the ostentatious, as it will blend seamlessly into any back garden setting. Observers might assume it to be a storage shed or some other functional outbuilding, offering an extra layer of discretion.
Cabin saunas have been around since the 19th century, and are based on a tried and trusted design. However, alternative designs are arguably more energy efficient and promote better air flow.
Barrel saunas are the latest luxury trend
The barrel sauna features two circular ends connected by lengths of cedar, again using tongue and groove construction method. Unlike the cabin sauna, a barrel sauna is anything but understated, and is designed to stand out and make a statement.
But UK homeowners don’t just opt for barrel saunas because they look good. The rounded shape means there is about 23 per cent less volume to heat than a cabin sauna, so they are also more energy efficient, and with a rounded roof that also promotes superior air flow, users can enjoy the more even temperature that is maintained throughout the sauna. The only potential downside to a barrel sauna is that taller people might find the lack of headroom uncomfortable when entering and leaving the sauna, but aside from that, it’s all plus points.
Pod saunas exude a fun retro style
The latest design from the sauna’s traditional northern European home is starting to make waves in UK gardens, too. The pod sauna uses the same basic materials and construction techniques as a cabin or barrel sauna, but its pod shape gives it a retro, almost neo-futurist look.
The taller shape makes this one a good choice for those who need a little extra headroom, while the curved roof retains the airflow advantages of the barrel sauna.
Luna saunas have a sophisticated and contemporary aesthetic
Looking for the style of a barrel sauna with the space of a cabin sauna? A luna sauna could be just the solution. The square shape means more internal space, but by rounding the edges, air is permitted to circulate effectively.
Luna saunas typically feature one or two large windows at the front, adding to the contemporary appeal and helping them to feel even more spacious on the inside, all coming together in a sauna style that is a great option for homeowners with a taste for modern style.
Size matters
Once you’ve decided on your preferred sauna style, you’ll need to think about the practicalities to ensure your chosen sauna meets your requirements. All sauna designs are available in sizes ranging from three square feet up to eight square feet for prebuilt kits, or even larger for specialist bespoke orders.
The smallest outdoor saunas are designed for a single occupant. A four by five is ideal for two to three people, while the largest saunas can accommodate a party of eight to 10 people.
