EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES
OF CUSTOM OUTDOOR SAUNAS
Considering the idea of adding an outdoor sauna to your home or cabin? Whether post-workout relaxation or enhancing your outdoors year-round — exploring custom outdoor saunas might offer the solution you've been seeking.
In today's fast-paced, tech-driven world, finding moments of peace and connecting with nature is more important than ever. Whether your outdoor area is big or small, a custom outdoor sauna can be made to fit your needs. With different design choices, you can get a sauna that matches your style, space, and what you like.
Continue reading to learn about these personalized outdoor saunas' essential features and facets.
What Are Custom Outdoor Saunas?
A custom outdoor sauna is a uniquely designed sauna constructed in an outdoor space like a backyard. Unlike standard options, customization lets you tailor the sauna to your preferences and needs. This could mean blending its design with your home's aesthetics, making the most of limited space, or adding specific features for your intended use.
Customizing a luxury outdoor sauna is a fun and fulfilling process. It lets you bring your creative vision to life and create a space matching your style and functional requirements.
Seeing your design take shape and having a personalized oasis adds a sense of accomplishment. It's a long-term investment that enhances your property value and provides a unique space for relaxation, socialization, and enjoyment.
The customization not only improves the functionality of the sauna but also provides a rewarding journey of creativity and self-expression.
Now, before you search for "custom outdoor sauna builders near me," let's explore the possibilities of custom outdoor saunas.
What Customizations Can You Include in Your Outdoor Sauna?
When crafting your perfect custom outdoor sauna, various customization possibilities await. Following, we discuss what you can incorporate into your outdoor sauna design.
Sauna Type
Select the type of sauna you want to begin an outdoor sauna customization journey. As you explore, you will find various options to suit your preferences and space.
Here are various sauna types, each offering a distinct experience:
Heat Source
Selecting the right heat source for your custom outdoor sauna can be confusing.
To make it easier, consider your preferences for convenience, ambiance, and energy efficiency when choosing the heat source that suits your sauna style.
Let's look at some different options you can choose from:
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Propane-Powered Sauna: Quick heat-up, no wood or electricity needed.
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Electrically Heated Sauna: Precise temperature control, modern convenience.
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Traditional Wood-Burning Heater: Authentic ambiance, scented with crackling wood.
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Modern Heater with Digital Controls: Customizable sessions, digital temperature settings.
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Infrared Sauna: Directly heats the body, efficient and low-maintenance.
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Solar-Powered Sauna: Utilizes solar panels for eco-friendly heating, harnessing sunlight to create a warm sauna atmosphere.
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None (Cool Sauna): Ideal for a refreshing cool-down, offering a sauna-like environment without traditional heat, suitable for relaxation.
Timber Options
While choosing wood for your outdoor sauna, you'll come across various options, each with its unique characteristics. Consider each wood type's appearance, aroma, and durability when selecting the perfect material to bring out the best in your outdoor sauna. Your choice of wood can significantly influence your sauna retreat's overall ambiance.
Some wood types to consider are:
Location Options
Your sauna's outdoor placement will impact your customization options, ultimately enhancing the overall experience through different location choices.
The following are just a couple of ideas to consider:
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Set up your sauna in the backyard for a private and serene escape.
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Enjoy convenient access by placing your sauna on the patio and extending your outdoor living space.
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Create a calming oasis by integrating your sauna within a lush garden setting.
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Positioning your sauna near the pool allows alternating heat and water sessions.
Bench Setting
You can opt for tiered benches to maximize your custom outdoor sauna's seating capacity and create a spa-like atmosphere. These multi-level benches offer a space-efficient solution, allowing you and your guests to find the perfect spot for relaxation. Tiered benches offer versatile comfort, whether you want to recline, sit upright, or stretch out.
Besides that, to elevate your sauna experience even further — add ergonomic backrests to your benches. These specially designed backrests provide optimal support for your spine, enhancing your posture and ensuring a comfortable seating position.
Window Style and Placement
Who doesn't want natural light, ventilation, and heat conservation while enjoying their sauna retreat?
Let's look at some options you can go for when picking windows:
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An acrylic bubble back window design creates a captivating focal point, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views of your outdoor surroundings while basking in the warmth of the sauna.
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Flanking windows on either side of the sauna infuse abundant natural light, creating an inviting and open atmosphere.
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Wall-placed windows around the sauna offer glimpses of the exterior landscape while maintaining privacy.
These extra windows connect to the outdoors, making your sauna experience even more rejuvenating.
Door Options
All-Glass Door
Make a modern design statement with an all-glass door that ushers a contemporary feel to your sauna entrance. The sleek and transparent design of an all-glass door adds a touch of elegance and openness, allowing you to seamlessly transition from the outside world to your private sauna sanctuary.
Fading Glass Door
Prioritize both privacy and aesthetics with a fading glass door. This unique door design combines frosted and clear glass panels, offering a gradual transition between seclusion and visibility. The fading glass door adds an artistic element to your sauna and allows controlled amounts of light to filter through, creating a soothing and inviting ambiance in your custom outdoor sauna.
Wood Door with Window
This door style combines the appeal of wood with the functionality of a window, providing a sneak peek into the sauna's interior. The window offers a glimpse of the warm and welcoming space, enticing you to step inside and unwind.
All-Wood Door
With its classic charm, an all-wood door is a timeless entry point to your sauna, reflecting an inviting design. The all-wood door complements various custom outdoor sauna designs, making it a versatile choice that resonates with those who appreciate traditional craftsmanship.
Floor
A well-designed and carefully constructed sauna floor is essential to the sauna's overall structure. It is the foundation upon which the entire sauna experience rests, providing stability, comfort, and functionality.
The sauna floor not only supports the weight of the occupants but also contributes to heat distribution and insulation.
Choosing suitable materials, ensuring proper drainage, and considering slip resistance are essential in creating a sauna floor.
Options available for the custom outdoor sauna floors are:
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Tile flooring to achieve a clean and modern aesthetic within your sauna. The tile is visually appealing and easy to clean and maintain.
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The tactile comfort of wood flooring adds a tactile element to your sauna experience, making it a popular choice for those who seek a traditional and comforting sauna setting.
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Go for concrete flooring for a durable and industrial-inspired sauna look. Concrete offers a sleek and minimalist appearance. Also, concrete flooring is resistant to high temperatures and humidity.
Ceiling Options
After picking your flooring options, you should move on to the kind of ceilings you are looking for. Each ceiling option offers a distinct visual and sensory experience, allowing you to tailor your sauna's atmosphere to match your preferences and style.
The following table shows some options that you can opt for:
Insulation System
No custom outdoor sauna experience is complete without a proper insulation system. Fiberglass insulation helps maintain consistent temperatures inside the sauna — maximizing energy efficiency.
It also prevents moisture buildup with a vapor barrier, which acts as a protective layer between the interior and exterior walls, maintaining a dry and pleasant sauna environment.
Sauna Size and Layout
One of the most crucial aspects of designing your custom outdoor sauna is the size and layout. Tailoring these aspects to your preferences ensures a sauna experience that aligns perfectly with your vision. Let's delve into critical considerations to help you craft the ideal sauna size and layout.
Seating Capacity
Carefully determine the intended number of users your sauna can comfortably accommodate. This decision will influence the size of your benches and the overall layout.
Whether you opt for spacious seating for a group or a more intimate setting, choosing a suitable seating capacity for your custom outdoor sauna ensures everyone can enjoy a relaxing sauna experience.
Bench Placement
Thoughtful bench placement is essential for optimizing comfort and heat distribution. Consider the distance between the benches and the heater to achieve even warmth. Strategic placement promotes relaxation and more enjoyable sauna sessions.
Heater Location
The placement of the heater significantly impacts the sauna's effectiveness. Optimal heater location ensures consistent heat circulation throughout the sauna. Placing the heater near the lower bench or floor creates an upward flow of warmth, while placing it higher distributes heat more evenly.
Additional Rooms Layout
Additional rooms, such as a porch, changing room, or sitting area, provide extra convenience and functionality to your sauna. When planning the layout of these rooms, prioritize seamless transitions and efficient use of space. For example, a well-designed changing room adjacent to the sauna allows for easy wardrobe adjustments before and after sessions, enhancing the overall experience.
Sauna Features and Accessories
Who wouldn't love to add some additional features just for the aesthetics? When selecting options for your custom outdoor sauna, you can find a wide range of features and accessories at your disposal. These elements enable you to fashion a personalized and inviting oasis that aligns with your preferences.
Here is a list that will help you make a more informed decision.
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LED lights (with dimmer switches)
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Control panel
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Thermal glass windows, walls, and doors
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Steam room feature
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Shower installation
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Roof shingles, porch & canopy
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Ionizers
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Thermometer and hygrometer
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Sauna stones
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Sound system
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Outdoor sauna protective cover
Additional Considerations
Besides structural considerations, additional factors should be considered when designing a custom outdoor sauna.
While the sauna's foundation and layout are pivotal, additional elements contribute to the overall ambiance and functionality such as:
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Electrical Wiring (220V Power): Plan for 220V electrical wiring to accommodate the sauna's heating elements and accessories, ensuring efficient and reliable performance.
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Proximity to Main Structure: Consider the sauna's proximity to your main structure (your home or cabin) for convenience and accessibility. This may impact your outdoor space's ease of use and overall design.
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Plumbing Requirements (if applicable): If incorporating showers or plunge tubs, assess plumbing needs to ensure proper water supply and drainage for a seamless sauna experience.
Money-Saving Tips
Bringing your outdoor sauna project to life requires wise financial decisions. You should know that you can create a serene retreat without breaking the bank.
Consider these practical money-saving strategies as you plan and design your sauna space:
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Opt for a smaller sauna size to reduce materials and energy usage.
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Research and compare heater types to find the most energy-efficient option.
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Choose a location with easy utility access to lower electrical and plumbing costs.
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Limit the use of extra features and accessories to avoid increased expenses.
FAQ: Custom Outdoor Saunas
Is planning permission required for an outdoor sauna?
Outdoor saunas, like sheds or outbuildings, are generally considered permitted development, so you usually don't need planning permission.
Is sauna ventilation necessary?
Adequate ventilation is essential in saunas to achieve even heat distribution. Since heat naturally rises, maintaining proper airflow through ventilation enhances the sauna experience and prevents mold and mildew growth.
What's the purpose of using salt in a sauna?
Adding salt to saunas can aid in reducing excess mucus and providing relief for individuals dealing with colds, the flu, and, in some cases, conditions like COPD and asthma.
Conclusion
Elevate your outdoor space with custom outdoor saunas, where relaxation meets personalization. From sauna type and heat source to seating, windows, and unique features, create a haven that aligns with your style and needs. Unwind, rejuvenate, and immerse yourself in a world of tailored well-being.
Start your journey with My Sauna World today. Explore our indoor saunas and outdoor saunas for the ultimate customized experience.
Contact us for any queries or questions, and our dedicated team of workers will be ready to help you!
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Let customers speak for us
I haven't even built this sauna yet (Rainelle), but I have to give an ENORMOUS shoutout to Adora and especially KELLY for their help on this one. This was a big purchase for us, and these ladies went way out of their way to make it work out for us. The first sauna that showed up was badly damaged in shipping, and from what it sounds like - that is not typical. At all. So Kelly helped us to get it squared away, and it took what could have been a horrible customer experience into a fantastic one. Give this woman a raise!
We really like our sauna! Quality of the sauna seems decent. The quality of the accessories was not! The back recliner was all busted up out of the box.
My wife and I would occasionally sit in the sauna at our gym after a workout. It was hot but a little gross. I can't tell you how many times we bailed on the gym sauna session because someone else was playing their phone too loud, someone was breathing like they were gasping for air, someone decided to be shirtless in public, someone is weird or any number of other reasons. Loved the sauna feeling but HATED the gym sauna.
We bought a sauna for our home and installed it in our basement to escape the gym sauna experience. We absolutely love it! We sauna daily. Without the angst and frustration of hoping to avoid an awkward gross experience at the gym sauna.
If you are considering a sauna purchase, spend a little extra and get the WIFI enabled heater. This is the best way to make sure you get the benefit of owning a sauna. The app on our phone is easy to use. Just click the on/off button on the app and set your temperature to your desire. I like 171. My wife likes 153. Once it hits the temperature, the app will let you know. You can even turn on your sauna while you are on the way home from the gym. The WIFI version and the app make all the difference in usability and enjoyment of your investment. If we did not have the app and the WIFI version, we probably would probably skip 2/3 of the sessions we currently take.
The sauna is well made. Wood quality is excellent. Very few knots and blemishes. Hillsboro Almost Heaven saunas are a great choice for quality components, solid electronics, easy to use controls and an enjoyable sauna experience.
This is a standard kit sauna. I made several modifications but I am very satisfied with it so far. I have a few shingles left to install tomorrow and then will move onto to interior. MSW has been easy to work with and I recommend them.
I really love this sauna. I use it about four times a week to help me wind down before bed and calm my ego. Customer service at MySaunaWorld was great.
Assembly took me roughly 8–10 hours total over two days, and I’m not a particularly handy person. The step by step instructions video was straightforward and easy to follow.
I paired the sauna with the HUUM Drop 9 heater (the largest HUUM Drop), and it performs very well. I hired an electrician to install it (about $900 extra). It easily heats the sauna to 190°F plus. I personally like it around 180°F, which it reaches in about an hour. Also, you can pour water over the hot rocks to make the air hotter and steamier. Make sure to mount it low so that it can heat everything above it. (I mounted mine 6” from the ground to the base of the heater.) I love that I can start heating the sauna from my iPhone, even when I’m not on my home Wi-Fi.
I got the double-bench configuration going across the back of the sauna which lets two people lay down. The area around the lower bench is cooler which is nice to have different temperature seating options.
The sauna looks fantastic, smells great, and feels solid. I would recommend this sauna to a friend.
We love our new Almost Heaven Pinnacle barrel sauna!
Delivery was perfect, the assembly was a breeze, and the sauna fits perfectly in our space.
The only regret we have is not to have made this purchase 10 years ago!
I had been thinking about installing a sauna for quite some time. I kept going back and forth between framing one in or a prefab that I assemble. I spent several weeks going over the various websites looking at designs for both and writing out the pros/cons for each. After much deliberation, I reached out to My Sauna World to purchase an Almost Heaven Greyson.
It came way sooner than expected which was a good thing, so I had to arrange for my electrician. I assembled it very easily, with my wife holding just one panel, and then I ran into a problem. The last wall was short. It took a lot of head scratching and measuring and remeasuring as well as back and forth communication with both My Sauna World and Almost Heaven. It turned out that I had been sent 2 glass panels that were the same dimension when the 2 glass panels are actually designed with different dimensions. The new panel was sent out without question, and the rest of the assembly went easy.
I will say that the folks at My Sauna World were extremely responsive and did a great job as liaison back to the manufacturer.
Overall, I had a really positive experience, and we are very happy with the Greyson with the Harvia Spirit 8kW stove.
We also have the duckboard flooring (that is a must) sitting on top of the concrete floor. The back and leg rest are also recommended.
Note: this is advertised as a 3-4 person but in reality it is a good 2 person. And lastly, I grew up with sauna my whole life, starting with my grandpa’s wood burning sauna. This non insulated Greyson type will not get up to the same temperatures, but it does get the job done. Very pleased with the product and do recommend (to frame one in my self and buy a pre-cut kit would have cost a few thousand more overall)
Their customer service is refreshing in a world where most companies fail miserably with service. They should teach customer service to other companies and government agencies. We have only tested the actual product to make sure it works, but along the way, we had multiple questions and the replies were quick and helpful. The sauna was easy to assemble.
Frankly, I was stunned at the quality of this product. Equally stunning is how easily everything fits together. It’s well and I’m looking to an improved lifestyle.
Back rests are a nice size and fit perfectly in my Lugano 3-person sauna. They are very comfortable (especially considering they are wood) and make sitting in the sauna an even more pleasant experience. To think that they were added in free to my purchase of the sauna is hard to believe. Very pleased with customer service from My Sauna World.com !
Well built, good quality, reliable, and matches my barrel sauna very well
I purchased this since it was significantly more affordable than from the brands website. It arrived quickly and is function perfect. It's easy to install and looks great. I had issues with water leaking into the sauna before that used to annoy me. Now it stays completely dry and the wood also is protected from damage and weathering.
The best Sauna ever, and the quickest delivery, 100% recommend !!!!
Works exactly as advertised. Easy install and perfect coverage. Highly recommend.
Very good customer service. My sauna came as expected.