How to Choose the Perfect Outdoor Sauna for Your Ontario Home?

How to Choose the Perfect Outdoor Sauna for Your Ontario Home?

Choosing the perfect outdoor sauna is like finding the right partner: it should make you feel good, fit your lifestyle, and not break the bank. So, take your time, do your research, and soon enough, you’ll be sweating away your stress in your very own backyard paradise. And remember, whatever sauna you choose, it’s all about relaxation and enjoying the good life. Happy sauna hunting!

Sauna hunting can be a fun and rewarding experience if you ask the right questions and do your homework. Keep your needs and preferences in mind, and you’ll find the perfect sauna that fits your lifestyle like a glove.

Already decided to turn your backyard into a personal spa retreat with an outdoor sauna? Great! But now comes the tricky part: choosing the right one. Fear not, for we are here to guide you through this steamy journey with a dash of humour and a sprinkle of wisdom.

What Outdoor Sauna Options You Have to Choose from?

You have plenty of outdoor sauna options to choose from:

  • Barrel Sauna: It is efficient heating and quirky design, that makes you feel like you’re in a wine barrel (without the wine). However, it has limited space and might trigger wine cravings. It is for those who want a sauna with personality and a compact footprint.
  • Cube Sauna: It provides a contemporary aesthetic and a modern and minimalist design, the cube sauna has a sleek, square shape. It often features large glass windows and can be used both indoors and outdoors, 
  • Shed Sauna: Designed to resemble a small shed, it provides a rustic and cozy environment and can be custom-built to fit various sizes and styles.
  • Log Cabin Sauna: Built from logs, this sauna has a traditional, rustic appearance. It provides a classic, woodsy experience reminiscent of a cabin retreat.
  • Modern Sauna: Characterized by sleek lines, high-quality materials, and advanced technology, modern saunas can be customized with features like LED lighting, sound systems, and touch controls.
The best wood option is cedar

Cedar is one of the most popular and traditional sauna wood types, especially for outdoor saunas. Cedar is durable enough to withstand most harsh outdoor conditions. It’s also known for its resistance to decay, making it a very worthwhile investment.

Sauna Experience You Can Create

In a sauna of any shape and configuration you can create different sauna experienca:

  • Traditional Finnish Sauna: Traditional Finnish sauna it’s the authentic experience, high temperatures, rocks and steam. It is for those who want to sweat like a Finn and can handle the heat. You can get really hot (duh)!
  • Wood-Fired Sauna: Wood-fired sauna is about rustic charm, no need for electricity, and the place where you can practice your fire-starting skills. Requires wood, and you might need to channel your inner lumberjack. It is designed for nature lovers and DIY enthusiasts who don’t mind a bit of wood chopping.
  • Infrared Sauna: Infrared sauna is lower temperatures, gentle heat, great for muscle relaxation. It’s not as traditional, might feel like a giant microwave. Perfect for people who like to sweat but want to avoid the blast furnace effect.
Here are Some Tips for Choosing Your Outdoor Sauna
  • Size Matters: Before you get carried away, measure your space. Saunas come in all shapes and sizes, so make sure yours will fit without turning your backyard into a sauna maze.
  • Location, Location, Location (on your backyard): Choose a spot that’s convenient but also offers some privacy. No one wants to see the neighbours peeking over the fence while you’re sweating it out.
  • Material World: Cedar and spruce are popular choices for saunas. They’re durable and smell amazing. Avoid cheaper materials that might warp or rot faster than a soggy biscuit.
  • Power Up: Decide if you want an electric, wood-fired, or infrared sauna. Each has its pros and cons, but your choice might also depend on what’s easier to install and maintain.
  • Get Steamy with It: If you love steam, a traditional Finnish sauna is the way to go. For a drier heat, infrared saunas are your friend. Wood-fired saunas offer a bit of both, with the added bonus of feeling like a camping trip.
  • Budget Wisely: Saunas can range from affordable to “I need a second mortgage.” Set a budget and stick to it. Remember, you’ll also need to factor in installation costs and ongoing maintenance.
  • Accessorize Like a Pro: Don’t forget the extras: comfortable benches, mood lighting, a good sound system for those sauna jams, and maybe a bucket and ladle for the full experience.
  • Try Before You Buy: If possible, test out a few saunas before making your decision. Visit friends who have saunas, or check out local spa facilities. You wouldn’t buy a car without a test drive, right?
How to Make Sauna Hunting Easier: Questions to Ask Yourself

Finding the perfect sauna doesn’t have to be a Herculean task. Here’s a handy guide to streamline your sauna search. Start by asking yourself these crucial questions:

What’s My Budget?
  • Am I looking for a luxurious retreat or a budget-friendly option?
  • Have I considered installation and maintenance costs?
How Much Space Do I Have?
  • Where exactly will I place my sauna?
  • Do I have enough room for the size and shape I want?
What Type of Heat Do I Prefer?
  • Do I want the intense, dry heat of a traditional sauna?
  • Would I prefer the gentler, radiant heat of an infrared sauna?
  • Am I up for the rustic charm of a wood-fired sauna?
How Many People Will Use It?
  • Is this just for me, or will friends and family be joining?
  • Do I need a cozy two-seater, or a spacious sauna for a party?
How Important Is Convenience?
  • Do I want an electric sauna for ease of use?
  • Am I okay with the work involved in a wood-fired sauna?
What’s My DIY Comfort Level?
  • Am I up for assembling it myself, or should I hire professionals?
  • Do I have the skills to maintain a wood-fired sauna, or should I go electric?
Do I Want Additional Features?
  • Am I interested in chromotherapy (color light therapy) or built-in sound systems?
  • Do I need extra ventilation, specialized seating, or fancy controls?
What’s My Climate Like?
  • Will the sauna withstand my local weather conditions?
  • Should I consider additional insulation or weatherproofing?
How Will I Use the Sauna?
  • Is this for relaxation, health benefits, or social gatherings?
  • Do I need a sauna that heats up quickly, or am I okay with a longer warm-up time?
What’s My Aesthetic Preference?
  • Do I want a traditional wooden look, or something more modern?
  • Will it blend with my existing outdoor decor?
Streamlining Your Search
  • Consult Friends and Family: Do you know anyone who owns a sauna? Get their insights and recommendations. Maybe even test out their saunas to see what you like.
  • Compare Options: Make a list of your top choices and compare their features, prices, and reviews. Look for deals, warranties, and return policies.
  • Think Long-Term: Consider the longevity and durability of the sauna. Think about future maintenance and operating costs.
Visit Showrooms

Generally speaking, visit a showroom to see and feel the saunas in person. Speaking in particular, visit our showrooms! At Sauna Depot, we have two! 

  1. 3791 Hwy. 89, Cookstown, ON, L0L 1L0, Canada
  2. 2921 ON-11, Oro Station, ON, Canada

Please give us a call before to schedule your visit: 1-877-777-9908

Ask questions and get advice from our experts and get ready to enjoy those relaxing, steamy sessions right in your own backyard! 

Happy sauna hunting!