Outdoor Custom Sauna for Every Taste

Dreaming about your own outdoor custom sauna? Here are some ideas that might help you with it. Whether you’re looking for a rustic, traditional setup, or a sleek, modern design, creating an outdoor sauna allows you to blend relaxation with your personal style. Building a custom sauna might seem like a big project, but with the right ideas and materials, you can craft a space that fits your taste, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a guide to inspire your outdoor sauna dreams.

Outdoor Custom Sauna for Every Taste

Choosing Your Sauna Style: Rustic vs. Modern

Before diving into construction, consider the aesthetic and functionality you want for your sauna. Your sauna’s style will set the tone for your entire experience.

• Rustic Charm: For those who love the feeling of being connected to nature, a rustic sauna built from natural materials like logs or stone might be ideal. Think traditional Finnish saunas with rough-hewn logs, wooden benches, and a wood-burning stove. This style works beautifully in forested areas or country settings where the sauna can blend harmoniously with the surroundings. For an extra touch of charm, you might consider a log cabin sauna, complete with a thatched or shingled roof.
• Modern Elegance: If you’re drawn to clean lines and minimalist design, a modern sauna with sleek glass walls, cedar or thermally-treated wood, and an electric heater could be more your style. Modern saunas often incorporate large windows that bring the outdoors inside, offering stunning views while you relax. This style suits urban and suburban environments, where a chic, contemporary look can complement your home’s existing architecture.

Whether you opt for rustic or modern, your choice of style will influence other aspects of your sauna, including materials, heating options, and layout.

Selecting the Right Location

Once you’ve decided on your sauna style, the next step is choosing the perfect spot in your yard. The location of your sauna will have a significant impact on both the aesthetic and functionality of the space.

• Tucked Away in Nature: If you have a larger yard or property, consider placing your sauna in a secluded spot, surrounded by trees or near a body of water. This will enhance the natural, peaceful vibe of the space. Imagine stepping out of your sauna and jumping into a nearby lake or rolling in the snow during winter.
• Close to Home: For convenience, many people choose to build their outdoor saunas closer to their homes. Placing the sauna near your house allows for easy access to amenities like showers, changing rooms, and power sources. You could even build a covered walkway or a deck connecting your sauna to your home, making it a seamless extension of your living space.

With a View: If your property has a beautiful view—whether it’s a mountain range, a river, or a wide-open sky—position your sauna to take full advantage of it. Large windows or even a glass wall can make the most of your surroundings, turning your sauna sessions into a truly immersive experience.

Choosing Your Heating Method

The heart of any sauna is its heat source, and you have several options depending on your preferences and lifestyle.

• Wood-Burning Stove: For a traditional experience, nothing beats the crackling warmth of a wood-burning stove. This option gives your sauna a rustic feel and is perfect for those who enjoy the ritual of chopping wood and tending to a fire. It’s also ideal for locations without access to electricity. However, keep in mind that wood stoves require ventilation and can be more challenging to control in terms of temperature.
• Electric Heater: If convenience is key, an electric sauna heater might be the best choice. Electric heaters are easy to use, offering precise temperature control with the push of a button. They’re also maintenance-free compared to wood stoves, making them a popular choice for modern saunas. For outdoor saunas, you’ll need to ensure that your location has access to electricity and that your heater is weatherproof.
• Infrared Heaters: Infrared saunas have gained popularity in recent years for their ability to provide deep, penetrating heat at lower temperatures. Infrared heaters are energy-efficient and easy to install, and they don’t require ventilation like wood-burning stoves. This type of sauna is particularly appealing for people who want the benefits of sauna heat without the intense, high-temperature experience.

Customizing the Interior

The interior of your sauna should be as inviting as the exterior. Think about how you want the space to feel, what materials will be the most comfortable, and any additional features that could enhance your sauna sessions.

• Materials: Cedar, spruce, and aspen are popular choices for sauna interiors due to their durability, pleasant aroma, and resistance to heat and moisture. Cedar, in particular, is prized for its natural resistance to decay and its ability to stay cool to the touch even at high temperatures.
• Benches and Layout: The arrangement of your sauna benches will affect both comfort and capacity. You could opt for tiered benches, which offer varying heat levels depending on how high you sit, or a wraparound design that maximizes space. Make sure to leave enough room for lounging, stretching out, and sharing the sauna with others.
• Lighting and Ambiance: Soft, warm lighting is essential for creating a relaxing sauna environment. Consider installing LED lights behind the benches or along the floor to create a calming glow. Some sauna enthusiasts also incorporate chromotherapy, or color therapy, with lights that can change color to suit different moods or wellness goals. Adding a Bluetooth sound system can allow you to enjoy your favorite music or nature sounds as you relax.

Adding Extra Features

Once you have the basics in place, consider adding a few extra touches to elevate your sauna experience.

• Cold Plunge Pool: For a true Finnish-style sauna experience, add a cold plunge pool or outdoor shower near your sauna. Alternating between hot and cold is invigorating and has numerous health benefits, including improved circulation and reduced muscle soreness.
• Outdoor Seating Area: Create a cozy seating area outside your sauna where you can cool down, enjoy a cup of tea, or chat with friends. Adding comfortable chairs, a fire pit, or a hot tub can turn your sauna into a social space.
• Eco-Friendly Options: If sustainability is important to you, consider using eco-friendly materials for your sauna construction, such as reclaimed wood or sustainable timber. You could also explore solar-powered sauna heaters to reduce your carbon footprint.

Budget Considerations

Building a custom outdoor sauna can range from a simple, budget-friendly project to a luxury installation. Here are a few tips for keeping costs in check:

• DIY vs. Professional Installation: If you’re handy with tools, a DIY sauna kit can save you a lot of money. These kits come with pre-cut materials and detailed instructions, making it easier to build your sauna from scratch. On the other hand, hiring a professional to design and install your sauna ensures a high-quality result with less hassle.
• Material Choices: Opting for locally-sourced wood and materials can reduce costs, and choosing an electric heater over a wood-burning stove can also be more affordable in the long run, as it requires less maintenance.

Designing an outdoor custom sauna is a chance to create a personal retreat that reflects your style and enhances your well-being. Whether you’re drawn to the rustic charm of a log cabin sauna or the sleek elegance of a modern glass-walled design, there’s a sauna style for every taste. By carefully choosing your location, heating method, and interior features, you can craft a space that provides relaxation, rejuvenation, and a connection to nature.