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In the evolving world of home wellness, outdoor saunas have become a symbol of luxury and their many health benefits. The allure of a backyard sauna, offering a private retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation, has never been more appealing than in 2024. Whether you’re considering a traditional sauna with classic sauna stones or an innovative infrared sauna, the choices are abundant. This guide will explore various options, from the rustic charm of barrel saunas to the sleek design of pod saunas, ensuring you find the best outdoor sauna for your home.
Table of Contents
Our Top 3 Outdoor Sauna Picks
1. Best Overall Outdoor Sauna: Dundalk CT Canadian Timber MiniPOD
- Price: $5,566.00 USD (Discounted from $6,400.90)
- Material: Eastern White Cedar, 1.5″ thick
- Size: 7′ x 7′
- Features: Tempered glass door, asphalt shingles, easy assembly
- Capacity: 4 people sitting or 2 lying
- Heater Options: Wood or electric
- Warranty: 3 years for material and workmanship defects
- Shipping: Free, with various options
For more details, visit Nordica Sauna
2. Best Price Sauna: Model E6 Sauna Barrel
- Price: $3,490.00 – $3,990.00 USD (Discounted from $3,839.00 – $4,389.00)
- Material: Thermo-Spruce (1.65” thick) and Thermo-Aspen for benches
- Size: 59” L x 81” Diameter (Exterior), 51” L x 77” Diameter (Interior)
- Capacity: Up to 3 bathers
- Features: Ergonomic design, durable construction, 6’-5” interior height, tempered bronze glass door, dual floor drains, black roof shingle kit
- Lighting: White LED Light Bar System with Wi-Fi App
- Includes: Full-length staves, benches, backrests, fastener kit, paraffin oil, installation instructions
- Warranty: Included from authorized dealer
- Shipping: Free shipping & no sales tax
For more details, visit Nordica Sauna
3. Best Infrared Outside Sauna:
Enlighten Sauna Sierra 2 Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna
- Price: $6,495.00 USD (Discounted from $6,955.00)
- Material: Real Western Canadian Red Cedar Wood Outside And Inside
- Exterior Specs Width: 50″ | Depth: 50″ | Height: 96″
- Features: Bluetooth Player With Speakers, Double Pane Tempered Glass, 8 Heaters
- Adjust Temp.: 0-149 F
- Capacity: 2 people sitting
- Heater Options: Electric
- Shipping: Free, with various options
Key Features to Consider When Choosing an Outdoor Sauna
When selecting your outdoor sauna, paying attention to specific sauna features is crucial for ensuring you get the most out of your investment. Here are the key aspects to keep in mind:
Size and Capacity: Consider how many people will typically use the sauna. Outdoor barrel saunas offer a cozy setup for smaller groups, while larger cabin saunas can accommodate more users.
Material and Durability: The longevity of outdoor saunas heavily depends on the materials used. High-quality saunas typically feature durable woods like cedar, which withstand the elements and retain heat efficiently.
Heating Type: The choice between traditional sauna, infrared sauna, and steam saunas affects the heat experience. Traditional saunas with sauna rocks and wood-burning options offer a classic feel, while infrared saunas provide a modern twist with potentially lower operating costs.
Additional Features: Modern saunas come equipped with various features for enhanced comfort and convenience. Look for sauna accessories like lighting, Bluetooth speakers, and customizable controls to tailor your sauna experience.
Energy Efficiency: With rising energy costs, selecting an energy-efficient sauna is crucial. Infrared saunas are often more energy-efficient compared to a traditional steam sauna.
Installation and Maintenance: Consider the ease of installation and the maintenance required. Sauna kits can simplify the setup process, and understanding the maintenance needs of sauna rooms can help in long-term care and upkeep.
By considering these factors, you can ensure that your choice of an outdoor sauna not only fits your personal preferences and lifestyle but also offers a sustainable and enjoyable experience for years to come.
Top 9 Outdoor Saunas for 2024
The following are some of the best outdoor saunas available in 2024, each offering unique features and benefits:
1. Best Barrel Sauna
This barrel sauna is a masterpiece of traditional sauna craftsmanship, blending the rustic charm of classic barrel design with modern sauna features.
It offers a high-quality experience, complete with sauna stones and efficient heat circulation. Its robust construction, using durable materials like cedar wood or hemlock wood, makes it a perfect addition to any backyard sauna setting. This sauna combines the therapeutic benefits of traditional saunas with the convenience and elegance required for today’s outdoor use.
2. Best Infrared Outdoor Sauna
Infrared sauna merges advanced technology with low energy consumption, ideal for a modern, health-focused approach. Its efficient heating directly warms the body, facilitating quick and deep heat penetration for therapeutic benefits. Operating at lower temperatures, it offers comfortable sessions and is energy-efficient, reducing operational costs. Perfect for relaxation and promoting health, it’s a sleek, contemporary addition to any wellness routine.
3. Best Luna Sauna
A Luna sauna is a modern outdoor sauna known for its unique, curved design and large windows. Often made from durable woods like cedar or hemlock, it offers various heating options and can include features like LED lighting and Bluetooth speakers. Luna saunas blend contemporary aesthetics with traditional sauna functionality.
4. Best POD Sauna
The POD sauna boasts an eye-catching curved design that not only enhances its visual appeal but also ensures even distribution of heat. Its design is both space-efficient and spacious, making it an ideal fit for various outdoor settings. This sauna is an excellent choice for those seeking a contemporary and chic approach to experiencing sauna benefits.
5. Best DIY Sauna
A steam sauna produces a warm, moist atmosphere, ideal for lovers of classic saunas. The enveloping steam soothes muscles and promotes deep relaxation. This type of sauna is also beneficial for skin health and respiratory wellness. Perfect for those who seek a traditional, comforting retreat, a steam sauna provides a timeless method for relaxation and rejuvenation.
6. Best All-Season Backyard Saunas
Among our top picks is the ‘All-Season Backyard Sauna,’ uniquely designed for enjoyment in the backyard during any season. Its standout feature is the enhanced insulation and robust construction, ideal for enduring various weather extremes.
While all our recommended outdoor saunas are crafted for durability, this model excels in areas with fluctuating climates, from heavy snow to intense summer heat. It offers consistent comfort and relaxation year-round, making it an excellent choice for those who wish to integrate wellness into their daily routine, no matter the season.
7. Best Wet Saunas
Our top choice for a wet sauna combines the timeless appeal of steam with modern durability and design. It’s crafted to seamlessly integrate into outdoor settings, offering a sanctuary of warmth and moisture that is both rejuvenating and invigorating. This sauna is especially ideal for those who prefer the traditional, high-humidity sauna experience, reminiscent of the original Finnish saunas.
The wet saunas ability to create a steamy environment sets it apart from other types, such as the infrared or dry saunas. It’s perfect for those looking to enjoy the classic sauna experience, complete with the option of aromatherapy through essential oils added to the water.
8. Best Cabin Sauna
A cabin sauna is a spacious and traditional choice, perfect for a more extensive and communal sauna session. Its larger structure allows for multiple people to enjoy the sauna at once, making it ideal for families or group relaxation. The sturdy build and classic design of a cabin sauna add a touch of rustic elegance to any outdoor setting. It’s an excellent option for those seeking a blend of traditional sauna benefits with the comfort of a roomier interior.
9. Best Budget Outdoor Sauna
Offering the basic essentials of a sauna experience, this model is an excellent choice for those on a budget, providing value without compromising on quality.
Each of these outdoor home saunas also brings something unique to the table, whether it’s in terms of design, technology, or affordability. They cater to a wide range of preferences, ensuring that there’s an ideal outdoor sauna for every home in 2024.
Installation and Maintenance Tips Of Outdoor sauna
Installing and maintaining an outdoor sauna is crucial for ensuring its longevity and performance. Here are some tips to help you get started with high quality sauna:
1. Installation Considerations:
Choose a location: Ensure your outdoor space can accommodate the sauna size while allowing for proper air circulation and accessibility.
Foundation: A stable, level base, such as concrete, is essential for your sauna, especially for heavier models like traditional barrel saunas or cabin saunas.
Electrical Setup: For saunas with electric heaters, ensure a safe and suitable power source. Hiring a professional electrician is recommended.
2. Maintenance Guidelines:
Regular Cleaning: Keep the interior clean, especially the benches and floors. Use mild, non-abrasive cleaners to preserve the wood quality.
Wood Care: Treat the exterior wood, such as cedar wood or hemlock wood, with appropriate oils or stains to protect against weather elements.
Check for Damage: Regularly inspect for any wear, especially in saunas that use electric heaters or wood-burning heaters, to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Proper installation and maintenance not only extend the life of electric heater in your outdoor sauna but also enhance your sauna experience, making it a valuable addition to your backyard. Click here for more information.
Health Benefits of Outdoor Saunas
Saunas offer numerous health benefits. Regular use can contribute to:
1. Stress Relief: The relaxing environment of a sauna, especially in a serene backyard setting, can significantly reduce stress levels.
2. Improved Circulation: The heat from saunas, whether it’s from traditional saunas with sauna stones or infrared saunas, helps improve blood circulation.
3. Detoxification: Saunas, particularly those with dry heat, promote a deep cleanse, aiding in the removal of toxins from the body.
4. Muscle Relaxation: The heat therapy provided by saunas can soothe muscle aches and reduce stiffness, making them an excellent post-exercise relaxation spot.
Incorporating a sauna into your home, be it a high-quality barrel sauna or a sleek pod sauna, can thus contribute significantly to your overall health and well-being.
Sauna Materials: Red Cedar and Hemlock Wood
When it comes to sauna construction, durable materials are key. Red cedar is renowned for its natural resistance to decay and moisture, making it an ideal choice for outdoor saunas. Hemlock wood is another popular option, known for its durability and aesthetic appeal. Both materials ensure that your sauna remains a fixture of your home for years to come.
Creating a Relaxing Atmosphere
The key to maximizing the relaxation benefits of your sauna is creating the right atmosphere. This can be achieved through the addition of features like mood lighting, comfortable seating, and even a pool or hot tub nearby for cold plunges. Designing your sauna space with relaxation in mind can make it a haven for stress relief and tranquility.
The Art of Heating: Choosing Your Heat Source
The choice of heating method in a sauna, whether it’s an electric heater, a wood burning heater, or an infrared system, significantly impacts your sauna experience. Electric heaters are convenient and easy to control, while wood-burning heaters offer a traditional and almost heavenly heat. Infrared systems provide a more modern approach, focusing on heating the body directly for a deeper relaxation experience.
Understanding the art of heating is crucial to maximizing the sauna experience. The temperature within a sauna plays a pivotal role in its effectiveness and the comfort it provides. While some prefer a milder warmth, others might seek the intense heat that traditional saunas are known for.
This balance of temperature is not just about preference but also about understanding the health benefits associated with different levels of heat. For a more in-depth exploration of sauna temperatures, including how hot they can get and how to safely enjoy them, be sure to check out our detailed guide, “How Hot Are Saunas?”. This guide offers valuable insights into managing and enjoying sauna heat for both newcomers and seasoned sauna enthusiasts, ensuring every sauna session is both safe and satisfying.
The Outdoor Sauna Experience.
One of the greatest appeals of outdoor saunas is their ability to connect you with nature. Whether it’s a barrel design sauna nestled in your backyard or a cabin sauna overlooking a garden, the experience of being outdoors adds an element of natural beauty and serenity to your sauna routine. This connection with the outdoors not only enhances relaxation but also offers therapeutic benefits such as the ability to help lower blood pressure.
The heat from the sauna encourages vasodilation and improved circulation, both of which are factors in reducing blood pressure over time, while the stress-reducing environment of the sauna further supports cardiovascular health.
Maximizing Your Sauna Experience Safely
While exploring the best outdoor saunas for your home is exciting, it’s equally important to understand how to use them safely and effectively. One key aspect is knowing how long to stay in a sauna to enjoy its benefits without risking overexposure to heat. Duration can vary depending on the type of sauna, individual health, and personal comfort levels. To gain a deeper understanding of this, check out our detailed article, “How Long Should You Stay in a Sauna?”, which offers expert insights and guidelines to help you safely enjoy your sauna sessions. This information is crucial for both sauna novices and veterans to ensure a safe and enjoyable sauna experience.
Conclusion
In 2024, the choices for the best outdoor sauna are more diverse and accessible than ever. From the traditional barrel design to the modern infrared options, each type of sauna comes with its own unique benefits. Whether you’re drawn to the classic feel of a wood-burning barrel sauna or the advanced features of an infrared model, there’s an outdoor sauna that fits comfortably into your lifestyle and backyard decor.
Remember, the best outdoor sauna is one that meets your specific needs, fits your outdoor space, and enhances your home decor while offering relaxation and numerous health benefits.
FAQ Section
What are the main differences between outdoor and indoor saunas?
Outdoor saunas, like barrel saunas or pod saunas, are designed to withstand weather elements and often feature more robust construction with materials like cedar wood or hemlock wood.
Indoor saunas are typically smaller and may offer different heating methods, such as steam or infrared. Outdoor saunas often provide a more immersive experience in nature, enhancing the relaxation and stress relief aspects.
Are there energy-efficient sauna options?
Yes, infrared saunas are known for their energy efficiency. They heat the body directly instead of the air around, resulting in lower energy consumption compared to traditional steam saunas or saunas heated with electric heaters.
What maintenance does an outdoor sauna require?
Regular cleaning of the interior, periodic treatment of the exterior wood, and checks for any damage or wear, especially in electric heaters or wood-burning heaters, are important. Sauna kits often come with specific maintenance guidelines.
Can I install an outdoor sauna myself?
Many indoor version outdoor saunas, especially sauna kits, are designed for DIY installation with minimal tools required. However, for saunas that require an electrical hookup, such as those with electric heaters, it’s recommended to consult or hire a professional.
How long do outdoor saunas last?
The lifespan of an outdoor sauna largely depends on the quality of construction, materials used, and maintenance. High-quality saunas made from durable materials like Canadian hemlock wood or red cedar together, and maintained properly, can last many years. Regular cleaning, wood treatment, and checking for damage, especially in models with electric heaters or wood-burning heaters, are key to longevity.
