We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shopping Gardening Reviews Pool & Spa Reviews The 9 Best Outdoor Saunas of 2024 for Any Backyard Every day is spa day with one of these saunas. By Addie Morton Addie Morton Addie is a Nashville-based freelance writer who is obsessed with all things home decor. In addition to BHG, her work has appeared in many print and digital publications, including HGTV, Travel Channel, DIY Network, Great American Country, and Tennessee Athletics. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on July 7, 2023 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews The Bottom Line What To Know Before Shopping Your Questions, Answered Who We Are Better Homes & Gardens / Reese Herrington Outdoor saunas bring a relaxing, spa-like experience right to your backyard. For homeowners with limited indoor space, outdoor saunas are also a great option. While they may seem impossibly luxurious, not all of them will break the bank. A sauna is "a small, enclosed space that provides wet or dry heat, giving users the therapeutic benefits of relieving muscle tension and stress as well as improving blood circulation and lowering cortisol levels," says Uneeb Rahman, an associate merchant at The Home Depot. "Outdoor saunas can be built as a separate structure or added to a deck or porch. Wood-burning and steam saunas make for the ideal options for outside." We spoke with Rahman to learn more about the best outdoor saunas, and after reviewing hundreds of options, we found picks for every backyard and budget. Our Top Picks Best Overall: LTCCDSS Outdoor Red Cedar Sauna at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Budget: Sunray Saunas Burlington at Walmart ($3,290) Jump to Review Best Splurge: Almost Heaven Saunas Seneca Barrel Sauna at Home Depot ($8,899) Jump to Review Best Infrared: Kanlanth Hemlock Infrared Sauna at Amazon ($3,399) Jump to Review Best Steam: Almost Heaven Saunas Audra Traditional Steam Sauna at Lowe's ($5,599) Jump to Review Best Small: SalusHeat Outdoor Infrared Sauna at Amazon ($1,899) Jump to Review Best Four-Person: Xmatch Infrared Wooden Sauna Room at Amazon ($3,299) Jump to Review Best Barrel: Direct Wicker Sunny Outdoor Sauna at Home Depot ($6,769) Jump to Review Best Design: Aleko Hemlock Outdoor Sauna at Home Depot ($5,174) Jump to Review Best Overall LTCCDSS Outdoor Red Cedar Sauna Amazon View On Amazon Why You Should Get It It’s made from high-quality red cedar that withstands temperatures from -10ºF to 149ºF. Keep In Mind Larger sizes in a less durable material are more affordable. Our best outdoor sauna offers solid construction at a fair price. The LTCCDSS Outdoor Red Cedar Sauna is made from premium Canadian red cedar and can fit two people. Red cedar is known for its low-density and high-porous structure, making its thermal insulation higher than other materials. This pick can withstand a wide temperature range from -10ºF to 149ºF. For a similar price, you can upgrade to a 4-person capacity sauna in hemlock wood. This type of wood is durable for outdoor use, however, it’s not as high-end as red cedar. High-tech features include two colorful lights for chromotherapy, two reading lights, and two Bluetooth speakers. It’s best for people under 6’4” and the bench can hold up to 600 pounds. If you want to move the sauna indoors, simply remove the waterproof roof before use. Product Details: Dimensions: 57.2 x 41.4 x 82.7 inches | Suggested Number of People: Two | Style: Infrared Best Budget Sunray Saunas Burlington Sunray Saunas View On Walmart $3,290 View On Home Depot $2,596 View On Sunraysaunas.com Why You Should Get It It includes an air purification system, which is a great feature to find at this price. Keep In Mind Only two people can fit on the bench comfortably. The best outdoor sauna doesn’t have to be a splurge purchase. Sunray Saunas’ Burlington Infrared Sauna is a budget pick (as far as saunas go), but it still has some of the qualities found in higher-end options. Inside, you’ll find an air purifying system, recessed lighting, Bluetooth speakers, and cup holders. There are seven ceramic heaters that will bring the temperature up to 140ºF. Infrared saunas are known to operate at lower temperatures than traditional saunas, but you’ll still benefit from the same health benefits. It’s made of Canadian hemlock wood and has grooves to help with installation. The deep bench can fit two people. While this is a smaller pick, it’s the perfect size to place on your patio. Product Details: Dimensions: 57 x 45 x 83 inches | Suggested Number of People: Two | Style: Infrared Best Splurge Almost Heaven Saunas Seneca Barrel Sauna Almost Heaven Saunas View On Home Depot $8,899 View On Almostheaven.com Why You Should Get It It’s a full foot wider than traditional barrel saunas and is customizable with several options for doors, windows, and heat and lighting types. Keep In Mind Woodworking knowledge is needed to install the chimney. The best outdoor saunas allow you to relax and unwind with loved ones. The Seneca Barrel Sauna by Almost Heaven Saunas can hold up to six people. It’s a full foot wider than traditional barrel saunas, measuring about 7 x 7 feet, and has wider benches. The additional space can also hold water, towels, or logs for the wood-burning heater. When considering splurging on a sauna, look for models that go above and beyond. This pick comes with a loaded accessory set, including a drink shelf, magazine rack, leg and backrest, and a robe hook. It also comes with a chimney, which requires basic woodworking knowledge to install. If you’re looking to customize your sauna, the Almost Heaven Saunas website allows you to pick your windows, door, heater, and lighting type. You can also upgrade to the onyx-stained sauna to bring a sleek and dramatic look to your backyard. Product Details: Dimensions: 84 x 84 x 88 inches | Suggested Number of People: Six | Style: Dry Best Infrared Kanlanth Hemlock Infrared Sauna Amazon View On Amazon $3,399 Why You Should Get It This infrared sauna can be used outdoors or indoors, and has a waterproof roof that enhances durability. Keep In Mind The glass doors, while attractive, are more breakable than wood. This pick by Kanlanth is one of the best outdoor saunas with infrared technology. "This type of sauna uses light to produce deep heat that stimulates the body’s natural sweating ability, relaxing and toning muscles," Rahman notes. The waterproof roof adds to the durability for outdoor use, while the size allows it to be stored (or even used) inside the home. Most outdoor saunas have wooden doors that blend into the rest of the sauna, but this pick features an elongated glass door to add a chic design element to your backyard (though glass is naturally more breakable than other materials). In addition to LED reading lights, the inside includes chromotherapy lights to work on energy points and help balance your body. Product Details: Dimensions: 59.1 x 52.4 x 82.7 inches | Suggested Number of People: Four | Style: Infrared Best Steam Almost Heaven Saunas Audra Traditional Steam Sauna Wayfair View On Lowe's $5,599 View On Almostheaven.com Why You Should Get It The cedar wood material is resistant to mold, rot, corrosion, water, and rust. Keep In Mind It needs to be placed on a level surface. The Almost Heaven Saunas Barrel Sauna is made from cedar wood, which is more durable and meant to withstand outdoor conditions. Use of this material also means the sauna is resistant to mold, rot, rust, corrosion, and water. The interior features two full-sized benches and can comfortably fit two to four people. It can reach up to 185ºF in an hour. There are also two benches on the outside that allow you to take a break and cool down without going far. The barrel design sits on support cradles, meaning this sauna will need to be placed on an even and flat surface. The best outdoor saunas are customizable, and this pick comes with accessories including a back and leg rest, robe hook, magazine rack, and drink shelf. It also features a soft LED light bar and 40 pounds of sauna stones. Product Details: Dimensions: 72 x 72 x 77 inches | Suggested Number of People: Four | Style: Steam Best Small SalusHeat Outdoor Infrared Sauna Amazon View On Amazon $1,899 Why You Should Get It Though it’s small, this sauna doesn’t skimp on added features you’d see in larger options like a reading light and Bluetooth speakers. Keep In Mind It can only fit one person at a time comfortably. The SalusHeat Infrared Sauna is our pick for the best small outdoor sauna. In fact, it’s so tiny it fits just one person. Despite its compact size, it’s got a lot going for it like a reading lamp, chromotherapy lights, two bluetooth speakers, and an LED control panel for time and temperature. The roof is waterproof, meaning it’s safe for outdoor use. However, its small size makes it a great indoor sauna for a bathroom or home gym as well. This pick features six heaters that reach up to 149ºF. Installation can be completed in 30 minutes due to the simple tongue and groove design. Within 10-15 minutes of installation, the sauna can be warmed up and ready to use. Product Details: Dimensions: 45.7 x 39.4 x 79.5 inches | Suggested Number of People: One | Style: Infrared Best Four-Person Xmatch Infrared Wooden Sauna Room Amazon View On Amazon $3,299 View On Walmart $3,780 Why You Should Get It It’s made of kiln-dried wood, which withstands warping due to low moisture content. Keep In Mind Very tall people may not find this sauna to be comfortable. When searching for the best outdoor sauna, opt for durable materials that can withstand outdoor weather conditions, including kiln-dried woods, which are less prone to warping over time because they have less moisture. The Xmatch Infrared Wooden Sauna Room is made from kiln-dried hemlock wood that fits the bill. The inside includes eight heaters, two Bluetooth speakers, plus LED reading lamps and chromotherapy lights. All of these features, plus the temperature and vents, can be controlled by the tech panel inside the sauna. This product is recommended for those 6’3” and under, so really tall people might not have enough headroom. Assembly is required, but the panels should snap together easily. Like most infrared saunas, this pick operates at a lower temperature (149ºF max) and automatically switches off during timed sessions. Product Details: Dimensions: 68 x 52 x 83 inches | Suggested Number of People: Four | Style: Infrared Best Barrel Direct Wicker Sunny Outdoor Sauna The Home Depot View On Home Depot $6,769 Why You Should Get It The electric heater is ultra quiet for the ultimate relaxation session. Keep In Mind You’ll need to leave ample space around it for proper ventilation. This pick “can accommodate a minimum of six people and is perfect for all types of gatherings including parties and barbecues,” making it one of Rahman’s picks for the best outdoor sauna. The sauna features a tempered glass window and two benches inside and is made of Canadian hemlock wood, which is durable and made to withstand high temperatures, so you can enjoy hours of relaxation. It also features a quiet electric SAWO heater. It’s important to leave ample space around barrel saunas to allow for proper ventilation. Proper ventilation maintains air circulation and prevents excessive heat buildup, which is especially important with a barrel sauana’s compact shape. Allowing a few feet on each side of the barrel sauna will mean it can maintain your desired heat, circulate new air, and be easily accessible for maintenance. Also, remember that it’s especially important for barrel saunas to be on level and solid surfaces. Rahman recommends placing it on a wooden base since concrete can impact the heating. Product Details: Dimensions: 94.49 x 70.87 x 76.77 inches | Suggested Number of People: Six | Style: Wet Best Design Aleko Hemlock Outdoor Sauna Aleko View On Home Depot $5,174 View On Alekoproducts.com $4,699 Why You Should Get It This sauna has a high maximum temperature of 194ºF. Keep In Mind There’s an automatic 60-minute shut-off timer. The Aleko Canadian Hemlock Outdoor sauna is designed to provide the maximum amount of interior room, while the rounded edges minimize the overall footprint. Five people can sit comfortably, making this a great addition to your backyard for entertaining. The door includes a tempered glass window, and each side of the sauna has a four-paneled window for natural light all around. There’s an LED at the entry, which helps with visibility at night. Also, it’s made from hemlock wood, which is known for its heat-insulating properties, and an asphalt roof to protect from weathering. Keep in mind that this sauna will automatically cut off after 60 minutes. However, the timer can be restarted with the dial control inside. This control panel also operates the temperature, which ranges from 158-194ºF. Product Details: Dimensions: 79.2 x 79.2 x 79.2 inches | Suggested Number of People: Five | Style: Dry The Bottom Line Overall the LTCCDSS Outdoor Red Cedar Sauna is our choice for the best outdoor sauna due to its high quality at a fair price. It’s made from premium Canadian red cedar that withstands temperatures from -10ºF to 149ºF. If you want to enjoy a sauna’s health benefits on a budget, consider the SalusHeat Infrared Sauna for one person or the Sunray Saunas Burlington Infrared Sauna for two. What To Know About Outdoor Saunas Before Shopping Dimensions “A typical sauna can be as small as 3 x 3 feet or as large as 8 x 12 feet,” Rahman says. When considering dimensions, he notes that you should think about the desired seating, ideally allowing for at least 2 feet of bench space per person. Smaller saunas are easier to heat up and keep hot, so you might want a compact unit if you do not plan on fitting multiple people. “Glazed glass doors or windows can help make the sauna feel more spacious” if you do opt for a smaller size, Rahman suggests. It's essential to measure your outdoor space to ensure you have enough room to accommodate the sauna’s dimensions and required clearances from walls, structures, and trees. Enough clearance around the sauna will allow for proper airflow and maintenance access, he says. Suggested Number of People Outdoor saunas are typically designed to comfortably seat two to six people depending on the measurements. Most saunas have bench seating along the walls to fit multiple people; just make sure to allow for 2 feet of bench space per person. Sauna Style Sauna styles generally come down to the heat source used, Rahman explains, with dry saunas, steam rooms, and infrared saunas being the most common. Each style has its own characteristics and benefits. Traditional dry saunas use heated rocks to produce the desired temperature. The air temperature is high in these saunas and the humidity is low. You can occasionally pour water over the rocks to add steam to the room and increase humidity. Steam rooms, also known as wet saunas, create heat with steam when water is poured over warmed rocks or with a steam generator. Wet saunas have higher humidity levels due to the steam and typically have lower temperatures than traditional saunas. Instead of heating the air, infrared saunas use heaters to directly heat the body. Your Questions, Answered Do you need a permit for an outdoor sauna? This will depend on your location. Factors that influence the need for a permit include the size of the sauna, its location on your property, zoning regulations, electrical connections, and any potential impact on safety or neighboring properties. "I always recommend checking with local counties to make sure all safety codes are followed and met!" Rahman says. "Outdoor saunas are considered semi-permanent as they still require hard wiring in most cases." Are outdoor saunas expensive to run? It depends on how energy efficient your model is, the size, and how often you use it. As a general rule, Rahman says, "Bigger saunas that can fit more than two people will cost more and use more energy than smaller models." How much does an outdoor sauna cost? The best outdoor sauna for your family doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The outdoor saunas on our list range in price from around $2,000 to over $16,000 depending on size, materials, and features. In general, the flashier the sauna, the pricier it will be. Some added features that may drive up the price can include custom sizing, seat configurations, lighting, and tech add-ons, including WiFi and Bluetooth functionality. Who We Are Addie Morton is contributing writer for Better Homes & Gardens who specializes in home decor and lifestyle content. For this story, she spoke with Uneeb Rahman, an associate merchant for The Home Depot. 8 Inflatable Hot Tubs to Help You Relax All Winter Long Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit