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Choosing Your Outdoor Sauna
Picking the right outdoor sauna comes down to a few practical decisions. Here is what to consider before you buy:
- Sauna type. Traditional Finnish electric saunas deliver humid heat between 65 and 90°C and suit buyers who want an authentic sauna experience. Infrared models operate at lower ambient temperatures (typically 50 to 60°C) and heat up in 10 to 20 minutes, making them well suited to the UK climate and everyday use without a long warm-up wait.
- Capacity. A two-person cabin suits smaller gardens or personal recovery routines. A three- to four-person model, such as the Camilla, works well for households and commercial settings alike. One customer on this page installed theirs at a Lake District holiday let.
- Timber. Thermowood and Nordic spruce are the most practical choices for outdoor use in the UK. Both are dimensionally stable in damp conditions and resist warping through the seasons. Cedar is also a popular option for its natural oils and distinctive aroma.
- Installation. Professional installation is available and recommended. Electric and infrared models require electrician sign-off, and several customers on this page note that having a qualified electrician attend after the build team is the right sequence to follow.
If you would like to talk through which configuration suits your garden and how you plan to use it, our team is available by phone, email, or live chat.
Best Small Outdoor Saunas for UK Gardens
For gardens with limited space, here are the best formats that’ll perform well without compromising the sauna experience.
Compact One and Two Person Options
The Camilla Compact Traditional Outdoor Sauna, built for one to two people, is among the smallest traditional cabins in this collection and suits courtyards, small patios, and terraced gardens where footprint is the primary constraint.
The Camilla Mini Traditional Outdoor Sauna, also designed for two people, offers a similar compact footprint with a straight two-level bench layout, making it a practical choice for couples or small households wanting a dedicated two-person cabin. Both models use thermowood construction, which keeps the overall structure lightweight relative to larger multi-person cabins while still retaining heat efficiently.
Two to Three Person Barrel and Infrared Models
The Camilla Barrel Sauna, suited to two to three people, uses the curved barrel format to use a smaller footprint efficiently while adding a distinctive visual feature to the garden. For those who prefer infrared heat in a small format, the Insignia 2 Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna comes as a plug-and-play unit, simplifying the electrical connection compared with heaters that require a dedicated high-power circuit.
If you’re torn between the major heating styles, compare infrared saunas to traditional saunas.
Accessories and Personalisation
A small outdoor sauna can still be finished to a high standard with the right accessories. Items such as a bucket, ladle, thermometer, and bench headrests are commonly added at the point of order, and the full sauna accessories range covers everything from stone care products to interior lighting upgrades, allowing a compact cabin to be finished exactly as intended without a separate delivery later.
Comparing Outdoor, Indoor, Infrared, and Luxury Options
Not every household will settle on a compact outdoor cabin, so it is worth comparing formats before deciding. Those without outdoor space at all may find an indoor sauna a more practical fit, since these models are designed for spare rooms and interior wellness areas rather than gardens. If you prefer radiant heat rather than traditional steam, check out the infrared sauna range, which spans both indoor and outdoor formats. If a larger or more premium cabin suits their garden better than a compact model, the luxury saunas collection offers higher-specification finishes, glazing, and heater packages.
Customer Reviews
Great sauna but more importantly great service
Summary: A great sauna and, more importantly, a very good experience buying, installing, and resolving a minor issue.
I bought this sauna for a holiday let I own in the Lake District. Keith and the team walked me through the options, especially since this is quite an exposed location. Unlike the other companies I spoke to, they were upfront about the work needed and d costs to install above the unit purchase price.
Unit bought and arranged a few weeks ahead when I didnt have guests, and I would be in the area and on hand. The team and pack arrived on time and installed without issue. The electrician then attended the following day from a list of recommendations and did a straightforward, on-time, on-price job.
A couple of months on, there was a minor issue with the door and teh humid controller, both sorted very quickly and not noticed by the holiday guests.
I am sure you can buy a cheaper sauna, but in this case I have no issues during and after the installation. Will use again when I need more equipment like this in future
Kuro Infra Red Sauna
From my initial enquiry to installation, Keith from Heracles has been very helpful. The whole buying journey was smooth and customer-focused. The installation team were on time and cleaned up after installing the sauna. The sauna itself is great quality and looks even better than the website photos. Highly recommend this product.
Great sauna, smooth order and installation process
Had the Camilla 3-4 person sauna installed by the Heracles team; delivered and fully assembled the same day.
Our electrician needed a bit of time to get to grips with the wiring, but Abdul from customer support helped talk him through it. Abdul was helpful throughout, always quick to respond to questions.
Heats up quickly in the current weather, though we haven’t tried it in winter yet, so can’t speak to performance in colder conditions.
Very happy to recommend Heracles.
I am very happy with the Camilla Sauna.
I am very happy with the Camilla Sauna. I elected for the sauna to be constructed by Heracles, which I’d recommend, as the fitters know exactly what they are doing, and it’s more than a normal DIY job. My electrician found it tricky to wire in, but once sorted, the results are excellent. The sauna is a good size and will easily fit 4 people. It heats up quickly and looks good. Great value against some others.
Exceptional ice bath!
This is a very high-quality product, backed by exceptional service from all members of the team.
The ice bath is beautifully constructed and feels really good to use. The seat is deep enough to get water over the shoulders, and you can fully submerge as needed.
The chiller is easy to use in the app, cools the water quickly, and keeps the bath clean and cold, ready to use anytime.
It pairs beautifully with the sauna, thank you Keith, Pawel, and the rest of the team!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need planning permission for an outdoor sauna in the UK?
Most outdoor saunas fall under permitted development rights in England, provided the structure is under 2.5 metres in height (or 4 metres for a dual-pitched roof). It is not positioned forward of the principal elevation. Larger structures, or properties in listed or conservation areas, may require consent. We recommend checking with your local planning authority before installation.
What type of wood is best for an outdoor sauna?
Thermowood and Nordic spruce are the most common choices for outdoor use in the UK. Both are heat-treated for better durability and stay stable in wet conditions, which matters in the UK climate. Cedar is also widely used for its natural oils and pleasant aroma.
How much does it cost to run an outdoor sauna in the UK?
Running costs depend on heater type and how often you use it. A typical 6 to 9 kW electric sauna heater costs approximately £1 to £2 per session at average UK electricity rates. Infrared models generally use less energy and reach temperature faster, which can further reduce the cost per session.
Can you use n outdoor sauna year-round in the UK?
Yes. Outdoor saunas are designed for all-weather use. Electric and wood-burning models maintain temperature effectively in cold conditions, and several customers on this page note that their sauna heats up quickly even in current weather. Winter performance varies by model and insulation specifications.
