Sauna 101.com -- Info Guide to Saunas and Steam Rooms for the Home

The Outdoor Sauna

Outdoor saunas are generally larger than indoor saunas since size is not a factor. As such, the outdoor sauna is more likely to be used for social occassions, allowing room for four people or more. The outdoor sauna has a appearance of a small shed, complete with window, glass door and roof. Most outdoor saunas are of the traditional Finnish type, with a separate sauna heater and rocks.

An important consideration for the outdoor sauna is quality of materials and insulation. You want a model with a good, leak-proof roof and with enough insulation that the sauna can heat up quickly and retain heat for several hours. Wood must be rated for exterior use and should be treated every year or so for maximum life.

Saunas designed for outdoor residential use range in size from 4' x 4' up to a palatial 12' x 12'. They are often located next to swimming pools and sometimes feature a changing room as well.