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We’ll admit — our opinion might be a little biased — but there’s truly something magical about outdoor saunas. Whether it’s stepping out into crisp fresh air after a hot session or relaxing under an open sky, outdoor saunas bring a sense of peace and connection you just can’t recreate indoors.
But enjoying that experience year-round, especially in colder climates, means there are some important factors to consider. Outdoor saunas face different challenges than indoor ones — from harsher weather and lower temperatures to the need for stronger insulation and weather-resistant materials.
In this guide, we’ll share what we’ve learned at Eden Hut from helping people create the perfect outdoor sauna experience in every season.
At its core, an outdoor sauna is simply a sauna that’s built to stand up to the elements — from rain and snow to strong winds and freezing temperatures. To be truly fit for outdoor use, a sauna needs several important features: strong, weather-resistant materials (like cedar, thermowood, or treated spruce), solid insulation to keep the heat in even during cold weather, and durable construction that won’t weaken or warp over time. Proper roofing, waterproof finishes, and sometimes even raised foundations are also key parts of a good outdoor design.
While the basic idea behind an indoor and outdoor sauna is the same — heating a space for relaxation and wellness — the difference lies in how they are built and what they are built to withstand. Indoor saunas don't need to worry about heavy moisture, temperature swings, or snow loads, so they can often be a little lighter in design. Outdoor saunas, on the other hand, need to be tougher, better insulated, and able to handle whatever nature throws at them.
You’ve already learned all about traditional wood-burning saunas, and for good reason — they’re the heart and soul of authentic sauna culture. Heated by a real fire and stones, they create a deep, powerful heat and allow you to pour water for bursts of natural steam. This type of sauna adds something truly special to any backyard — a mystical, calming vibe that connects you to nature in a way few other experiences can.
While electric outdoor saunas work differently, they don’t necessarily take away from that traditional feel. Instead of tending to a fire, you simply set your temperature and let the heater do the work. For many people, that’s exactly the point — they want to enjoy their backyard or garden without needing extra prep time. Electric saunas still deliver strong, dry heat and the option to create steam, just with a little more ease and flexibility built in.
Infrared outdoor saunas offer a completely different kind of warmth. Instead of heating the air, infrared panels directly warm your body, helping with muscle recovery, joint pain, and detoxification. The lower temperatures make it easier to stay longer, and many people appreciate the gentle, deep-penetrating heat for its health benefits.
Hybrid saunas are something new we’ve recently introduced. These combine both traditional heating and infrared panels into one setup. They’re rare — mostly because of the higher price point — but they’re also a great option if you want the best of both worlds. With a hybrid, you can enjoy the classic high-heat steam session one day and switch to a more therapeutic infrared experience the next, depending on what your body needs.
Earlier, we mentioned that for a sauna to be truly fit for outdoor use — especially in colder climates — it needs more than just a good heater. Insulation and weather-resistant materials are absolutely key. Proper insulation, like thick walls, well-sealed doors, and double-panel construction, keeps the heat inside where it belongs, making sure the sauna heats up faster and stays hot longer. Weather-resistant woods like cedar, thermowood, and treated spruce naturally stand up to rain, snow, and temperature swings without warping or rotting. All of these features work together to protect your sauna from the elements and make sure it stays comfortable and efficient for years to come.
When it comes to colder climates, not all heating methods are created equal. From our experience, traditional wood-burning stoves are still one of the best choices for outdoor saunas exposed to freezing temperatures. They generate powerful, penetrating heat that can warm up a larger space quickly and stay hot even when it's bitterly cold outside. Electric heaters are also a strong option if convenience is your priority, especially newer models designed specifically for outdoor use with higher wattage and strong stone capacity. If you live somewhere with long, harsh winters, we usually recommend choosing either a heavy-duty wood-burning stove or an outdoor-rated electric heater to make sure you get the full sauna experience even when it's freezing outside.
Beyond just the materials, certain design details can make a big difference in how well your sauna holds heat and how comfortable it feels inside. Things like smaller, well-fitted windows, tight-closing doors, and rounded shapes like barrel saunas can help trap warmth more effectively. Even the overall size matters — compact spaces heat faster and stay hotter with less effort.
When it comes to building a sauna that can truly handle outdoor conditions, the type of wood you choose makes all the difference. Some woods naturally stand up better to moisture, temperature swings, and daily wear, which means a longer-lasting sauna with less maintenance over time. Here are the top wood options we proudly offer and recommend for our outdoor saunas:
Each of these woods offers excellent durability, but they do have slightly different maintenance needs. Cedar and thermowood are very low-maintenance — usually just needing an occasional wipe-down and some basic ventilation to keep them looking and performing their best. Nordic spruce requires a little more care, especially in wetter climates, but with proper sealing and periodic maintenance, it can easily last for decades.
If the unique, rounded look of a barrel sauna caught your eye, it’s no surprise. Barrel saunas naturally circulate heat efficiently, warming up faster and using less energy. Their curved design also helps shed rain and snow easily, making them a smart and stylish choice for any backyard — especially if you want a sauna that blends into nature and handles the weather without worry.
If you love clean lines and modern architecture, a cube sauna might feel like it was made for you. With their spacious interiors and sharp, minimalist design, cube saunas are not just beautiful — they’re built tough, with excellent insulation that keeps the warmth in, even when winter hits hard. They’re a perfect choice if you want a sauna that feels like an extension of your home.
Iglu saunas offer a traditional and cozy feel. Its rounded, dome-like shape is designed to hold in heat better and stand strong against heavy winds and snow. It’s a great fit if you want a sauna that feels tucked away and protected, like a little personal hideaway no matter the weather.
Picturing a classic cabin vibe for your backyard? A frame sauna might be exactly what you need. With their sturdy build and roomy interiors, frame saunas feel timeless and welcoming. They’re built to last, with the kind of solid insulation and craftsmanship that lets you relax and enjoy your sauna through every season, year after year.
If flexibility is what you’re looking for — the idea of taking your sauna experience wherever you go — mobile saunas are a great choice. Built with the same high standards and weather-resistant materials as our stationary models, they’re perfect for those who love the outdoors and want the freedom to bring their wellness routine along for the ride.
At Eden Hut, we offer a range of custom options to make sure your sauna fits exactly what you’re looking for. You can choose your heat source — wood-burning, electric, or hybrid — and select the type of wood you want, like cedar, thermowood, or Nordic spruce. If you found a style or feature you liked while reading this guide, you can easily add it to the sauna you choose. Customization is a big part of what we do, making it easy to create a sauna that’s truly yours.
Installing an outdoor sauna is a process that needs to be done carefully to make sure everything is safe, level, and ready for long-term use. It usually involves preparing a solid, stable foundation, properly placing and securing the sauna, and connecting any necessary electrical or stove components. This isn’t something we recommend doing on your own — it’s always best to have professionals handle the setup. At Eden Hut, we offer full transport and installation services to make the whole process smooth.
Make sure all doors and windows seal properly to keep the heat inside and moisture outside. Good ventilation is equally important — it helps prevent trapped moisture from damaging the wood, especially after heavy snow or rain.
In wet or snowy conditions, it's important to check the outside of your sauna regularly. Reapply protective wood treatments as needed to maintain water resistance. This keeps the wood strong, prevents rot, and extends the life of the sauna.
After heavy snowfall or rain, always remove snow from the roof and clear any standing water around the base. Letting snow or water pile up can add too much weight or lead to moisture damage over time.
An outdoor sauna is a serious investment — and it’s true that they can cost more than indoor models. That’s because outdoor saunas need extra features like stronger insulation, weatherproof materials, and more durable construction to stand up to rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. You’re not just buying a sauna; you’re buying a space built to last through all seasons, year after year.
The real value of an outdoor sauna becomes clear when you look at the long-term benefits. It’s not just about relaxation — regular sauna use can boost your health, reduce stress, and create a personal retreat right in your own backyard.
We want you to have the best without feeling like you have to empty your pockets. That’s why we offer flexible payment plans to make owning a high-quality, custom outdoor sauna more accessible. Our goal is to help you find the perfect sauna for your needs — without making you compromise.
We hope this guide helped you see outdoor saunas in the best possible light — and maybe even made you fall in love with them as much as we have. There’s truly nothing like having your own private retreat waiting for you outside, no matter the season. If you have any additional questions or need help deciding, don’t hesitate to reach out. Or if you’re ready, we can jump right in and start choosing and planning your perfect outdoor sauna together.
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