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Many people find saunas relaxing, mood-boosting, and even therapeutic, which is why the demand for backyard saunas is growing.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of different types of saunas—wood-fired saunas, infrared saunas, portable saunas, and more—to suit every taste. We even asked our editors to test out a few in their own backyards. So whether you’re looking for an affordable option or looking to splurge, we’ve got you covered with the hottest deals on the market (see what we did there?).
Buying Editor Nancy Snyder tests the Sun Home Saunas Luminar, a two-person full-spectrum infrared sauna. It measures 57 inches wide, 51.5 inches deep, and 82.7 inches high. “It’s roomy enough to comfortably seat two people (or one, if you prefer more space),” Nancy says.
This sauna comes with seating benches and a Bluetooth surround sound system, as well as some impressive features like a control system that allows you to adjust the sauna settings via a mobile app. Other amenities include an oxygen ionizer to purify the air, cup holders, towel racks, tablet holders, and magazine holders. This powerful sauna features six full-spectrum infrared heaters, medical-grade LED chromotherapy lighting, and ultra-low EMF/ELF shielding to ensure the lowest and safest electromagnetic field exposure in the industry.
After ordering the sauna, Nancy hired a third-party installation crew, Sun Home Saunas Pure Install, to come to her home and help with the installation. The Luminar two-seater model will cost approximately $1,100 to $1,300 to install.
Nancy said the two-person crew did a perfect job, assembling the sauna in about two hours and throwing away the tray and debris when they left. However, she later realized that the two-person Luminar sauna requires a special 240-volt, 20-amp residual-current device (RCD) that needs to be installed by a licensed electrician.
The necessary wiring set Nancy back an extra $1,350. But it was worth it. “I quickly envisioned incorporating this into my daily life,” she said. “Not only did I feel better after one session, but research shows that long-term use of infrared saunas can have many health benefits. I was very impressed with the experience.”
If you’re looking for an affordable sauna solution, this dome sauna from Clearlight can be used anywhere, anytime. What’s more, it’s available for a fraction of the cost of a full-size outdoor sauna. Editor Van Van Cleave tests the Curve Sauna Dome, a portable sauna that sits on the floor and promotes detoxification, relieves muscle soreness, and more. “Since I unpacked this sauna, it’s become part of my morning routine,” they say. “It’s effective in helping my muscles recover from running and is a huge stress reliever.”
This portable sauna features two lightweight domes for easy transport and storage. With your head outside the sauna, your body can withstand the heat longer and reach the optimal body temperature for the best results.
“The initial setup takes about 30 minutes, and each subsequent use takes only five minutes,” said Wang Wang. “It weighs about 100 pounds, so if you can lift 100 pounds, it’s easy to assemble and disassemble. To get started, simply plug the cushion and canopy into a standard electrical outlet and turn them on using the control panel.”
Wang Wang said they like this sauna because it keeps the heat off their heads. “I found that I enjoyed the experience and didn’t get dizzy like I might in other full-body saunas,” they said. Wang Wang added, “I also really like the foldable design of this sauna. I live in a very small two-bedroom apartment with very little storage space, so it’s great to be able to enjoy the benefits of a sauna at home without wasting precious floor space.”
Another popular product from Clearlight is the Sanctuary 3, a three-person infrared sauna with a modern design. Like the Sun Home Sauna mentioned above, the Clearlight Sanctuary 3 can be controlled remotely via smartphone and also features a built-in Bluetooth audio station for playing music from your phone or tablet.
This fully equipped sauna has interior and exterior lighting, perimeter and under bench heating panels, door mats and glass panels. It is also compatible with Clearlight accessories such as red light, salt therapy and aromatherapy devices. It also features medical chromotherapy, EMI and UHF protection, a programmable timer and cabinets.
Wang Wang also tried this sauna. “This is a dry infrared sauna that uses both far-infrared and full-spectrum heaters to provide powerful, immersive, penetrating heat,” they say. “It comes with a bench that is very comfortable. The seat and backrest are slightly curved, which is ergonomic.” Clearlight also offers a seat cushion and a portable backrest that can be purchased separately.
“If you’re looking for a holistic wellness experience for a group, this sauna is the one for you,” says Wan Wan. “I loved the thoughtful details, from the ergonomic chair to the USB charging cable and the nice door lock. The chromotherapy and deep heat treatments are a treat. Although a bit pricey, this sauna is a great way to indulge your body and mind.”
This Redwood Outdoors mini cube sauna is made from Scandinavian softwood and kiln-fired for 96 hours. It comes with an electric Harvia heater (the gold standard in the industry), sauna stones, and a shelf for the room. It heats up to 74 degrees Celsius (195 degrees Fahrenheit) in under an hour and can be used for both wet and dry use.
Simple yet durable, the Scandinavian-style Mini Cube sauna features a bead-shaped groove system that allows the wooden slats to naturally expand and contract, creating an airtight seal. The energy-efficient design helps distribute heat evenly throughout the sauna.
Redwood Outdoors digital Wi-Fi heaters can be controlled via a digital wall panel or any smartphone or tablet. This means you can heat up your sauna anytime, anywhere – at home or on the way home from a workout. Just a few taps on your phone and your sauna is always ready to go. Wi-Fi heaters can also be programmed to turn on at specific times.
Thermowood saunas come in kit form, making them ideal for DIY enthusiasts. All the pieces are pre-cut and pre-slotted, making assembly easy even for beginners. Anyone with basic carpentry skills can build one in about four hours. The only tools you’ll need are a Phillips screwdriver, 7/16-inch and 9/16-inch open-end wrenches, a 9/16-inch deep-end socket wrench, a vice, and a hammer.
Round or barrel saunas, like the Almost Heaven Audra, are popular in part because they’re easy to build. They typically consist of two round end pieces and a series of wooden planks that attach to the ends. After that, it’s just a matter of nailing the planks and securing them with straps. You (and up to three friends) can easily get into this spacious outdoor sauna.
This sauna is made of solid cedar wood, which is rot-resistant, waterproof, and treated with antibacterial agents. LED lighting inside and benches outside allow you to sit down, take off your shoes and shirt after an intense workout, and then enter the Audra and enjoy the sauna.
If it gets too hot, you can cool off on the benches outside and come back later. The barrel with a canopy measures about 6 feet by 6 feet and can reach temperatures of up to 195 degrees Fahrenheit. It comes with a top-notch Harvia electric heater that can be turned on immediately or set to start later.
Accessories like backrests, footrests, magazine racks, coat hooks, and drink holders are sold separately, but Wayfair sells a matching sauna accessory set from Almost Heaven made from red cedar. This sauna doesn’t have the high-tech features like Bluetooth connectivity that other saunas have, but it’s made from high-quality materials.
Before narrowing down your sauna options, we recommend that you have a professional assess your outdoor space. A professional will be able to tell you how much space you have available, as well as any challenges you may face (e.g., wiring, ventilation, etc.).
If you are determined to do as much of the preparation as possible yourself, then first think about the size of your sauna. Make sure you have enough space for the sauna, otherwise you may fail before you even start building it. Next, consider the electrical requirements. If you are using a wood stove, you do not need a power connection (except for the lack of lighting in the sauna), but electric stoves (including infrared) and gas stoves may need to be connected to the house. The sauna also needs ventilation, so be sure to plan where and how this will be implemented.
If you have a designated area in your yard for a sauna, you may be looking for a freestanding, permanently installed sauna. However, if you are unsure about the longevity of your sauna, or if you are renting and cannot afford a permanent installation, you may want to consider a more temporary portable sauna. Portable saunas are generally more affordable and easy to install, making them popular with users with limited space or a limited budget.
While the main factor to consider is the size and type of sauna, there are many other factors to consider, such as additional features. Many saunas offer customization options, such as adjustable lighting, sound systems, and chromotherapy. You will need to carefully research your options to ensure that your sauna has all the additional features you need, as these additional features can rarely be added after purchase.
Our Buying Editor Nancy Snyder, who helped us compile and test the saunas on this list, has more than five years of experience working with major landscaping suppliers on a variety of topics. Her expertise lies in developing ways to enhance your outdoor space, such as outfitting your space with an outdoor sauna.
For the purposes of this article, Nancy personally ordered, installed, and used the aforementioned Sun Home Sauna during her most recent backyard sauna purchase. Our editor Van Van Cleave also built her own sauna at home. Ultimately, we do everything we can to help you make the best consumer decision, even if it means sacrificing our own backyard.
Sean Tirman, content editor at Family Handyman, updated this article and contributed research. Sean has been writing shopping guides since 2016 and was previously deputy editor at Gear Patrol.
If you’re in the market for a backyard sauna, you probably know how overwhelming the purchasing process can be. Many outdoor saunas take weeks to arrive, some require assembly, and some even require rewiring. There are many factors to consider when purchasing an outdoor sauna, and the only way to understand the purchasing process is to seek help from an experienced sauna owner. That’s why Nancy Snyder and Van Van Cleave tested saunas specifically for this article.
They ordered, assembled, installed, and tested most of the saunas mentioned above. In addition, our product and purchasing teams spend a lot of time researching home saunas, analyzing features, and reading customer reviews. We hope that in the future, more editors will test saunas outdoors, and will persevere in the intense heat when testing these large outdoor units.
Outdoor saunas offer many benefits, such as relaxation, relief from muscle pain, improved sleep, stronger immunity, and improved heart health. If you are a health enthusiast and want to add variety to your home beauty routine, an outdoor sauna may be just what you need. However, they are expensive and sometimes difficult to install. Always research different products carefully before purchasing.
Epic Hot Tubs & Swim Spas estimates that it costs $300 to $600 per year to maintain an outdoor sauna, depending on its size, usage, and outdoor temperatures (especially in cold winter climates).
Your outdoor sauna can last 15 to 25 years with proper care and maintenance. They are designed for outdoor use and can withstand the elements. Remember, to keep your sauna in good condition for a long time, it needs to be kept clean and tidy.
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