Indoor vs outdoor sauna

Built for weather, or not

Almost Heaven says its barrel saunas are designed for the outdoors, with a shape that sheds water and snow and weather-resistant lumber, but work equally well indoors. (Almost Heaven Saunas)

Almost Heaven says an indoor sauna is not made to shed water or snow, has more glass than its outdoor saunas, and does not come with a floor. Almost Heaven says an indoor sauna placed outside should be covered so water and snow cannot accumulate, with a covered patio or pergola being ideal. (Almost Heaven Saunas)

Almost Heaven says that because heat is lost faster through glass than wood, an indoor sauna moved outdoors may warrant a heater upgrade, especially in northern climates. (Almost Heaven Saunas)

Almost Heaven recommends staining the exterior of an outdoor sauna to protect it from sun and weather. (Almost Heaven Saunas)

Floors

Almost Heaven says an indoor sauna can sit on almost any surface such as concrete, tile or laminate, but not carpet or hardwood. (Almost Heaven Saunas)

The North American Sauna Society says free-standing modular saunas must sit on a waterproof floor such as concrete or tile, never carpet, unless they include an integral waterproof floor.

Power and heat

For an electric barrel sauna, Almost Heaven says a 220V line must be run from the breaker to the site so the heater can be hardwired. Almost Heaven notes that wires running through a yard are commonly buried, but local code governs. (Almost Heaven Saunas)

Almost Heaven says electrical installation costs for an outdoor sauna depend partly on the distance from the sauna to the home's electrical panel. (Almost Heaven Saunas)

Thermory says a wood-burning stove is only an option if the house has a chimney or the sauna has an exterior wall, and the flue size must be planned for.

Our guide to electrical supply and permits collects what the makers say about circuits.

Where it goes

The North American Sauna Society says the most typical US home sauna set-up is next to a home gym, usually in the basement, with a master bath suite another popular spot. The North American Sauna Society names physical space, proximity to a shower and proximity to a cooling-off area as the three main factors in locating a home sauna.

Thermory says indoor saunas are a way to use spare space in a bathroom or basement.

The North American Sauna Society says the sauna room needs both incoming and outgoing ventilation, and calls ventilation one of the most commonly overlooked design features.

Read next

• Barrel vs cabin sauna
• Sauna foundation and site
• Sauna insulation and vapor barrier