Small Outdoor Saunas: What to Look For

When thinking about buying an outdoor sauna for a small space, it’s important to find one that works for you.

When you have less space to play with, finding an outdoor sauna that is compact whilst still offering all of the same benefits, is key.

People often think you need a large garden or patio to house a sauna – but this is certainly not the case. With many options available on the market with smaller, compact styles to suit different people and budgets, you’re sure to find something that complements your outdoor space beautifully.

A sauna is a great addition to any wellness routine by helping to promote relaxation, relieve muscle tension, support recovery, and provide a space to unwind. This means after a long, stressful day at work, you can come home to your very own outdoor sauna without having to travel (and spend money) in a gym or spa.

At Better Living Outdoors, we supply and install a range of indoor and outdoor saunas such as the Cube 125 Compact Sauna or our Barrel Compact 150 Sauna. Both of these feature compact, modern, sleek designs that allow you to enjoy all of the benefits of a sauna without taking up too much space.

Why Choose An Outdoor Sauna

An outdoor sauna is the perfect addition to your garden or patio set up. As we said in the intro, you don’t need a large garden to have your own outdoor sauna – all you need is a firm, flat surface to install it on.

The beauty of outdoor saunas is that there are various sizes and options to suit different people so you don’t have to miss out on having your own.

This compact unit is the perfect way to wind down and detox after a long day thanks to its soothing heat and ability to help ease tension in both your body and mind. Also by having it in your own garden, you can use it at any time of the day whenever it suits you best as it’s only a stone’s throw away from your home. This means no travelling to the gym / spa and also no socialising if you really don’t want to!

Instead you can sit back and relax in the comfort of your own space.

At Better Living Outdoors, we have over 10 years’ experience in the luxury wellness market. Our products include a range of luxury indoor and outdoor saunas and we’re currently offering a bundle deal to combine the power of a Sauna and Chill Tub. Simply pick your perfect Sauna and Chill Tub below and save £500.

Choosing the Right Small Outdoor Sauna

When choosing an outdoor sauna for a small space it’s important to consider things such as the material, the size, and the durability you can expect.

We’re exploring these in more detail below to help you find the right one.

Size

The size of your outdoor sauna is key when you’re working with a smaller space as you don’t want it to take up your entire garden or patio. It’s important you choose a sauna that is big enough for your needs (i.e. to fit a couple of people in) whilst still giving you enough outdoor space to enjoy.

At Better Living Outdoors, we have a range of compact saunas which are perfect for smaller spaces. Take our Barrel Compact 150 sauna for example, this is big enough to seat 4 adults without taking over your garden. Aspen front-to-rear benches also mean that people can stretch out and relax, creating a more comfortable experience.

Type of material

Our barrel Saunas are built using thermally modified Norway Spruce sourced from sustainable forests which offer superior quality. Through an eco-friendly heat treatment process, the wood becomes highly resistant to moisture, decay, and warping so it is perfectly suited for sauna conditions.

This means that your sauna will remain durable and attractive for years to come, even when exposed to changing weather conditions and regular use.

Privacy glass

Feeling secure and private in your at-home outdoor sauna is important as you want to feel comfortable using it at any time of the day. Depending on your garden setup, you may be surrounded by neighbours so you don’t want them to be able to peer in.

However thanks to modern designs, you can choose a full height tinted glass front which is designed to create a discreet environment inside. That said, it still provides a panoramic viewpoint from the sauna so you’re not missing out on a relaxed experience.

Durability

When purchasing an outdoor sauna, you want the reassurance that it’s going to last for years to come. This is an investment in your wellness routine, so choosing a sauna that is durable and built to last will make it worthwhile.

At Better living Outdoors, all of our saunas feature a durable, weather-resistant roofing system that combines a breathable felt membrane. This allows moisture to escape while keeping rain out, complete with stylish hexagonal shingles for a modern finish. This not only ensures long-term protection and reduced condensation risk but also makes the sauna visually appealing.

Comfort

Whether you plan on using the sauna for yourself or to enjoy with friends and family, it needs to be comfortable. Not only will this improve your experience but also make you more likely to use it on a regular basis.

Our outdoor saunas are fitted with dual Aspen benches and backrests which offer luxurious and comfortable seating. The benches also run front to back on each side of the sauna and can be specified with optional LED lighting underneath to add a sense of warmth and tranquillity.

Aspen is a premium hardwood known for its smooth texture, light colour, and resistance to heat absorption so it’s perfect for sauna interiors.

The surface

Whilst we supply and install a range of outdoor saunas, we advise that all saunas are fitted on a flat, secure platform such as a concrete base, paving slabs, decking, or a patio area. We do not recommend installing an outdoor sauna on grass or over water as this can lead to instability, poor drainage, and potential damage to the structure over time.

At Better Living Outdoors, our installation services mean your sauna is professionally installed by a member of our team so you can get set up and start using it straight away. We deliver nationwide too, so wherever you’re based, you can enjoy your own sauna without the hassle of organising transport or specialist contractors yourself.

Plus, every sauna comes with a comprehensive 2 year sauna warranty and 2 year Harvia heater warranty for added peace of mind.

Outdoor Sauna FAQs

How much is an outdoor sauna?

The cost of an outdoor sauna varies depending on the size and style. At Better Living Outdoors, we offer a range of outdoor saunas from cube styles, to barrel styles allowing you to find one that suits your space best. We also partner with Novuna to offer finance options so you can spread your payment out over 36, 48, or 50 months. Find out more about finance here.
What are the benefits of an outdoor sauna?

An outdoor sauna helps flush out toxins, soothe aching muscles, and accelerate post-workout recovery. The intense, clean heat of our luxury saunas also help to improve circulation and relieve joint pain, leaving your body feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

How long do you stay in an outdoor sauna?

Most sessions last between 10 and 30 minutes, which is a good amount of time to enjoy the benefits without overexerting your body.

Small Outdoor Saunas: What to Look For

Choosing the right outdoor sauna for a small space means considering which option is going to suit your garden set up best.

There are lots of different options on the market so even working with a small space does not mean you can’t enjoy all of the same benefits. By looking at how much space you have to play with, you can work out which option works for you.

From large cube saunas, to compact barrel saunas, we have a range of outdoor saunas depending on your space and budget. All of our saunas are made from premium, thermo-treated spruce so they are designed to withstand the conditions of a sauna which improves their durability.

We also have two in-person showrooms so you can come and see our saunas for yourself, getting a real feel for how they look and feel the quality of them. Simply pop into our Durham or Shrewsbury showroom and a member of our team will show you around and answer any questions you might have.