Indoor and outdoor saunas come in both traditional and infrared options and offer many of the same benefits.
Both are fantastic choices and ultimately choosing between the two is largely an issue of budget, space and personal preference.
After going through this article, deciding whether you want an indoor or outdoor sauna will be much easier. We’ve given a comprehensive guide in this piece, so read on.
Common Factors for Home Saunas
Regardless of whether you choose an infrared or traditional sauna, your indoor versus outdoor experience should be essentially the same.
Both use the same panels or heaters, the same interiors, and the same process.
Indoor Sauna Vs Outdoor Sauna: A Snapshot
| Indoor Sauna | Outdoor Sauna |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Major Considerations
Electric
Electric is quite easy for an interior choice, particularly if you’ve chosen a model that uses 120v power. Even if you do require 220v, it’s a relatively simple process for an electrician to handle.
If you choose an outdoor option, then you will 100% need an electrician and the cost will vary widely depending on the distance involved.
They will need to run a line, likely underground from the house to your new exterior unit. Expect a charge in the thousands.
Learn more about the costs to expect installing a sauna.
Space
Let’s talk about the size you want for a sauna and the space you have in and outside your home. For most people, their outdoor space will exceed their indoor, though that’s not the case for everyone.
You will need to evaluate what interior space you have compared to the outdoor and where that will best fit for you.
For an outdoor option, you should also consider what kind of view you have if your sauna includes a window and how close you are to your neighbors for privacy.
This is also the point to consider if you are buying a kit or going custom. A custom interior option is quite expensive, but without it you will have a unit sitting out in your bedroom or some other space.
If you want a custom option (particularly traditional) will require major construction in your home and someone experienced in ensuring the heat and moisture is well contained.
If you want a larger sauna without taking up extensive space in your home, we would recommend an outdoor option.
While you will need to have power and a base constructed for your outdoor option, it gives you the flexibility to put up a sauna of any size.
Personal Preference
Finally there’s really just the personal preference of going outside to use your sauna vs. just staying in your house.
Personally I’m a fan of an outdoor option, especially if you have a nice backyard with a view or a pool you can hop in.
Differences Between an Indoor and Outdoor Sauna
Indoor Saunas
Typically, indoor saunas are built free-standing or onto your home’s infrastructure. You can get one for your home gym, a spa, the basement, or a primary bedroom.
When doing renovations or building a new home, you can request to have a custom sauna fitted directly onto the house. A fixed option is often ideal if you have the budget for a luxury indoor sauna.
However, you can get the free-standing indoor sauna, which is equally convenient and offers flexibility. It allows you to move between your homes, and you can install it at any time.
Many people choose the portable option as it gives them opportunities for placement during different times and occasions.
Many people choose a traditional indoor sauna, which also offers unique advantages. You will often find these types of saunas in health centers and gyms.
They’re compact and outfitted with electronic controls, and most of these indoor saunas use ceramic heaters and electric stoves.
Advantages of Indoor Saunas
Here are the top reasons you might want to get an indoor sauna for home.
- Conveniently located – One of the reasons you will prefer an indoor sauna is the location benefits. It’s installed inside your home, so you’ll not need to worry about dealing with elements like snow and rain to reach it. This translates to accessibility, and you don’t need to leave the comfort of your home indoor environment to have a good time in the sauna.
- Easy installation – Most homes are already equipped with an electrical system, so getting the sauna working is a matter of plug and play. You don’t need additional electrical work to get the sauna working as expected. This could mean it’s cheaper to get an indoor sauna working than the outdoor option.
- Easy maintenance requirements – Unlike an outdoor sauna, the indoor type is not exposed to different weather conditions. So, you never need to worry about weatherproofing, and you don’t need to wash the exterior or fix leaky areas. This simple ownership journey means you can focus on the fun part of having an indoor sauna.
Disadvantages of Indoor Saunas
Besides the great benefits of an indoor steam sauna, you also need to consider some drawbacks of this home sauna.
- Not separated from the home – While having the sauna in your home has its benefits, it can also be a drawback. Some people want their sauna sessions to offer a different experience from their home. Being inside the house can feel like just another space in your home and not the exclusive experience you yearn for.
- Space limitations – While shopping for a home sauna, you will need to choose one that can fit into the space available in your home. For example, if you want to have the sauna in the bathroom, there might not be enough space for a four-person sauna, so you will have to opt for a one-person variation.
- Can only be placed in specific locations – When installing the indoor sauna, you may have limited spots to choose from. Besides space limitations, you also need to consider the type of floor, as the sauna should never be placed on a carpeted area.
Outdoor Saunas
On the other hand, you can install an outdoor sauna, which you can build in your backyard, often by the pool or lake.
With an outdoor sauna, you don’t get the space limitations that come with an indoor sauna, and you have access to excellent ventilation.
Besides, there are many customization options for outdoor saunas. Available models offer differences in size, building material, and design.
The outdoor sauna makes it easy to integrate landscape design, the pool, and your sauna in the backyard oasis.
Outdoor saunas don’t have size limitations, as you can embrace a design that best uses views from your home backyard.
You can find different shapes for outdoor sauna kits, including raindrop-shaped, barrel-shaped, and cabin-shaped saunas. They can also include glass doors, acrylic bubble backs, and windows to take in plenty of natural light.
Advantages of Outdoor Saunas
Some of the outdoor sauna pros that could inspire you to build one include:
- Located in a relaxing environment – For many people looking to build an outdoor infrared sauna, nature is a significant inspiration. By itself, you will find nature to be cosy, as you always walk through fresh air when accessing the sauna. This can make you feel calmer and gives a sense of separation from mundane everyday tasks, especially if the sauna is in a scenic location like a shoreline, a forest, or a coast.
- Aesthetically Pleasing – You can find outdoor saunas in different styles and varieties, and most of them offer a visually appealing build in several ways. Depending on the aesthetics of your backyard, you can easily choose a sauna that slots in perfectly to enhance the views. For example, if your design is primarily rustic, there are log-cabin-style saunas that give you that rustic feel.
- A Variety of Locations – While an indoor sauna will give you limited options because of available space, an outdoor sauna can be placed in many locations. Outdoor saunas are available in many shapes and sizes, and you can place them in any area of your property.
Disadvantages of Outdoor Saunas
Despite all the good benefits of having an outdoor sauna, you must also consider these drawbacks.
- It can be difficult to install – Most probably, the location you picked for the sauna will not already have electrical lines. Unless you opt for a wood-burning sauna, installing the sauna can require extra effort if the location is not outfitted with electrical lines. In addition to electrical work, the outdoor sauna requires more time to set up compared to the indoor sauna.
- Exposure to the elements – Although weather conditions will not damage the inside of the sauna, you’re exposed on the way to the sauna. This can be frustrating in a place with extreme weather, as you must walk through the harsh environment to get to your sauna.
- More effort on maintenance – Because outdoor saunas are exposed to the wind, sun, snow, rain, and other natural elements, they require additional maintenance, including leak-proofing and exterior washing. This is among the reasons people choose indoor saunas over their outdoor counterparts.
FAQ:
Question: Which is more affordable? Outdoor or indoor saunas?
Answer: Indoor saunas are more affordable, as these don’t require a foundation. Also, you typically don’t need to do extra installations for electrical connections.
Question: Does a sauna need a floor drain?
Answer: No, having a floor drain for your sauna is not necessary.
Question: What should I use to cover the sauna floor?
Answer: You can use sauna duckboards, aspen, or alder if you want something soft on your feet. The material should be washable to ensure hygiene, and it should not be cold.
Question: Do you need permission to set up an outdoor sauna in your backyard?
Answer: You don’t require planning permission to build an outdoor sauna. This depends on the size of the structure and the work required. If it’s something bigger, you should inquire about planning permission.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right sauna is easy if you understand the differences and benefits between indoor and outdoor saunas. Depending on your preferences and space, you need to know what is right for you. Considering these pros and cons will make it easier to find what works best for you.
