Outdoor Sauna Buying Guide UK: What to Check Before You Buy

Buying an outdoor sauna is not only a great addition to your wellness routine, but it also elevates the look of your garden. Before buying one, however, there are certain factors you need to check.

 The format, the heater, the location, and your budget all matter when choosing an outdoor sauna. Your budget should cover the cabin itself, the delivery, installation, groundwork, and electrical preparation. You also need to check whether you need planning permission, although most outdoor saunas don’t require one in the UK.

This outdoor sauna buying guide covers all you need to know before finalising your decision, including costs, planning permission, running costs and maintenance, and the practical checks worth making before you buy.

Outdoor Sauna Types and What They Cost in the UK

Garden sauna types range from compact two-person cabins to larger custom-built structures. The type of your garden sauna affects factors like capacity, footprint, installation, and of course, the price. Here is a look at outdoor sauna costs based on their format:

Polar Recovery’s garden saunas include a range of formats and capacities for every type of customer. Currently, the Sauna Cube models start from £4,699.99, the Eclipse models, which are outdoor infrared saunas, start from £6,499.99, and the Cove Large saunas that also include an outdoor shower are priced at £17,995.95.

Now, the garden sauna price is only a part of your overall costs:

• Base: since you’re installing the sauna in your garden, you need the right base. Slabs, concrete, or a suitable deck are options depending on ground conditions.

• Electrician: you may need a dedicated circuit, for which you need to hire a professional. Costs vary depending on distance and installation requirements.

• Delivery and assembly: some providers offer kerbside delivery while others include installation in the delivery fees. Polar Recovery’s installation is included in the outdoor sauna prices with free shipping.

You can also install a pop-up sauna tent as a more affordable option. But bear in mind that sauna tents are not designed for permanent use. Always check that the sauna you are choosing is specifically rated for outdoor use.

Is an Outdoor Sauna Worth the Money?

Outdoor saunas are not exactly a cheap purchase. What decides if they are worth the investment is whether you use them regularly and through winter, and if you have room for a proper base.

With a purchase as significant as an outdoor sauna, frequency matters more than novelty, especially when you add the delivery, groundwork, and electrical installation to the upfront cost. You can justify buying a sauna you use regularly a lot easier than one that sits untouched after a few months.

Another factor that can justify your purchase is the base and location. You need enough space in your garden for a sauna. Access for the installation and maintenance is important, and you need a comfortable route to the sauna in colder weather. If these conditions are difficult to meet, an indoor sauna might be a better option for you.

Outdoor Sauna Planning Permission: What You Need to Know

If you look at any outdoor sauna buying guide, you’ll learn that outdoor saunas in the UK typically need no planning permission. This is because they count as outbuildings under permitted development.

If your garden sauna meets these limits, you don’t need planning permission:

• Height: Maximum eaves height of 2.5 m. Overall structure height limit with a dual-pitched roof is 4m, and 3m otherwise. 

• Position: The structure should not be positioned in front of the principal elevation facing a highway.

• Garden coverage: The structure should not cover more than half of the land around the original house. 

• Raised platforms: Should generally not be higher than 300mm.

Building regulations are different from planning permissions. Since outdoor saunas are considered outbuildings, check that you are following the right building regulations. One example is that you need to hire a registered electrician to install new electrical circuits.

How Much Does an Outdoor Sauna Cost to Run?

An important factor in any outdoor sauna buying guide is estimating outdoor sauna running costs before you make your purchase, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do. Outdoor sauna running costs depend on three factors: heater power, heating time, and your electricity tariff.

Let’s look at an example. Polar Recovery’s Sauna Cube 3–5 Person uses a 6kW electric heater. If the heater runs for 2 hours, including heating and your time in the cabin, you’re looking at about 7–9kWh. Ofgem’s average electricity rate for October to December 2026 is 23.32p per kWh. Now, if you do the math, the 2-hour session will cost about £1.84–£2.37.

If you opt for a wood-fired sauna, you can avoid electricity costs, but you’ll need a regular firewood supply. Some people choose hot tubs as a sauna alternative for heat therapy, but hot tubs generally cost more to heat up since they use a large volume of water.

Electric or Wood-Fired: Which Heater Should You Choose?

Outdoor sauna running costs are not the only factor to compare between electric and wood-fired heaters:

Electric heaters are suitable if you want a convenient and predictable operation. You can control the temperature, and they heat the cabin quickly. The downside is that electric heaters may require a dedicated circuit and professional electrical work. 

Wood-fired heaters are a great option if electricity is difficult in your garden, or if you prefer a more traditional heating system for your sauna. The hassle is keeping a stocked storage of firewood, especially if you’re planning on regular sauna use. Wood-fired heaters generally need more maintenance compared to electric heaters. 

Choosing a heater option doesn’t exactly affect the outdoor sauna cost. Neither is automatically cheaper than the other. The decision comes down to installation requirements, the upfront outdoor sauna cost, and whether you prefer traditional fire or not.

Where to Put an Outdoor Sauna: Base, Access, and Power

Your garden sauna location matters in terms of installation and unexpected costs. Consider these factors to find the best spot for your outdoor sauna:

• Base: Choose a level surface with a drain system that can support the cabin’s weight. 

• Access: Check the complete delivery route from your front door or garden entrance to the base. Measure to ensure the cabin can go through gates, turns, and narrow passages.

• Power: The distance from your home’s electric supply to your desired location affects installation requirements and cost. Ask an electrician to assess the route before buying the sauna.

• Shelter: Your sauna must be sheltered from harsh weather. Consider wind exposure and water drainage. A Sheltered position close to your house gives you a more comfortable experience during wintertime.

Outdoor Sauna Buying Guide: A Checklist

By now, you know what factors to consider and check before buying a garden sauna, but there are also matters to check with the seller. Check these with your chosen provider before paying a deposit:

• Is the sauna heater included and correctly sized?

• What timber is used inside and outside the cabin?

• What roof covering protects it from rain?

• Does it include insulation and a vapour barrier?

• What delivery, assembly, and site preparation are included?

• How long is the warranty, and what does it cover?

• What maintenance will the timber and heater require?

Specifications differ between sellers, so check everything instead of making a decision based on price only. Two saunas with similar dimensions and heater types can differ significantly in insulation, materials, and installation requirements.

FAQs

Can you use an outdoor sauna in winter?

Yes. Outdoor saunas are designed to operate in any weather conditions, including winter conditions. What you need to know about outdoor saunas and wintertime is that in colder conditions, preheating time can increase.

Do outdoor saunas need ventilation?

Yes. You need proper airflow to maintain comfort and support safe operation. Follow your garden sauna’s instructions for vent placement.

Do outdoor saunas need a drain?

Garden saunas don’t typically need a dedicated drain, but it is useful to have one nearby. Check with your manufacturer for more information on the site’s drainage requirements.

Is it cheaper to build or buy an outdoor sauna?

Building a garden sauna can reduce labour costs, but other factors, including tools, materials, ground work, and electrical installation, can add to overall costs. Compare the full DIY budget with a supplied sauna before deciding.