Saunas have been enjoyed for centuries and continue to grow in popularity among homeowners looking to create a dedicated space for relaxation, wellness, and outdoor living. Whether you're considering an indoor sauna, an outdoor sauna for your garden, or a more compact portable sauna, there are now more options than ever available to suit different homes, lifestyles, and budgets.
For many people, buying a sauna isn't simply about adding another feature to their home—it's about creating a place to switch off, unwind, and make time for personal wellbeing. From traditional wooden saunas and infrared sauna models to portable solutions that can fit into smaller spaces, a sauna can become an important part of a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
In this guide, we'll explore the different types of saunas available, the benefits of a sauna as part of your daily routine, and what to consider when choosing the right sauna for your home or garden.
Over the last decade, there has been a growing focus on health, wellness, and creating spaces at home that support relaxation and recovery.
As more people look for ways to reduce stress and make better use of their homes and gardens, saunas have become increasingly popular for a variety of reasons:
Convenience of enjoying sauna sessions at home
Creating a dedicated wellness space
Year-round use
Enhancing outdoor living areas
Supporting relaxation and self-care routines
Adding a premium feature to a home or garden
Whether installed indoors or outdoors, a sauna can provide a private retreat away from the demands of everyday life.
Traditional saunas use a heater to warm the air within the sauna cabin.
These heaters may be electric or wood-burning depending on the model.
Traditional saunas typically provide:
High temperatures
Dry heat
The option to add water to sauna stones to create steam
A classic sauna experience
Many sauna enthusiasts appreciate the authentic atmosphere and ritual associated with traditional saunas.
An infrared sauna works differently from a traditional sauna.
Rather than heating the air, infrared panels generate radiant heat that warms the body directly.
Benefits often include:
Lower operating temperatures
Faster heat-up times
Comfortable sauna sessions
Energy efficiency
Infrared saunas have become increasingly popular with homeowners looking for a modern wellness solution.
Portable saunas provide a more flexible and affordable entry point into sauna ownership.
They are often:
Easy to set up
Suitable for smaller spaces
More affordable than permanent installations
Convenient to store when not in use
Portable saunas can be a practical option for people who want to explore sauna use without committing to a larger installation.
One of the most important decisions when buying a sauna is whether to install it indoors or outdoors.
An indoor sauna can be conveniently located within:
Utility rooms
Spare rooms
Home gyms
Bathrooms
Wellness spaces
Advantages include:
Easy access
Protection from the weather
Integration with existing living areas
Convenient year-round use
An outdoor sauna can create a unique wellness experience within your garden.
Benefits include:
Frees up indoor space
Creates a dedicated retreat
Enhances outdoor living areas
Can become a focal point of the garden
Often offers a more traditional sauna atmosphere
Many homeowners choose an outdoor sauna as part of a larger garden wellness project.
One of the biggest benefits of a sauna is the opportunity it provides to slow down and relax.
Many people use sauna sessions as a way to:
Disconnect from technology
Reduce stress
Enjoy quiet time
Create a sense of routine and balance
Saunas are often incorporated into broader wellness practices.
Many users combine sauna sessions with:
Exercise
Meditation
Mindfulness
Recovery routines
Cold-water therapy
Modern life can be busy and demanding.
A sauna creates a dedicated space where wellbeing becomes a priority rather than an afterthought.
A sauna can help transform underused areas into enjoyable spaces.
Whether indoors or outdoors, it can become a destination within your home where relaxation and comfort take centre stage.
Many homeowners are now creating dedicated wellness spaces within their gardens.
A sauna can form the centrepiece of a relaxing outdoor environment.
A hot tub and sauna combination is a popular choice for homeowners seeking a spa-like experience at home.
The warm water and soothing environment can complement a sauna perfectly.
Some wellness enthusiasts enjoy combining sauna sessions with cold-water immersion.
Ice baths and chill tubs have become increasingly popular among those exploring hot-and-cold wellness routines.
Adding features such as:
Outdoor cushions
Garden rugs
Comfortable seating
Ambient lighting
can help create a welcoming space around your sauna.
Before purchasing a sauna, consider:
Indoor or outdoor location
Access for delivery
Ventilation requirements
Available floor space
Saunas are available in a range of sizes.
Popular options include:
Ideal for:
Couples
Smaller homes
Individual use
Suitable for:
Multiple users
Larger households
Social sauna experiences
Different sauna models have different electrical requirements.
Always ensure:
Suitable power supply
Professional installation where required
Compliance with manufacturer recommendations
Quality materials can enhance both durability and appearance.
Look for:
Well-constructed timber
Quality heaters
Durable fittings
Comfortable seating arrangements
Keeping your sauna in good condition helps ensure years of enjoyment.
Regular cleaning helps maintain:
Hygiene
Appearance
Longevity
Inspect:
Heater performance
Timber condition
Controls and settings
Always follow maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Many of the potential health and wellbeing benefits associated with sauna use are based on information widely available from wellness, lifestyle, and health-related sources. Individual experiences may vary.
The use of a sauna is entirely at the user's discretion. If you have any medical conditions, are pregnant, have concerns regarding sauna use, or are unsure whether sauna sessions are suitable for you, you should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before use.
Home and Garden Store does not make any medical claims regarding the use of saunas.
Buying a sauna can be an excellent way to enhance your home, improve your outdoor living space, and create a dedicated area for relaxation and wellbeing. Whether you choose a traditional sauna, an infrared sauna, a portable sauna, or a larger outdoor sauna, there are options available to suit a wide variety of lifestyles and budgets.
By carefully considering your space, needs, and long-term goals, you can find the perfect sauna and enjoy the benefits of creating your own personal wellness retreat at home.
Traditional saunas heat the air within the cabin, while infrared saunas use radiant heat to warm the body directly.
Yes. Outdoor sauna models are specifically designed for garden installation and have become increasingly popular among UK homeowners.
Portable saunas can be a practical and affordable option for people with limited space or those new to sauna ownership.
The required space depends on the model chosen, with options ranging from compact portable units to larger multi-person outdoor saunas.
Yes. Indoor and outdoor saunas can typically be enjoyed throughout the year, making them a versatile addition to a home or garden.
