Outdoor vs Indoor Saunas: Pros and Cons
One of the first decisions when adding a sauna to your home is where to put it. Both indoor and outdoor saunas have loyal fans, and the right choice depends on your space, budget, climate, and how you plan to use it. Here's a practical breakdown of both options.
Common Scenarios
Limited indoor space but a large backyard
Your home doesn't have a spare room, basement, or large bathroom for a sauna. An outdoor barrel or cabin sauna lets you add a full-size sauna without sacrificing indoor square footage.
Building a backyard wellness area with pool or hot tub
You're designing a complete outdoor wellness space. An outdoor sauna alongside your pool or hot tub creates a spa-like retreat and can increase property value.
Wanting daily convenience without weather hassle
You plan to use the sauna almost every day. An indoor sauna in a basement or bathroom means you can walk from your living space directly into the sauna — no shoes, no rain, no cold walk outside.
Indoor Saunas
Where They Go
Indoor saunas are most commonly installed in basements, spare bathrooms, large closets, or converted garage space. You need a minimum footprint of about 4x4 feet for a one-person sauna, or 5x7 feet for a two-to-three person setup. Ceiling height should be at least 7 feet.
Advantages
- Convenient year-round access — no trudging through rain or snow
- Lower installation cost (existing electrical, no foundation needed)
- Easier to maintain consistent temperatures
- More privacy
- No exposure to weather means less maintenance
Drawbacks
- Takes up interior square footage
- Humidity and heat can affect surrounding rooms if not properly ventilated
- May require bathroom or laundry room renovation to accommodate
- Less of the "retreat" feeling compared to an outdoor setting
Outdoor Saunas
Common Setups
Outdoor saunas come in several forms: prefabricated cabin-style buildings, barrel saunas, converted sheds, or custom-built structures. They're typically placed in the backyard, near a pool or hot tub, or in a garden setting.
Advantages
- Dedicated space — doesn't sacrifice indoor square footage
- The experience feels more like a spa retreat
- Natural cold plunge opportunity (step outside to cool down)
- No humidity concerns for your home's interior
- Easier to accommodate larger sauna sizes
- Can be a beautiful backyard feature
Drawbacks
- Higher upfront cost (foundation, electrical run, weatherproofing)
- Weather affects the experience (especially in extreme cold or heat)
- Longer preheat time in cold weather
- Requires more maintenance (exterior staining, roof upkeep)
- May face HOA or setback restrictions
- Need to run electrical from the house to the sauna location
Cost Comparison
Indoor saunas generally cost less to install because they leverage existing infrastructure (electrical panel nearby, existing walls and roof). A typical indoor sauna installation runs $3,000-$8,000 for a prefab unit or $6,000-$15,000 for a custom build.
Outdoor saunas add the cost of a foundation ($500-$2,000), electrical trenching and conduit ($1,000-$3,000), and weatherproofing. A prefab barrel sauna costs $4,000-$10,000 installed, while a custom outdoor sauna cabin can run $10,000-$25,000+.
Climate Matters
In warm climates like Texas, outdoor saunas work well year-round but may need shade structures to prevent overheating in summer. The preheat time is shorter because ambient temperatures are higher. In cold climates, outdoor saunas need better insulation and heaters with more capacity.
Talk to an Installer
A professional installer can assess your space, recommend the best location, and explain the full cost of each option for your situation. Browse Sauna Installer Pros to find installers in Texas, Florida, and Tennessee who specialize in both indoor and outdoor installations.
Related guides: Sauna Permits & Regulations · Sauna vs Steam Room · Home Sauna Installation Cost Guide
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Browse All installersFrequently Asked Questions
Which costs more to install — indoor or outdoor?
Outdoor saunas typically cost 30-50% more due to foundation requirements, electrical trenching, and weatherproofing. A prefab indoor sauna runs $3,000-$8,000 installed, while a comparable outdoor setup costs $4,000-$12,000 including site prep and electrical.
Can I use an outdoor sauna year-round?
Yes. Outdoor saunas work in all climates with proper insulation and a heater sized for your region. In cold weather, preheat time increases by 15-30 minutes and you may need a more powerful heater. Many sauna enthusiasts actually prefer winter sessions — the contrast between hot sauna and cold outdoor air is part of the experience.
Does an outdoor sauna need a foundation?
Yes. At minimum, you need a level pad — either a concrete slab, compacted gravel base, or concrete pier footings. The foundation prevents settling, keeps the sauna level, and protects the wood base from ground moisture. Budget $500-$2,000 depending on the method.