How to choose the right outdoor sauna for your backyard

Choosing an outdoor sauna is both an aesthetic and practical decision for the next decades — a decision that blends architecture, lifestyle, and wellbeing. Across the Nordic countries, outdoor sauna has become an essential feature of modern living, offering a place to slow down and reconnect with nature. But what defines a good sauna? Below, we explore key considerations from a design and usability perspective, drawing on Finnish sauna tradition and modern building expertise. 

“A well-built outdoor sauna can last for decades and contribute meaningfully to property value.”

Understanding Your Needs and the Potential of Your Sauna Site

A successful outdoor sauna is not chosen only by browsing models — it begins with understanding how you want the sauna to fit into your daily life and the setting where it will stand. We encourage customers to start by observing the characteristics of their property and personal preferences: what would be suitable places for installing a sauna, where I would like to spend time relaxing and enjoying the surroundings, and with how many people do I want the sauna to fit. An outdoor sauna is a treat for all year round, so it is also worth considering how seasonal conditions and daily routines influence accessibility.

In our work at Soona, we often see how small site-specific decisions — like placing the entrance away from prevailing winds or aligning windows toward a nearby forest or lake — meaningfully elevate the experience. Even compact gardens can accommodate a functional, calming sauna when the layout is planned carefully.

This early stage is less about choosing a product and more about understanding your preferences and the character of the site. The better these are matched, the more naturally the sauna will become part of everyday routines. At Soona, we are happy to assist you in the planning phase.

Design and Quality Choices That Last for Decades

An outdoor sauna faces decades of wind, moisture, temperature swings, and heavy weekly use. That’s why the choices made at the design stage shape the entire lifespan of the structure.

Durable materials such as thermally treated wood remain central in Nordic sauna buildings for good reasons: they resist moisture, and keep their clean, natural appearance over time. In saunas, both interior and exterior materials are subjected to hard conditions, so it is worth investing in their durability.

Alongside material choices, the heating system is equally central. A reliable heater not only shapes the atmosphere but also the energy efficiency and longevity of the structure. Professional-grade heaters, such as Harvia units we use in our designs, offer consistent, soft heat and withstand the heavy use for years to come.

One of the most overlooked features is hidden from the eyes – insulation. High-quality insulation is one of the most important factors in an energy-efficient outdoor sauna. It keeps heat inside the structure and allows the sauna to reach its target temperature more quickly. In cold climates, this makes a significant difference: a well-insulated sauna maintains stable warmth even in freezing weather, improves overall comfort, and lowers long-term energy consumption. By minimizing heat loss through the walls, roof, and floor, effective insulation ensures that every heating session is both efficient and enjoyable.

The goal is not simply to buy a sauna that works today, but one that remains enjoyable after thousands of sessions. When design, materials, and construction techniques are aligned with this long-term perspective, the result is a sauna that continues to feel grounded, calm, and comfortable decades into the future.

Ease of Installation and Predictable Maintenance

An outdoor sauna should enhance everyday life, not complicate it. This is why installation and maintenance deserve just as much consideration as design.

At Soona, we design our structures to be delivered fully assembled, ensuring that installation is clear and predictable — and that the first heat session can happen even on the same evening. In practice, a well-designed outdoor sauna is straightforward to set up: it needs a level, sturdy surface, and reliable electrical connection. When these basics are met, the sauna becomes operational almost immediately, without lengthy construction work or heavy groundwork.

Maintenance follows the same principle. Accessible technical components, stable exterior cladding, and good ventilation keep upkeep minimal. For many owners, the most important aspect is that the sauna functions reliably without frequent adjustments. With the right planning and materials, maintenance becomes a simple, occasional task rather than a recurring obligation.

Clear documentation and transparent guidance also help avoid surprises. Much like our approach to pricing and delivery, we believe that clarity in installation and maintenance empowers customers to make decisions confidently and enjoy their sauna without stress.

Checklist for your sauna decision

1. Needs & Site

• How many people will use the sauna, and how often?

• Is the location private, accessible year-round, and well-oriented?

• Do site features (views, wind, and landscape) enhance the experience?

2. Design & Durability

• Is the design something you’ll want to admire in your yard for years to come?

• Are the materials durable and weather-resistant?

• Is the heater reliable and insulation effective for energy efficiency?

3. Installation & Maintenance

• Is setup straightforward with minimal groundwork?

• Are components accessible and easy to maintain?

• Are guidance and documentation clear for long-term use?

Explore our collection and design your own sauna at soonasauna.com/collection