An outdoor sauna can become much more than an additional structure in the garden. When its size, position, materials and layout are chosen carefully, it can become a natural part of the property - a private place for heat, rest and time away from everyday routines.

But choosing the right outdoor sauna involves more than deciding which model looks best in a photograph. The number of people using it, the available space, the view from the sauna, access to the site, heater type, delivery method and even the position of the sun can influence the final result.

This guide explains the main points to consider before choosing an outdoor sauna for your garden and helps you understand which decisions should be made before requesting a final configuration.

1. Start with how you want to use the sauna

Before comparing dimensions or technical specifications, think about how the sauna will actually be used.

A compact outdoor sauna for two people has very different requirements from a sauna intended for a family, groups of friends or a hospitality property. The right solution depends not only on maximum capacity, but also on how much space you want around you and what happens before and after the sauna session.

Consider questions such as:

• How many people will normally use the sauna at the same time?
• Will it mainly be used by one or two people, or by larger groups?
• Do you need only the sauna room?
• Would a covered terrace make the experience more comfortable?
• Do you need an anteroom for changing and relaxation?
• Would a shower area be useful?
• Will the sauna be used privately or by guests?

At DEIZ, the standard models are designed as different starting points: a compact sauna-only format, a sauna with a terrace, and a larger configuration with an anteroom and terrace. The models can also be adapted when a project requires a different layout.

The important point is to choose a layout according to the way the sauna will be used rather than simply selecting the largest model that fits the available space.

2. Choose the right size for your garden

An outdoor sauna should feel proportional to its surroundings.

On a smaller property, a compact rectangular sauna can provide a complete sauna experience without dominating the garden. On a larger site, a longer sauna with a terrace or anteroom can become a stronger architectural element and create a more complete relaxation area.

When evaluating size, consider both the sauna itself and the space around it.

Leave enough room for:

• comfortable access to the entrance;
• maintenance around the exterior;
• delivery and installation;
• privacy from neighbouring properties;
• terrace use where applicable;
• safe positioning of doors and windows;
• connection to electricity or other utilities.

It is also worth thinking about how the sauna will look from the house, terrace or main garden area. An outdoor sauna is visible throughout the year, so its position should be considered as part of the overall landscape rather than only as a technical installation.

3. Think about the sauna as part of the architecture of your property

Traditional barrel saunas and lightweight frame saunas have a very recognisable appearance. They can work well in many settings, but they are not the only approach to outdoor sauna design.

A panel-based sauna can create a different relationship with contemporary houses and landscaped gardens.

DEIZ saunas are based on a rectangular architectural form with a visually flat roof, large glazing and visible timber surfaces. Cross-Laminated Timber panels form the main structure and can also remain part of the finished interior and exterior.

When selecting an outdoor sauna, look beyond the sauna room itself and consider:

• the proportions of the building;
• the relationship between timber and glass;
• the roof line;
• the faсade colour;
• how the structure relates to the house;
• how it will look during the day and after dark.

A good outdoor sauna should feel intentional in its surroundings rather than appear as an object that was simply placed in an available corner.

4. Consider the view, glazing and privacy

Panoramic glazing can completely change the sauna experience.

A large window can connect the interior with a garden, forest, lake or open landscape and make a relatively compact sauna feel much more spacious.

But the largest possible window is not automatically the best solution.

Before choosing the glazing position, consider:

The view.
What do you actually want to see while sitting on the upper bench?

Privacy.
Can neighbours, guests or people passing through the property see directly into the sauna?

Orientation.
Which side receives the strongest sunlight during the day?

Exterior composition.
Where does the window look best in relation to the overall architecture of the sauna?

DEIZ configurations can use fixed, opening, panoramic and tinted glazing, with the position selected according to the project and the surroundings.

Planning the glazing around the actual site is one of the easiest ways to make an outdoor sauna feel genuinely designed for the property.

5. Electric or wood-burning sauna heater?

The heater has a major influence on how the sauna is used.

There is no universally correct choice between electric and wood-burning heaters. The right option depends on the location, infrastructure and experience you want.

Electric sauna heater

An electric heater is usually the more straightforward option for regular use.

Depending on the model, it can offer:

• simple operation;
• predictable heating;
• remote or Wi-Fi control;
• no need to store firewood;
• no chimney system.

For DEIZ configurations using electric heaters, suitable three-phase electrical supply is normally required, while the exact power depends on the selected heater.

Wood-burning sauna heater

A wood-burning heater offers a different experience.

It may be preferred when the client values:

• the process of preparing and lighting the fire;
• the atmosphere of a wood-fired sauna;
• visible flame;
• independence from an electric sauna heater.

A wood-burning solution also requires additional consideration of the chimney, clearances and local installation requirements.

DEIZ works with both electric and wood-burning heater options, so heater selection should be part of the initial project discussion rather than an afterthought.

6. Check access to your garden before choosing the delivery format

This is one of the most important practical questions and one that is often considered too late.

A completed outdoor sauna is a large object. Before ordering one, check whether a truck and lifting equipment can actually reach the installation location.

Consider:

• gate width;
• narrow access roads;
• trees;
• overhead cables;
• neighbouring buildings;
• soft ground;
• slopes;
• crane or manipulator positioning;
• distance between the unloading point and the final sauna position.

DEIZ offers two main delivery approaches.

Fully assembled sauna

When access allows, the sauna can be prepared as a complete module and delivered to the property.

This approach keeps more of the assembly and detailing within controlled production conditions and reduces the amount of work required on site.

DIY sauna kit

When a fully assembled module cannot reach the site, a panelised DIY solution can be considered.

The sauna is prepared as components that can be brought onto the property and assembled on location. This is intended primarily to solve difficult access situations rather than to turn the product into a simplified version of the sauna.

For this reason, site access should ideally be checked before the final configuration is confirmed.

7. Prepare the foundation before installation

Every outdoor sauna needs a level and stable base.

The exact foundation solution depends on the site, soil conditions, local requirements and the sauna configuration, but the final installation area should be prepared before the sauna arrives.

A poorly prepared base can create unnecessary installation problems even when the sauna itself has been produced accurately.

Before ordering, clarify:

• whether the ground is level;
• what type of foundation or supports will be used;
• whether drainage needs to be considered;
• where electrical supply will enter;
• whether local building or planning requirements apply.

For DEIZ installations, a stable and level base must be prepared before installation, while foundation work, electrical connection and local permits are normally discussed separately unless otherwise agreed.

8. Understand what CLT changes in an outdoor sauna

CLT stands for Cross-Laminated Timber.

Instead of building a wall from a lightweight frame and then covering it with separate layers of cladding, CLT uses solid timber panels made from layers of wood arranged in alternating directions.

The result is a rigid panel-based structure.

For an outdoor sauna, this makes it possible for the same timber panel to play both a structural and visual role.

DEIZ develops its own CLT panels specifically for sauna construction and visible timber surfaces. The concept includes narrower lamellas, additional bonding between lamellas and carefully selected visible faces to create a cleaner and more continuous timber surface.

When comparing outdoor saunas, it is therefore useful to ask not only:

What wood is the sauna made from?

but also:

How is the wall actually constructed?

A barrel sauna, frame sauna and CLT sauna may all use natural timber, but the underlying construction and resulting architectural character are very different.

9. Decide how much customization you actually need

A standard model can make the decision process easier, but every garden is different.

Sometimes only small changes are needed. In other situations, the layout itself should be adjusted.

Possible configuration choices can include:

• sauna-only layout;
• terrace;
• anteroom;
• shower area;
• panoramic or additional windows;
• window position;
• doors;
• heater;
• facade colour;
• visible CLT finish;
• alternative exterior or interior finishes.

DEIZ uses standard models as a starting point, while layout, windows, doors, heater, colour and finish can be adapted where the project allows.

The goal of customization should not be to add as many options as possible. It should solve a real requirement of the site or improve the way the sauna will be used.

10. Think about exterior colour and natural timber

Wood is a natural material and its appearance changes in response to sunlight, temperature and moisture.

This should be taken into account when selecting the exterior finish.

Very dark facade colours can become significantly hotter in direct sunlight than lighter surfaces. Higher surface temperatures can increase the stress on natural timber and contribute to drying, small cracks or other visible changes over time.

For a client who wants the most stable appearance possible, lighter and medium tones may therefore be worth considering.

The important point is not to expect natural wood to behave like an artificial material. Proper detailing, ventilation, maintenance and realistic expectations are all part of owning a high-quality timber product.

11. Consider maintenance before you buy

An outdoor sauna should be maintained as both a sauna and an exterior timber structure.

After sauna sessions, good ventilation helps excess moisture leave the interior.

Exterior surfaces should also be inspected periodically according to the selected finish and exposure to weather.

Before choosing a sauna, ask the manufacturer:

• how the interior surfaces should be maintained;
• which exterior treatment is used;
• how often the facade may need attention;
• how ventilation works;
• how the roof drains water;
• what warranty conditions apply.

Understanding these points in advance is better than discovering them after installation.

12. Compare complete solutions, not only square metres

Outdoor saunas can be built using very different construction methods, specifications and levels of factory preparation.

For that reason, price per square metre alone often gives an incomplete comparison.

When comparing offers, check what is actually included:

• structural system;
• glazing;
• benches;
• ventilation;
• lighting;
• roofing;
• surface treatment;
• heater;
• installation preparation;
• warranty;
• customization;
• delivery;
• on-site assembly.

A lower initial price may represent a different scope rather than the same product at a lower cost.

The most useful comparison is therefore between complete specifications, not only dimensions and headline prices.

13. A simple checklist before choosing your outdoor sauna

Before asking for a final quotation, try to define the following:

1. Installation location
Where will the sauna stand?

2. Number of users
How many people should use it comfortably?

3. Layout
Sauna only, terrace, anteroom, shower or another configuration?

4. Heater
Electric or wood-burning?

5. Electrical supply
Is suitable three-phase power available if an electric heater is planned?

6. View and privacy
Where should panoramic glazing face?

7. Site access
Can a truck, crane or manipulator reach the final position?

8. Foundation
Is there already a stable and level base?

9. Finish
What exterior colour and timber appearance suit the property?

10. Delivery method
Fully assembled module or on-site assembly?

These are essentially the same practical factors DEIZ uses when defining a configuration and preparing an accurate offer.

Choosing an outdoor sauna is about more than size

The right outdoor sauna should work technically, visually and practically for the property where it will be installed.

Start with how you want to use it. Then consider the number of users, layout, view, heater, site access, foundation and delivery method. Only after these questions are clear does it make sense to finalize details such as glazing, colours and additional options.

At DEIZ, standard sauna models provide a starting point rather than a fixed limitation. Each project can be considered around the site, the intended use and the practical requirements of delivery and installation.

If you are planning an outdoor sauna for your garden, the most useful first step is to share your location, preferred size, number of users, heater preference and site-access conditions. From there, the appropriate model and configuration can be defined