Outdoor sauna

Outdoor sauna – create your own wellness area in nature

An outdoor sauna is the perfect way to combine nature, well-being and relaxation. Imagine sitting in a warm sauna while enjoying the view of the garden or the fresh air at the summer house. With an outdoor sauna, you can create your own private wellness oasis, where you can relax and enjoy the health benefits of the sauna all year round.

Outdoor saunas come in many designs – from classic saunas to modern sauna barrels with panoramic windows. Whether you want a wood-fired sauna for an authentic experience or an electrically heated model with modern technology, we have the solution for you.

Benefits of an outdoor sauna

An outdoor sauna not only gives you a beautiful and relaxing space, but also has a number of practical advantages:

• Nature experience – Combine heat and fresh air for an optimal sauna experience.
• Space-saving solution – Perfect for gardens, terraces or summer houses without space for an indoor sauna.
• Year-round use – Modern saunas are insulated and can be used all year round, even in cold weather.
• Flexibility in design – Choose between compact sauna barrels or spacious sauna cabins with terrace and changing room.
• Improved health – The sauna stimulates blood circulation, relieves muscle tension and strengthens the immune system.

Different types of outdoor saunas

When choosing an outdoor sauna, it is important to find the model that best suits your needs and surroundings.

• Freestanding outdoor sauna – Classic sauna cabin with a solid wooden design and space for several people.
• Outdoor sauna barrel – A stylish and compact solution with efficient heat distribution.
• Outdoor sauna cabin – Modern and minimalist design that fits perfectly into any garden.

Whether you want a traditional wooden sauna or a modern glass facade with panoramic windows, you can find a model that suits your style.

Wood types

The quality and type of wood have a great impact on the lifespan and heating properties of the sauna. We offer saunas in different types of wood, each of which has its own advantages:

Outdoor clothing

Canadian Cedar – Naturally resistant to moisture and insect attack with a beautiful reddish tone.

Untreated spruce – A classic choice with light shades and good thermal insulation. It can be suitably treated with Supi Sauna Wax – with or without colour.

Heat-treated spruce – Heat-treated wood that is extra durable and suitable for the Nordic climate.

Indoor clothing

Heat-treated aspen – Heat-treated aspen, also called thermo-aspen, is extra durable and suitable for the Nordic climate. It is a popular type of wood for indoor sauna cladding.

Aspen – Aspen wood in A-quality.

Terrace, door frame and window frames

For products such as the Natura sauna and lounge, heat-treated radiata pine has been used for the door frame, window frames and terrace.

When choosing an outdoor sauna, it is important to ensure that the wood is weatherproof and can withstand both moisture, cold and heat.

Design and functionality – what should you consider?

Modern outdoor saunas come with a number of design features that enhance both aesthetics and ease of use:

• Panoramic window – Provides a fantastic view and an open feel in the sauna.
• Changing room – Practical solution that protects against wind and weather.
• LED lighting – Creates a relaxing atmosphere in the sauna.
• Seats and backrests – Ergonomic design for maximum comfort.
• Terrace or roof deck – Perfect for relaxing after a sauna session.

By choosing a model with the right features, you can create a sauna that is both beautiful and functional.

Choosing a heat source – wood-burning stove or electric stove?

The heating method is crucial to the function and atmosphere of the sauna. The two most popular solutions are:

Wood-fired sauna stove

Provides an authentic sauna experience with the scent of burning wood. Perfect for summer homes or places without electricity.

Electric sauna heater

Easy and fast heating with precise temperature control. Ideal for modern homes and everyday use.

A wood-fired sauna requires more maintenance, but creates a cozy atmosphere, while an electric heater is more practical and energy efficient.

Maintenance

To keep your sauna looking good and functional, regular maintenance is important. With the right care, it can remain a beautiful part of your outdoor space for many years to come.

Running-in – first time use

Cleaning the cabin:

Vacuum thoroughly. Use a brush attachment to avoid damaging the wood and making scratches. Start with the ceiling. Then the wall panels. Then the benches, and finally the floor.

Then wipe all surfaces with a hard wrung cloth. Use a quality cloth that does not leave lint.

Preparing the oven:

Always read the sauna heater's manual before first use and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Load sauna stones. You will need to use the size that fits your chosen stove. Wash the stones in clean water, then place them loosely in the stove so that air can flow through.

The stones must be completely dry before you turn on the oven.

Check the electrical connections of the heater and test light it for 20 minutes. It is normal for the sauna to emit smoke and odor in small amounts – the odor will eventually disappear.

First ignition:

Set the sauna heater to maximum temperature and leave it on for an hour.

No one is allowed in the sauna during this period.

It is completely natural that the sauna stones can split/crack due to internal tensions that are triggered during heating.

Check for the presence of, and remove, any stone dust under the stove.

Sterilize the sauna stones with steam by slowly pouring water over the stones. If water gets on the floor, you are pouring too quickly.

You will need approximately 1 liter per 20 kg of sauna stones.

This is a general guide – always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Wood maintenance

We recommend that benches and backrests be treated with sauna oil, while wall panels should be treated with sauna wax.

The bench is the most exposed part of the sauna. The oil protects against water splashes and moisture stains, making cleaning easier.

Be careful to remove excess oil. The oil, together with natural dyes in the wood, can discolor light-colored swimwear.

Sauna wood can only be treated with oil/wax after thorough running-in with full heating and cooling.

After treatment, the sauna is heated and cooled again and any excess oil/wax is thoroughly removed with a dry cloth.

Especially for outerwear:

Nordkap Living's outdoor saunas are always made of quality wood that is suitable for outdoor use in the Nordic climate. However, you should consider treating the outside of the sauna with a wood preservative. This can be an oil or a UV-resistant paint that helps protect against bad weather and the sun's harmful rays.

Especially for professional use:

If the sauna is to be used for professional use with intensive sauna steam, it is recommended to re-treat all oil-treated wood at least twice a year, and optimally every month – but always as needed.

General tips for easier maintenance:

• Always shower before using the sauna.
• Make sure the floor, both outside and inside, is cleaned regularly. Clean feet make for clean sauna benches.
• Do not use a high-pressure cleaner or hose down floors.
• Always use a quality towel to sit on, preferably folded twice, to avoid grease and salt deposits on the wood.
• Wash the benches regularly in clean water and possibly with a mild soap solution.
  If the benches have been oiled, the soap will remove the oil. Therefore, they should always be oiled afterwards as needed.
• Wipe the outside of the stove with a wrung-out cloth dipped in soap solution or descaling agent – ​​as needed. If water has been spilled on the stove, always wipe the stove after use. Always follow the sauna stove manual.
• Wooden sauna buckets should always be partially filled with water to prevent drying out and stored on the floor to minimize evaporation. Fill the bucket with clean water before use.
• Always empty metal buckets and sauna buckets with plastic inserts of water after use and turn them upside down to dry. Avoid placing them on the bench as they can leave marks.

Sauna stones:

Over time and with regular use, sauna stones will crack due to temperature fluctuations. To ensure good air circulation, cracked stones should be replaced. We recommend that you remove all stones from the stove at least once a year, vacuum the stove chamber, and sort out damaged stones. Finish by laying a new layer of whole and neat stones. This prevents the stove from being blocked by small stone fragments that can impede the air flow in the stone basket.

Repairs:

Small nicks and scratches in the sauna wood can be removed with a damp cloth and an iron.

If your bench is very worn, you can sand with a random orbital sander with grit 220. (start with grit 80/120 for deeper sanding if necessary)

Remember to cover the sauna heater thoroughly with dense plastic to avoid fire hazards from sawdust.

In sauna heaters where the heating elements are placed between the stones, sudden and large temperature fluctuations caused by water overflow can occur. This can cause microfractures in the heating elements, making the heating elements no longer functional.

Heating elements should be replaced by a professional.

How to choose the right outdoor sauna

When choosing an outdoor sauna, you should consider the following factors:

• Size and capacity – How many people should there be room for?
• Material selection – What type of wood do you want?
• Heat source – Do you want a wood-burning stove or an electric stove?
• Design and functions – Should the sauna have a panoramic window, terrace, etc.?
• Insulation and protection – How do you protect the sauna from weather conditions?

Book your outdoor sauna today

Finding the perfect outdoor sauna is easy. Follow these steps:

• Choose your desired model – Sauna hut, sauna barrel or sauna cabin.
• Choosing a sauna heater – Browse the large selection of heaters and choose the one that best suits your needs.
• Plan location and installation – Consider the substrate and power connection.
• Order and get fast delivery – We ensure safe and fast delivery directly to your address.

Do you need advice? Our experts are ready to help you find the perfect outdoor sauna for your home.

On this page you will find everything worth knowing about your new sauna.