A lot of people who start going to outdoor saunas end up wondering about one in the back garden. It's a big purchase, and Irish weather is harder on a timber building than the brochure photos suggest. Here's what to weigh up.
Barrel, cabin or pod?
- Barrel saunas are round, heat up efficiently because there's less dead air, and look the part. They can feel cramped for more than three or four people.
- Cabin saunas are square, roomier, and easier to fit with a changing area or porch.
- Pod and modern designs vary widely, so judge them on insulation, roof and build quality, not looks.
Wood-fired or electric?
A wood-fired stove gives the softer heat and crackle most people fall for at outdoor saunas, and needs no electrician. But it needs dry, seasoned wood, takes longer to heat, and the chimney needs care. An electric heater is cleaner, faster and easier to schedule, but needs a dedicated supply installed by a registered electrician, and adds to your electricity bill.
What it costs
Prices vary widely by size, timber and heater, so treat these as indicative ranges to sense-check quotes against, not quotes themselves:
- Small barrel saunas (2–4 people): typically from around €4,000 to €8,000 delivered.
- Larger barrel or cabin saunas (4–6+ people) with a porch: often €8,000 to €15,000 or more.
- Electrical installation for an electric heater, a base or slab, and delivery to awkward gardens are often extra, so ask what's included.
Irish weather
Rain, wind and a long damp winter are what wear outdoor saunas out. Look for a proper roof covering rather than bare timber on top, ask what the timber is and how it's treated, raise the base off the ground so it can drain, and plan to re-oil exposed timber regularly.
Planning permission
Smaller garden structures can fall within exempted development rules in Ireland, but those rules depend on size, height, position and use, and they're different in Northern Ireland. Don't assume. Check with your local authority's planning office before you buy, and ask the supplier what they've seen in your county.
Before you buy
- Ask to see one in person, ideally one that's been outside for a winter.
- Ask what the warranty covers (timber, roof, heater) and for how long.
- Check the heater is sized for the sauna's volume.
- Plan the cold side too: a shower, a plunge tub, or a hose works.