Outdoor Traditional Saunas — Backyard Sauna Kits

Every outdoor sauna on this page is a traditional steam sauna — meaning it heats with an electric heater (or optional wood-burning stove) and sauna stones that let you throw water for steam (löyly). These are complete, weatherproof sauna kits designed for year-round outdoor use, from barrel saunas and cabin saunas to modern cube and pod designs. We carry kits from Dundalk LeisureCraft, SaunaLife, Auroom, Golden Designs, and True North in sizes from 1–2 person up to 6+ person. All ship free with 0% APR financing available.

Not sure which shape or style is right for your backyard? Read our barrel vs. cabin vs. pod sauna comparison for a detailed breakdown of the pros and cons of each shape, or use our sauna quiz to get a personalized recommendation in seconds.

Shop by Shape

Barrel saunas — The most popular outdoor sauna shape in North America. The curved walls heat efficiently (less dead air space at the top), they shed rain and snow naturally, and they look great in any backyard. We carry barrel saunas from SaunaLife (Ergo series — E6, EE6G, E7, E8) and Golden Designs (St. Moritz, Bergen). Sizes range from 2-person up to 6-person. Most barrel saunas arrive as DIY kits that assemble in a day with two people. Shop all barrel saunas or read our step-by-step barrel sauna assembly guide.

Cabin saunas — Traditional rectangular saunas with flat walls and a peaked or flat roof. Cabin saunas offer more usable interior space than barrels (flat walls = easier bench placement and two-tier seating), and some models include a changeroom or porch. We carry cabin saunas from Dundalk LeisureCraft (Georgian with changeroom, Granby), SaunaLife (Model G2, G4), Auroom (Mira, Garda, Arti, Terra), Golden Designs (Bergen, Osla), and True North. Cabin saunas range from 2-person compact models up to 6-person family-size units. Shop all cabin saunas.

Cube saunas — A modern, flat-roof, box-shaped design with clean lines and a contemporary look. The SaunaLife Cube series (CL3G, CL4G, CL5G, CL7G) is the standout here — available from 1–2 person up to 6 person, with glass fronts and a minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic that works well in modern outdoor spaces. Shop all cube saunas.

Pod saunas — A rounded, capsule-like shape that combines some of the heating efficiency of a barrel with the flat-floor practicality of a cabin. Dundalk LeisureCraft's MiniPOD (2–4 person) and Luna (2–4 person) are the main pod-style options. Shop all pod saunas.

Modern glass-front saunas — Premium outdoor saunas with full glass walls for a striking architectural look. Auroom's Mira, Garda, Arti, and Terra feature floor-to-ceiling glass fronts with thermo-aspen interiors and designer finishes. These are the highest-end outdoor saunas we carry. Shop luxury modern saunas.

Brands We Carry

Dundalk LeisureCraft — Handcrafted in Ontario, Canada from Eastern White Cedar. Dundalk makes some of the most popular outdoor saunas in North America, known for solid construction that stands up to harsh winters. The Georgian cabin (with changeroom), Granby cabin, MiniPOD, and Luna are all in this collection. Dovetail corner joinery for easy assembly, bronze tempered glass windows, and a 5-year warranty. Shop all Dundalk LeisureCraft.

SaunaLife — Scandinavian-designed, Northern European-crafted saunas in barrel, cube, and cabin shapes. The Ergo barrel series features an ergonomic curved bench design. The Cube series offers a modern flat-roof look with glass fronts. The G2 (4-person) and G4 (6-person) are traditional cabin-style kits. SaunaLife uses sustainably sourced Nordic wood and designs for straightforward DIY assembly. Shop all SaunaLife.

Auroom — Premium Estonian-made saunas with a designer aesthetic. The Mira (1–2 and 4–5 person), Garda (4–6 person), Arti (5-person), and Terra (5–6 person) are all modern glass-front outdoor saunas with thermo-aspen or alder interiors. Auroom saunas command a higher price point but deliver a level of fit, finish, and design that's hard to match. Some models ship pre-assembled. Shop all Auroom saunas.

Golden Designs — Cedar outdoor saunas at competitive price points. The Bergen (6-person cabin with Harvia heater), Osla (6-person), St. Moritz (2-person barrel), and hybrid models like the Gargellen (5-person) and Carinthia (3-person) are in this collection. Golden Designs hybrid saunas combine a Harvia traditional electric heater with full-spectrum infrared panels — both heating methods in one cabin. Shop all Golden Designs.

True North — Canadian-made outdoor cabin saunas built for cold climates. The True North 5-person cabin is a no-frills, well-built traditional sauna designed to handle snow, ice, and extreme cold. Shop all True North saunas.

Electric vs. Wood-Burning Heat

Most outdoor saunas in this collection come with (or are designed for) an electric heater — plug it in, set the temperature, and it's ready in 30–45 minutes. Electric is the most convenient option and the only option in many municipalities where outdoor wood-burning requires permits or is restricted.

If you want a wood-fired sauna experience (no electricity required, off-grid capable, traditional fire-and-smoke atmosphere), several of these saunas can be configured with a wood-burning sauna stove instead of or in addition to an electric heater. Wood-burning is especially popular for remote cabins, off-grid properties, and anyone who wants the ritual of building a fire. Read our electric vs. wood-burning heater comparison for help deciding.

Planning Your Outdoor Sauna Installation

Foundation — Every outdoor sauna needs a flat, level base that keeps it off the ground and allows drainage. Common options include concrete pad, gravel pad, concrete blocks, or a deck. The right foundation depends on your site, climate, and sauna weight. Our complete outdoor sauna foundation guide covers every option with pros, cons, and step-by-step instructions.

Electrical — Most electric outdoor saunas require a dedicated 240V circuit run from your main panel to the sauna location. This must be done by a licensed electrician and typically requires a permit. Budget $400–$900 depending on the distance from your panel. A few compact models run on 120V. Check the specs on each product page.

Placement and setbacks — Check your local building codes and HOA rules for setback requirements (distance from property lines, structures, and fences). Most jurisdictions treat outdoor saunas as accessory structures with setback rules similar to sheds. Our HOA rules for outdoor saunas guide covers the approval process.

Climate and weather — All outdoor saunas on this page are built for year-round outdoor exposure, including snow, rain, and freezing temperatures. Using your sauna in cold weather is one of the best parts of owning one. For cold-climate-specific recommendations, see our best outdoor sauna for cold climates guide. For maintenance and longevity tips, read winterizing your outdoor sauna and should you stain your outdoor sauna.

Permits — Whether you need a permit varies by municipality. Many areas don't require permits for small accessory structures, but some do — especially if electrical work is involved. Check with your local building department before ordering. Read our guide on permits and HOA rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an outdoor sauna cost?

Barrel sauna kits start around $4,000–$6,000 for a 2-person model and $6,000–$10,000 for a 4–6 person. Cabin saunas range from $5,000–$15,000+. Premium modern saunas from Auroom run $9,000–$25,000+. Add $400–$1,000 for foundation prep and $400–$900 for electrical. See our complete sauna pricing guide for a detailed budget breakdown. Financing is available at 0% APR through Shop Pay.

Can I assemble it myself?

Yes. Every sauna kit on this page is designed for DIY assembly. Barrel saunas typically take one day with two people. Cabin and cube saunas vary — some assemble in a few hours, larger models may take a weekend. Auroom offers some pre-assembled models that arrive ready to place. The electrical connection should always be done by a licensed electrician.

Do outdoor saunas hold up in snow and cold weather?

Yes. These saunas are built from naturally weather-resistant woods (cedar, thermo-treated pine, thermo-aspen) and designed for full outdoor exposure in all climates, including heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures. Many of these brands are Canadian or Northern European — they're designed for exactly those conditions. Regular maintenance (treating the exterior wood, clearing debris from the roof) extends the lifespan significantly. Read our winterizing guide for specifics.

Barrel sauna vs. cabin sauna — which is better?

Neither is objectively better — they have different strengths. Barrels heat faster, shed weather naturally, and tend to cost less. Cabins offer more usable floor space, easier two-tier bench layouts, and options like changerooms and porches. Read our barrel vs. cabin vs. pod comparison for a detailed breakdown.

Do I need a permit for an outdoor sauna?

It depends on your local jurisdiction. Many areas treat small outdoor saunas like sheds and don't require a building permit, but electrical work almost always requires an electrical permit. Some HOAs have their own rules about accessory structures. Always check with your local building department and HOA (if applicable) before ordering.

Can I use a wood-burning stove instead of electric?

Several saunas in this collection are compatible with wood-burning stoves. Some Dundalk and SaunaLife models can be configured with either electric or wood-fired heat. We also carry standalone wood-burning sauna stoves from Harvia, HUUM, Narvi, and Cozy Heat. Wood-burning is ideal for off-grid locations or anyone who prefers the ritual of a wood-fired sauna. Read our electric vs. wood-burning comparison.

Learn More

Our best outdoor sauna for every budget guide ranks our top picks across price ranges. For cold-climate buyers, see best outdoor saunas for snowy climates. Questions? Call or text our team at (360) 233-2867.

Shop more: Indoor Traditional Saunas · Hybrid Saunas · DIY Outdoor Sauna Kits · Wood-Burning Stoves · Electric Heaters · All Outdoor Saunas