There are a few better investments you can make in your home, health, and happiness than a patio sauna. Your patio already has a solid surface underneath, electrical access nearby, and allows you to enjoy sauna therapy out in nature, as it was originally intended. 

But, not every home’s patio is the perfect place to install a sauna. There are a few things you need to think about, and a few locations worth considering as well. We’ll help you weigh all this and more.

This is your one-stop shop for an outdoor sauna for sale, be it an infrared cabin, traditional kit, or even a barrel sauna. We’ve handpicked the latest and greatest from brands like Golden Designs, Finnmark, and Maxxus, backed by the lowest prices, guaranteed, and world-class customer service.

Learn more about choosing the right sauna for patio placement below, or get in touch today for one-on-one support and let us help you today!

Key Takeaways

• A patio sauna puts your wellness routine right outside your back door without any extra construction required.
• Most outdoor saunas work on patio surfaces without issue. Concrete and stone easily handle the weight. Wood decks can too, but check load capacity first.
• Weather exposure, electrical requirements, privacy, and HOA rules are the main challenges. All manageable with a bit of planning before you buy.
• SaunaKits.com stocks outdoor infrared, traditional, and barrel saunas built for patio placement - free shipping, manufacturer warranty, HSA/FSA eligible, financing available.

Benefits of a Patio Sauna

A patio sauna is the path of least resistance to regular sauna use at home. No construction permits in most cases. You don’t have to convert an indoor space or pour a separate foundation. The sauna sits on your existing surface, connects to power, and is ready to be used the same day it arrives.

Convenience is a key principle of consistency, and consistency is everything with sauna therapy. You’re steps from a shower, a cold glass of water, or your couch - not trekking across the yard to a freestanding building. That separates sauna owners who actually use their sauna several times a week from those who let it sit. A sauna on your patio makes the whole routine frictionless.

There’s the indoor vs outdoor sauna question, too. Putting the sauna outside sidesteps the humidity, heat buildup, and ventilation concerns that come with indoor placement. Your patio already has airflow. You step outside, hop into the sauna, and your house stays cool and dry.

The sauna also becomes a natural gathering point. After-dinner sessions, weekend recovery routines, hosting friends who’ve never tried it. You can turn underused patio square footage into the most popular spot on your property.

There’s something unique about immersing yourself in heat therapy and looking out the tempered glass door to take in the scenery. We love the idea of creating an outdoor wellness oasis on the patio. But, you have to set your expectations. 

Challenges of Putting a Sauna on the Patio

Placing a sauna on the patio works for most homes, but a few things need your attention before the sauna shows up:

• Weight capacity: Outdoor saunas can weigh anywhere from 300 to 600+ lbs before anyone sits inside. Concrete and stone patios handle this without issue. But you need to check the structural rating of a wood deck before committing if you’re taking that approach. Reinforcing joists is simple, but it’s something you need to be prepared for prior to delivery day.
• Electrical access: Infrared models can usually plug into a standard 120V outlet, and most patios have one nearby. However, traditional saunas with electric heaters typically need 240V and a dedicated circuit. You may need to hire an electrician to run a line.
• Weather exposure: Rain, snow, and UV all take a toll on an outdoor unit over time. A covered patio gives natural protection. If yours is open-air, your sauna needs to be expertly crafted from weather-grade wood (Canadian red cedar is the standard).
• Privacy: Does your patio face a neighbor’s yard? Plan on adding a privacy screen, lattice panel, or upgrading your landscaping if so. Think about sightlines from every direction before you decide where the sauna goes. 
• HOA and local codes: Some HOAs restrict outdoor structures. Municipal codes may have setback or height requirements for accessory structures. A quick call to your building department and a look at your CC&Rs takes five minutes and prevents problems later.

All things considered, we think the benefits of a patio sauna outweigh the potential challenges and downsides. But it’s worth exploring alternatives before committing to this plan.

Other Possible Locations For Your Home Sauna

The good news is there is definitely somewhere on your property that will work if your patio doesn’t have the space, the weight capacity, or the privacy you need for a sauna. It’s just a matter of figuring out what makes the most sense. Other options include:

• A sauna deeper in the backyard: More room, potentially more privacy, and no patio furniture to rearrange.
• A garage sauna: Great if you’ve got the square footage and don’t mind giving up a parking spot.
• A basement sauna: Keeps everything indoors and out of the weather. Ventilation and moisture management take more planning, though.
• A bathroom sauna: Compact infrared models fit in larger bathrooms so your sauna can live right next to your shower.
• A sauna in bedroom: Works for low-EMF infrared units that run on 120V and produce minimal moisture.

The right location depends on your home and priorities. A patio sauna just happens to be the placement that requires the least work for most homeowners. So, let’s talk about what to look for.

What to Look For in a Sauna For Patio Spaces

Not every sauna is made equal, and many are not equipped to handle the outdoor elements. These are the details we walk our customers through when they’re shopping for a sauna for patio placement:

• Size and footprint: Measure your patio - you need the sauna’s footprint plus at least 12-24 inches of clearance on all sides for ventilation and maintenance access. A two-person sauna for patio setups typically runs 4x4 to 5x5 feet. Four-person models need 5x6 or more.
• Sauna type: The main sauna types that work on patios are outdoor infrared cabins, traditional electric saunas, and barrel saunas. Infrared heats your body directly, runs on lower wattage, and doesn’t need special ventilation. Traditional saunas hit higher temperatures and deliver the classic steam experience. Barrel saunas shed water naturally and make a visual statement on any patio.
• Materials: Canadian red cedar is the go-to for outdoor saunas because it’s rot-resistant, handles temperature swings, and repels insects. Hemlock is another strong option. These will last a long time in pretty much any climate if you give them proper care.
• Electrical requirements: Know what your sauna on patio setup demands before you order. Infrared - usually 120V, standard outlet. Traditional electric - usually 240V, dedicated circuit, electrician required.
• Warranty: Outdoor placement means year-round weather exposure so make sure the manufacturer’s warranty specifically covers this use. Some brands limit/void coverage if the unit isn’t under a roof. Ask about heaters, control panels, and wood separately, since those components often carry different warranty terms.

Other than that, just take a look around our collection and see what catches your eye. A lot of our outdoor saunas have cool features like Bluetooth & sound systems, chromotherapy lighting, remote control, and more!

Some of Our Favorite Sauna Patio Ideas: Design Inspiration

A patio sauna can quickly become the centerpiece of your outdoor living area. The best sauna patio ideas integrate the unit into the patio’s existing design rather than just dropping it in a corner:

• Barrel sauna on stone or pavers: A barrel sauna sitting on flagstone or pavers is one of the most popular sauna patio ideas out there. The curved profile looks stunning with natural landscaping, and cedar’s silver-grey weathering looks deliberate next to stone.
• Infrared cabin under a pergola: Does your patio have a roof or pergola? An outdoor infrared sauna slots seamlessly underneath. The overhead cover protects the unit from rain and UV, extending its lifespan and keeping sessions comfortable in any weather.
• Corner placement with privacy screening: Tuck the sauna into a patio corner and add a lattice panel or planter wall on the exposed side to carve out a dedicated wellness zone without swallowing the rest of your outdoor space.
• Traditional sauna kit on a concrete pad: Outdoor sauna kits on a concrete patio give you the traditional session that infrared can’t replicate - full heat with steam. These kits ship pre-cut and go together in a day.
• Cold plunge pairing: Adding a cold plunge tub right next to your patio sauna turns the space into a contrast therapy setup. These types of sauna patio ideas get the most actual use. Learn about the cold plunge vs sauna differences in our blog. 

Our team can help you weigh your options and create the ultimate outdoor wellness experience for you, your family, and the rest of your loved ones who are lucky enough to stop by for a session. Take the next step today!

Buy a Patio Sauna at SaunaKits.com Today!

We stock outdoor saunas from Golden Designs, Finnmark, Maxxus, and more - every model rated for outdoor placement and backed by manufacturer warranty. You can shop with confidence knowing you’re getting the quality you deserve.

We offer price-matching across our catalog, and you get free shipping on everything. HSA/FSA funds are accepted as well, and financing is available if you’d rather spread the investment out.

Not sure which patio sauna fits your space? Call us at 1-877-587-5387 or take our sauna quiz for a personalized recommendation. Whether it’s an infrared cabin, a barrel, or a traditional kit, we’ll help you find the right sauna for patio, backyard, or any other spot in your home.