How to Prep the Base for Your Outdoor Sauna

When you invest in a beautiful barrel sauna for your backyard, you’ll want to ensure that it has a solid foundation to sit upon. Outdoor saunas require a prepared base before they can be installed. The ground in your backyard can be uneven or even made of the incorrect material to adequately support a sauna. This is why prepping your base is so important. This blog will go through the steps that need to be taken in order to best prepare your backyard for a new sauna. Typically, you need to do some measuring, allocate space, clear the area, pick a base type and level it before putting a sauna in your backyard. If you are interested in purchasing a sauna for your home, contact SaunaFin. We offer beautiful prefab saunas along with fully customizable sauna kits. Contact us today for a free quote!

1. Choose a Location for Your Outdoor Sauna

Before you begin preparing the base for your sauna, you need to have a location for it to live. Find an area in your backyard that will have ample space for your sauna. It should have enough space for the door to open and close comfortably. You should also pick an area that has good drainage to reduce water buildup around the base when it rains. Ensure you take accurate measurements of the footprint and height space available so you can select a sauna option that fits this space. 

Before investing in your sauna, you should also look into your regional zoning laws to ensure that there are no height and size restrictions for your sauna. You may even require a permit depending on the sauna you want to install.

2. Select Your Base

Once you have solidified the location of your sauna, you can begin the actual prep work for the sauna base. It is never recommended that you place your outdoor sauna directly onto grass or dirt, as this does not provide a solid foundation. If your backyard is made up entirely of grass, consider one of the following base options:

Concrete Slab

This provides a sturdy yet flat surface, creating a stable foundation that is pest-proof. Just be aware that concrete can be more costly and requires time to cure properly if you get a freshly poured base. However, you can actually purchase premade concrete pads, which would make for an excellent sauna base. 

Pavers or Stones

Individual stones or bricks can be arranged to create an attractive, natural-looking surface that allows for good drainage. Installation can be labour-intensive and requires careful levelling to avoid shifting. Most people who opt for a stone base get a contractor to install it for them, given how tricky the process can be. 

Gravel

Using a gravel base is a cost-effective option, as you can lay a foundation of loose stones that provide excellent drainage while being easy to install. While this allows for easy water runoff, it can shift over time, leading to an uneven surface, so using a weed barrier fabric can help maintain a clean appearance and minimize weed growth.

3. Prepare the Ground

The ground needs to be adequately prepared before you lay down your sauna base. You’ll need to clear up the area to remove any plants, rocks, personal items and, ideally, grass. Sometimes, this can require a little bit of digging, but it is nothing too labour-intensive. You’ll need to ensure that the ground is completely level to ensure optimal drainage. Once the ground is prepared, you can install your chosen base.

4. Install the Base

• Concrete: If you are pouring concrete, allow ample time for it to dry and settle. If you are using a concrete pad, lay it down and level it off.
• Stones: If you are using stones, lay them in your desired pattern and use sealant to secure them in place. If you are getting this done by a professional, then no work is necessary.
• Gravel: It is best to lay down a few inches of gravel and compact it as much as you can until you’ve reached the desired height. 

Prepare a Strong Base for Optimal Sauna Use

When investing in an outdoor sauna, you’ll want to ensure that you have a well-prepared base. A strong foundation is necessary for optimal sauna use. It ensures that your sauna is less susceptible to water damage, remains balanced and is safe to use. If you are looking into investing in an outdoor cabin or barrel sauna, contact SaunaFin. We offer a wide variety of sauna options to suit every backyard. Contact us today for a quote!

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