Outdoor Sauna Kits vs Indoor Sauna Kits

Most install saunas in homes.  But the many new designs for outdoor pre-fab saunas is leading to a huge increase in interest in outdoor saunas. Continue reading to learn more as we provide you with the information you need to help you make an informed decision. The type of sauna kit that is best for you will ultimately depend on your preferences and the kinds of benefits you want. You should ask yourself, what are you looking for in a sauna? If you are still unsure after reading this piece, feel free to give us a call at Saunafin, and one of our sauna experts can help you determine your best option!

Outdoor Sauna Kits vs Indoor Sauna Kits: What is an Outdoor Sauna?

Space being a lesser concern. Outdoor saunas are often larger than indoor ones, so consider your space and choose wisely.  Indoor saunas are typically  smaller (often fit 2-4 people). Outdoor saunas are often installed at a cottage or by the backyard pool.  These are often more “social saunas” and are bigger to seat more people ( 4 to 8). Outdoor saunas are often located in picturesque locations.  Many are available with windows or full glass walls.

Saunafin offers four popular types of Prefab outdoor saunas: Luna, Barrel, Cabin and Pod.

The barrel sauna is beautiful, simple and practical. You can choose Knotty or Clear Western Red Cedar barrel saunas. Ideal by your pool or at the cottage, the barrel design has a smaller heating area than an average sauna, with lots of room for bathers.

Available in Clear Western Red Cedar, cabin saunas are constructed of groove & tongue cedar "logs." They have notch corners and a threaded rod system for secure assembly. The best part is cabin saunas assemble in one day!

Pod “rain-drop” shaped outdoor saunas are very popular right now. They offer extra head-space and a unique design. This sauna comes in a variety of sizes and are customizable. Pod saunas come in Clear or Knotty Western Red Cedar.

The Luna sauna If you are looking for a modern and unique outdoor cedar sauna for your home or cottage. Luna has an attention grabbing full glass front.  The gently rounded corners not only have added appeal but gives you lots of space on the interior of the sauna.

Indoor Saunas

Indoor saunas  are usually built-in permanent structures. Most are built using a pre-cut sauna material kit. The Sauna Material Package (Kit) is the "inside skin” of the sauna. It includes everything you need, like the foil vapor barrier, cedar lining for the ceiling and wall, bench material, pre-hung door, heater, light fixture, control and trim. You need to provide the fiberglass insulation, exterior finish, stud framing, and of course labor.

Your material kit is designed for the do-it-yourselfer and contractor. It’s perfect for those who want to make their sauna part of their home. Most indoor saunas are installed in new or renovated basements. And some are installed in the master ensuite bathroom.
Saunafin offers three types of indoor sauna kits and they range from entry level to designer. There is still room for customization as you can build and customize to your own preferences with any kit you choose. For example, you can add L-benches, and choose the type of door, heater, and control you want. You can also choose the type of sauna accessories you’d like. If you have a vision for something unique, simply send us a drawing—we can create a custom kit for you that will fit just about any layout!

Why You Should Consider Getting a Sauna

Using a sauna (indoor or outdoor) regularly is one of the best ways to relieve your stress levels long-term. And that is just one benefit of many. The warm sauna temperatures and the cool-down cycle can help you relax your muscles and nerves. Regular sauna use can also help relieve and alleviate the pain and discomfort of sore muscles, arthritis, asthma and fatigue, as the sauna helps to slow everything down. At Saunafin, we supply a wide range of saunas and we can help you determine how to compare outdoor sauna kits vs indoor sauna kits. And customer service is always our number one priority. We offer the largest selection of saunas, as well as pricing for all budgets!

Deciding Factors

When comparing outdoor sauna kits vs indoor sauna kits, outdoor saunas are better for cottages and summer homes. They often incorporate larger windows so you can take full advantage of the beautiful lakefront or country-side views.  When you are at the cottage, you have fewer demands on your time, along with fewer entertainment options available. With that in mind, you most certainly have far more time to enjoy sauna use!

Also, if you have a pool, it can be lots of fun to go swimming in your pool and then heat in the sauna. Having a sauna can also help extend the pool season, by keeping you outside longer, and by offering a beautiful spot for family and friends to warm up in when the weather starts cooling off in fall.

There is quite a difference between the design of the outdoor and indoor saunas. Many of our outdoor saunas are barrel-shaped, which is visually appealing and highly functional because this type of sauna can easily shed snow and rain. Indoor prefab saunas have flat roofs with more of a cubical shape. They are also more compact. Some customers who are interested in both types of sauna make their decision based on which design they like better.

While indoor and outdoor saunas have a number of differences, both types of our saunas are made with the finest cedar materials and craftsmanship. Cedar saunas are resistant to wear-and-tear and the elements. All of our saunas are easy to set up, care for and maintain.
We hope you are now able to make an informed decision about the type of sauna that best meets your needs. If you are still unclear about whether you want an outdoor sauna kit or an indoor sauna kit, the truth is you can't really go wrong with either. If you still have questions about the difference between outdoor sauna kits vs indoor sauna kits, contact Saunafin today by sending us an email or giving us a call at and we will be happy to help! We are experts in both indoor and outdoor sauna kits. Call us at 800-387-7029 or fill out a quick contact form: https://www.saunafin.com/contact.